Like its predecessors in the Durvile True Cases series, After the Force features true cases and investigations, this time by police officers who have served in municipal, provincial, and federal police services. Stories in this anthology are by people who have been passionate about their work in law enforcement and who generously explain what it was about their work that led them to choose a career or specific way of life “after the force.” Among the stunning themes in the book are stories dealing with prostitution and sex work, racism and misogyny, an en-counter with a cop killer, police suicides, a child miraculously surviving a fall from a high-rise balcony, an officer dealing with a partner who was experiencing severe PTSD, a suicide from a bridge, and child sexual assaults. Optimistic themes and activities arise in these writers’ lives after retiring from police work, such as writing, painting, assisting Indigenous communities, and facilitating community improvement.

Detective Debbie J. Doyle is a retired veteran of the Edmonton Police Service. During her career, she was seconded to the United Nations Peacekeeping force in Timor-Leste (East Timor) and worked in the Vulnerable Person’s Unit. After serving two tours of duty, she returned to Edmonton, was promoted, and worked in the Child Protection Section and the Internet Child Pornography Unit. Debbie continues to volunteer for several different organizations including the Royal Canadian Legion and the Zebra Child Protection Centre.

Debbie J. Doyle's profile page

Lorene Shyba is publisher at Durvile and UpRoute Books, and director of its production arm, Pepper Ranch Studio. The print, audio, and e-book series that she currently oversees are Durvile's True Cases series, UpRoute's Spirit of Nature Indigenous series, and the Every River Lit series. She enjoys narrating audiobooks and podcasts and in her spare time likes writing plays.

Lorene M. Shyba's profile page

Many people have a preconceived notion of the work of a police officer but do not understand the personal sacrifices, the mental anguish, the emotional toll, and the interpersonal changes the investigations have upon them. Police officers carry scars and memories which can have profound effects upon their relationships with loved ones and family, for life. This book provides a gut-wrenching account of the true inside work of a police officer, tells of the forfeiture of our innocence, and provides a glimpse into the distress and disbelief within our society as investigators help the victims. This book provides a rare, honest, and raw account of policing like no other.

— Michael Elliott, President of the Edmonton Police Association, Former President of the Alberta Federation of Police Associations, and Director with the Canadian Police Association

These humanized accounts written by experienced officers from various law enforcement agencies caused me to reflect upon my thirty years in policing. The emotions, frustrations, and challenges associated with maintaining composure in heart wrenching situations are shared in these stories. Many of us have been there and know exactly how it feels to console victims after a lengthy court process, following a next of kin notification, or in the midst of family violence investigations. The stories, clearly articulated in the book, reflect upon the peaks and valleys of a career in law enforcement. They enable reflection and celebration of lengthy careers. Details disclosed may be for the first time which is apparent by the emotions expressed by the authors.

—Myra James, Retired Detective Hamilton Police Service; Past President, Ontario Women In Law Enforcement; Past Vice President, International Association of Women Police

However fervently storytellers of the entertainment industry attempt to truthfully and respectfully convey the reward and toll of a life in law enforcement, very few approach the heart swelling, heart stopping and heart-breaking accounts authored by the very people who lived them. This book helps to remind how law enforcement officers do not simply ‘retire’. These men and women shoulder their calling forever, some with greater ease than others.

— Gregory Jbara, Actor, “DCPI Garrett Moore” on the CBS Police Drama BlueBloods