In Massachusetts, 13,000 police officers will soon be carrying a standardized identification card — replacing a hodgepodge of old IDs issued to cops in different agencies. The secure ID card program is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation.

Back in the old days discussions about public safety generally revolved around crime rates, criminal justice policies and the safety of the public. These days most of the discussions about law enforcement, at least at the bureaucratic level, are dominated by one issue —money. Recently in Indianapolis City Councilor Duke Oliver (D) listened to about five hours worth of testimony about a projected deficit of nearly $32 million dollars for the Indianapolis PD and the Sheriff’s Dept. who combined into one agency several years ago.

Former LAPD Det.-Sgt. Joseph Wambaugh is universally recognized as the creator of the modern police novel. And  Joe Wambaugh is out with another outstanding new book — Harbor Nocturne — a hard-hitting, politically incorrect tale of crime and corruption in Los Angeles.