Answer: To be honest, I can't really say I have a "favorite" as each story stands on its own and has its own unique element. For instance, my most enjoyable conversations came with John O'Shea, a rookie officer at the 1968 Democratic Convention who shares a heartfelt story about a murdered girl named Miracle Moon. Mike Cummins, who discusses faith and police work, was my most insightful, philosophic interview. Jim Rohrlack showed me how empathy and police work was a two-way street among citizens and officers. Miguel Rios was my most dramatic interview as he discussed the aftermath of having to kill an offender. Bill Jaconetti, nearing retirment, was my most refreshing interview--an ol' timer who wasn't the least bit jaded by his years on the job. Jaconetti "got it" like few do. So from each interview, I received something special, something unique, and something that remains with me. Above all, I'm grateful I found so many men and women willing to share their stories and personal history in such a sincere, open way.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
On the Job Author to Appear at Chicago Public Library's Roden Branch
On the Job author Daniel P. Smith will venture to Chicago's northwest side for an author program at the Chicago Public Library's Roden branch on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. This will be Smith's maiden appearance in a Chicago Public Library branch.
Smith will discuss his motivation to write On the Job, share stories from the officers he encountered, and take audience questions. The program is free and open to the public.
On the Job author program with Daniel P. Smith
Weds, Feb. 25 at 7pm
Chicago Public Library Roden Branch
6083 N. Northwest Hwy (Chicago)
(312) 744-1478
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Ask the Author: What do Chicago cops think of their new boss?
Answer: I wouldn't want to speak for all of Chicago's officers, but there are a few prevailing thoughts regarding the tenure of new Chicago PD Superintendent Jody Weis. One group will never accept Weis. He's not only an outsider (only Chicago's second ever outside chief), but a Fed at that. There's long been a tension between Chicago cops and their colleagues on the federal side. Another group has taken a wait-and-see approach. He might do some good and do some bad. A final group is happy at the prospect of some new blood who has no loyalties to "his boys." I'd say one overriding philosophy, however, is that Weis' tenure will end sooner than later. History tells us that Chicago chiefs don't stay at the job long. Supt. Weis just finished his first year in February 2009, so the clock's ticking.
Here's what I will comment on regarding the hiring of Supt. Weis and, more notably, his boss, Mayor Richard J. Daley. Weis' hire is a play right out of the old man's playbook. When the Summerdale Scandal shook up the CPD ranks in 1960 and threatened the former Mayor Daley's election bid, he brought in the city's first outside chief with Orlando Wilson, a professor at UCLA. Fast forward over four decades and a few well-viewed CPD scandals challenge the current Mayor Daley's power and control. His response? Bring in an outsider. I'm a big believer that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.
Here's what I will comment on regarding the hiring of Supt. Weis and, more notably, his boss, Mayor Richard J. Daley. Weis' hire is a play right out of the old man's playbook. When the Summerdale Scandal shook up the CPD ranks in 1960 and threatened the former Mayor Daley's election bid, he brought in the city's first outside chief with Orlando Wilson, a professor at UCLA. Fast forward over four decades and a few well-viewed CPD scandals challenge the current Mayor Daley's power and control. His response? Bring in an outsider. I'm a big believer that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Daniel P. Smith guest blogs on The Outfit Collective
The Outfit Collective is a stirring collection of some of Chicago's best crime writers and the group recently welcomed On the Job author Daniel P. Smith into the mix for a guest spot. Check out Smith's post at http://theoutfitcollective.blogspot.com/ and provide a comment if you're so inclined.
Many thanks to the talented Michael Allen Dymmoch for extending the invitation that allowed for Smith's appearance. And be sure to follow The Outfit Collective for some great reading on Chicago's criminal world and those individuals inspired to write about it.
Many thanks to the talented Michael Allen Dymmoch for extending the invitation that allowed for Smith's appearance. And be sure to follow The Outfit Collective for some great reading on Chicago's criminal world and those individuals inspired to write about it.
Monday, February 9, 2009
On the Job emerges as Lake Claremont Press' 2008 top seller
Author Daniel P. Smith (left) with fellow Chicagoans Ryan Prendergast and Mike Ribich at the On the Job release party at Goodbar in February 2008.
Lake Claremont Press recently announced that On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department was the company's best-selling title of 2008. The Chicago-based publisher, celebrating its 15th year in 2009, has carved a tremendous niche as guardians of Chicago history and character.
