BY: Jimmy Bremner and Connie AdairREVIEWED BY: Morley LymburnerIf you are an average copper “Crack in the Armor” is one book that will get your attention and keep it. You should well be aware, however, that much of what is contained between the covers of this book might be more of a mirror for you than a picture of events affecting the author Jimmy Bremner. Cops are a different breed when it comes to getting a message through to them. They have seen a lot and they have done a lot in a compressed period of time. I would venture a guess that most cops in their first two years on the job see more stressed out situations than the average citizen sees in a life-time. You can increase or decrease that by a year depending on locale but I know I’m pretty close. It reminds me of my own realization when I began working with officers from across the country. The jobs the same… only the geography changes.Due to this factor it takes something special in a book to get a cop’s attention. Especially when there are few pictures. Jimmy Bremner’s story, as written by Connie Adair, will grab your attention from the beginning and will entice you into the world of post traumatic stress disorder. This book is one that every officer can relate to and needs to read. For anyone considering a career in law enforcement it must be studied. Jimmy Bremner has over 24 years of experience in policing and has served in the special weapons teams of one of Canada’s busiest cities. Bremner’s daily calls and armed encounters were all handled with the professionalism of a well trained and experienced team behind him. But when it came to seeking the assistance of other professionals as his personal life and sanity were breaking down due to his daily challenges he simply let it all slide. After much self reflection and a vision of his crumbling personal life Bremner sought out the help he thought he would never need. “Crack in the Armor” begins with Bremner’s true story of strength and courage and then takes the reader through a series of chapters on self awareness, PTSD preventative measures and next steps to recovery. This book is not a narrative on just this one officer but a reflection of every officer in the field today. In a go-go-go life style It presents an amber traffic light. Stress affects everyone in some fashion. Police officers must learn how to recognize and manage it and police leaders need to know how to minimize it. This book is a great guide for both.
Print this page
