Joseph Wambaugh

American writer who, prior to becoming an author, was a detective-sergeant in the Los Angeles Police Department. He used the personal experience that he gained in the police force to back up his writings. His novels show a crackling picture of bluecoats in action, including The New Centurions (1971) and The Blue Knight (1972). He was the writer and director of the film The Onion Field (1979), an adaptation of one of his novels. He won three Edgar Awards, and was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America.

As of 1996, 22 years after he turned in his LAPD badge, he had written 15 books, including his latest novel entitled "Floaters," the story of an America Cup sailing regatta, sabotage, sex, alcohol and cops.

Wambaugh and his wife, Dee, had three children, one of whom died in a car crash in 1984. Joseph Wambaugh died from oesophageal cancer at his home in Rancho Mirage, California on 28 February 2025 at the age of 88.