Of the news, On the Job author Daniel P. Smith said: "That On the Job had such a successful run in 2008 is a testament to spirit and passion so many poured into this project, including Sharon Woodhouse and her staff at Lake Claremont Press. I'm honored that On the Job has been able to reach so many people and contribute to the dialog we have about our city."
Ask the Author: Do you speak to any female officers?
Answer: There are two female officers I profile in the book: Beth Russell and Cindy Pontoriero, Chicago’s first female detective.
I speak with Beth about motherhood and how a police officer balances those two distinct worlds. You think of motherly traits—gentle, caring, nurturing—and those characteristics don’t mesh with our thoughts of Chicago police officers. What I found from Beth is that crossover exists. More than anything, Beth explained how being a police officer affected how she raised her children.
Cindy and I discussed her role as a detective, a position she loved, and the unique challenges that role provides. A pioneer, she never wanted to blaze a trail—even if her work opened up many doors.
One thing I didn’t do in the book was discuss the challenges of being a female officer, namely existing in a masculine world. For folks interested in that, I direct them to the Bible on the topic—Gina Gallo’s Armed and Dangerous: Memoirs of a Chicago Policewoman. Gina did such a spectacular job examining the female’s position in the police world that I wouldn’t do the topic justice.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
I speak with Beth about motherhood and how a police officer balances those two distinct worlds. You think of motherly traits—gentle, caring, nurturing—and those characteristics don’t mesh with our thoughts of Chicago police officers. What I found from Beth is that crossover exists. More than anything, Beth explained how being a police officer affected how she raised her children.
Cindy and I discussed her role as a detective, a position she loved, and the unique challenges that role provides. A pioneer, she never wanted to blaze a trail—even if her work opened up many doors.
One thing I didn’t do in the book was discuss the challenges of being a female officer, namely existing in a masculine world. For folks interested in that, I direct them to the Bible on the topic—Gina Gallo’s Armed and Dangerous: Memoirs of a Chicago Policewoman. Gina did such a spectacular job examining the female’s position in the police world that I wouldn’t do the topic justice.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Ask the Author: Do you discuss corruption within the ranks of the Chicago Police Department?
Answer: When people would find out I was writing a book on the Chicago Police, the most common reply would almost always be: "Oh, you mean about all the corruption?" I thought that was such a sad commentary on the city's police department and its officers, even though the cynical reply wasn't necessarily out of bounds. Though certainly intriguing, talking about corruption, such a small piece of the Chicago Police world, would only have me falling into the sensationalistic trap; I wanted and needed to explore the depth of the CPD culture and those who inhabit it.
That said, corruption is an unfortunate piece of the CPD's history and I did address it in parts. I discussed the Summerdale Scandal of 1960, which I feel began to turn the tide of public perception against the police, while a few officers, such as Willie Calabrese and Bill Jaconetti, shared with me their thoughts on corruption in the ranks. In short, corruption has been a part of the CPD's story, but it's really a small piece of a much larger story. One of the great books on the topic is Richard Lindberg's To Serve and Collect, which adds to a compelling, often overlooked argument: corruption was perhaps more widespread and commonplace in the pre-Summerdale days than it is today.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.
That said, corruption is an unfortunate piece of the CPD's history and I did address it in parts. I discussed the Summerdale Scandal of 1960, which I feel began to turn the tide of public perception against the police, while a few officers, such as Willie Calabrese and Bill Jaconetti, shared with me their thoughts on corruption in the ranks. In short, corruption has been a part of the CPD's story, but it's really a small piece of a much larger story. One of the great books on the topic is Richard Lindberg's To Serve and Collect, which adds to a compelling, often overlooked argument: corruption was perhaps more widespread and commonplace in the pre-Summerdale days than it is today.
Ask the Author is a running series of live audience or reader questions directed at On the Job author Daniel P. Smith. The series, which appears each Monday, is aimed at providing greater insight into Smith’s work in researching and writing On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department as well as the book’s content. A speaker noted for his energy and engaging style, Smith is available for presentations at a wide range of events, including private book clubs, Citizen Police Academy meetings, libraries, senior centers, and schools. Please contact him directly at smithwriting@gmail.com to schedule an event.
Are you a reader with a question for On the Job author Daniel P. Smith? Send it to smithwriting@gmail.com.
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