No Lights, No Sirens: The Corruption and Redemption of an Inner City Cop

by Robert Cea

No Lights, No Sirens is the harrowing true story of an officer who, on his way to becoming one of the most highly decorated cops in NYPD history, lost his soul... Robert Cea began his career as an idealistic young man, a gifted lawman who would right wrongs and make the world a better place by putting away the bad guys. But whatever he'd learned at the academy did not prepare him for the streets, the thugs, or the depravity he'd encounter. "I'd sworn it would never get to me," he writes, "that I'd never turn into the monsters I was chasing. I was wrong." And become a monster he did, during his relentless journey into the criminal netherworld. Brutally authentic, as gritty and graphic as the life itself, Cea's story takes readers into the cruisers and onto the streets to show how the law was–and continues to be–routinely bent to stay one step ahead of the criminals. Cea painstakingly reveals his slow downward spiral into the depths of hell that would shatter his conscience, destroy his marriage, and corrupt his mind. It would all lead to a final attempt at redemption that would nearly cost him his life. Illuminating a hidden side of law enforcement that cannot be imagined, No Lights, No Sirens is as gripping as it is terrifying, a morality tale with repercussions for us all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crime, True Crime

Paperback

First published May 10, 2005

Reviews

[Aheine10]

I've read a lot of books that revolve around the life of law enforcement. This is one of if not the best most honest look at that profession. Mr. Cea allowed those not familiar a brief if not brutally honest glimpse into this life of good and bad, right and wrong and the predominant grey area that surrounds both. The premise that the job will change you but that you can fight for redemption is truly inspiring.

[Lady Makaveli]

No Lights, No Sirens, has a great overall meaning, while also giving us a bit of a peak behind the blue shield and into the brotherhood of cops. The police mentality is nothing new, but hearing someone who has been there admit it and expose it, big or little, gives what we already know much more credit.
The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because I am not a big fan of his writing style. But other than that, excellent book for all.

[PaulESchilling]

I found it difficult to believe but very dramatic. I think it would make a good movie, which is interesting since the author now claims to be the movie business. It is difficult to feel sorry for the character, since most of his problems were his own fault and according to his bio life turned out better than he probably deserved after all.

[Dona]

Great book! And to know that it is a true story makes it even more intense. This is one book I found hard to put down.

[Mike Abe Abernathy]

Really gut wrenching story. Written in a down-to-earth style. Loved it!

[Adam Foster]

A good read, but the author is a self delusional piece of shit. Great cop stories, but the "redemption" is pure bullshit.

[Chad Wayne]

I thought it was lame. Hard to finish.

[Kelly]

"No Lights, No Sirens" is a harrowing book about a bright-eyed rookie NYPD cop's descent into self-destruction as he blurs the line between cop and criminal in pursuit of his own brand of justice. Just like the violent streets on his former beat, Cea's tale is graphic, gritty and definitely not for the faint of heart. For those who want to experience what undercover police work is really like - to experience the seedy underworld and raw terror and nastiness of the darker side of law enforcement - look no further.

[Tbone]

This book was crazy good. I could'nt really put it down once I picked it up. IT was intense and showed a whole other side of being a cop that you really dont hear about most of the time. Dirty, Crazy, on the edge.

I give it two thumbs up!

[Charles Robinson]

FIVE STARS

Wow. What a great interesting, brutally honest true story on the part of the author. I like the fact that he had the guts to put this out there and tell his story regardless on how it would make him appear to others. Thanks for cleaning up things before I worked the 6-7.

[Melissa]

Gritty, but I couldn't put it down.

[Avi]

This is a very gritty read. not the best written book in the world, but the stories inside truly draw the reader in. i give it an 8 on a scale of 1-10.

[Lena]

Packed full of racism. Felt so dirty reading it.

[Hank]

gritty but compelling

[Michael Pelligrini]

Heartstoping

this story was very well told.it takes you to places you do not want to go. my heart goes out to this very brave man in blue.

[Rachel]

Excellent book! Reads quickly and extremely informative. It was more interesting knowing that it was a true story.

[Michele]

This book is seriously intense! I was actually in the middle of another book & picked this one up just to see what it was about...I didn't put it down until it was finished! GREAT book!

[Sarajean Bien]

Good read

Good insight on dirty cops. Well written too. Blessed be. Love light and peace. 6 more words required for this review. Lol

[Cecilia Spencer]

A brutally honest, dark and gritty memoir. I couldn't put it down.