From the beat to the bookshelf: How a veteran cop turned real-life policing into gripping crime fiction

Police work is more than just a job — it’s a reality that shapes those who serve. And when crime fiction is penned by someone who’s lived the job, walked the beat and investigated cases, it carries a different weight. In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Dave Case, a retired Chicago Police Department lieutenant who now serves as a police commander in Bridgeview, Illinois. Dave has taken his decades of real-world experience and turned it into compelling crime fiction, with his novel “ Out of Cabrini ” earning critical acclaim. From his time working in some of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods to his transition into writing, Dave shares an inside look at the realities of policing and how storytelling can capture the complexities of the job. Dave’s journey from the frontlines of law enforcement to the pages of crime novels offers a unique and insightful perspective into both the realities of policing and the power of storytelling. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol , the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com .