Fourteen years on the front line of the New Zealand Police. Countless moments that shaped a lifetime. One story that tells it all.

From the high-octane world of armed stand-offs and elite squads, to heart-breaking moments on the street-and the raw courage it takes to call out bullying and corruption from within-this book lifts the curtain on the reality of police work in New Zealand.

Frontline Constable, Supervisor, Armed Offenders Squad member, Diplomatic Protection officer, medic, trainer, and bravery award recipient-John Woodward shares a gripping, unfiltered account of life in uniform. You'll ride along through high-profile incidents, international events, dangerous pursuits, and moments of confronting loss.

But it’s not all heavy. There’s also humour, because sometimes, a one-legged man on a quad bike towing a Police car out of the surf is exactly what gets you through.

From the funny to the frightening, the powerful to the painful-this is a story of service, sacrifice, and standing up for what’s right.