Bobby on the Beat: Memoirs of a London Policeman in the 1960s

by Bob Dixon

Bob Dixon spent years "on the Beat" as a police constable in the Metropolitan Police Force in the early 1960s, witnessing all manner of incidents, from the serious to the ludicrous. Spending the majority of his time in London's infamous East end dealing with drunks, fatalities on the road, domestic disputes, and even suicides, as well as policing at major public events such as Guy Fawkes night, New Year's Eve, and anti-Vietnam War marches, life was colorful and varied, if not always safe. This memoir of a real-life London copper charts Bob Dixon's experiences as a young police officer before he joined the CID. The book covers his life before joining the Force, his rigorous training, the vagaries of first patroling the Beat, the numerous accounts both sad and funny of crime fighting in the capital, the lighter side of policing, and how he feels the police force has changed since the 60s. Offering unique insights into a world many of us do not feel comfortable entering, Bobby on the Beat uncovers what life is really like for those brave few who help keep the streets safe.

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

Reviews

[Naomi Stock · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes, I found this book really bland it's like watching heartbeat.

[Rachael M · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok, not quite as good as I was expecting/hoping. It’s a very “nice” book. Missed some east end gritt!

[Robert Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

On for the good old days

A joy to read of the old days of London policing an invite to the history of our age. A simple easy read

[Mick · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book gives an idea of what it would have been like being police back in the 60's in east London. I thought it was okay, and kept me interested enough to read it, but it definitely wasn't a page turner. I agree that seeing and interacting with the police in the street, at the pub, at events, in any social type setting would give them a more humanising view and getting to know them for both the general public and criminals is also a good idea. That said there would be difficulties in that happening and times have changed so much that people would most likely see it as an attack on they're civil liberties.
A fairly light read and in giving that review sort of sums up the main theme to the book.

[Danial Tanvir · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a book by bob dixon.
it is about bob dixon who comes from a good and happy family in england.
he always wanted to become a police officer.
he then becomes a police officer in the 1960's in the east end of london.
he catches some people for murder and some for burglary.
it is about murders and about offenders.
it is about his job and the arrests he makes.
it is about his life and about how he is a police officer.
it was a short read though.

[Lord Bathcanoe of Snark · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Police Officer on the Beat. Most people have never seen one, and many believe it is a myth. The search for a Bobby on the Beat in Britain has now taken on the same status as the hunt for Bigfoot. There have been reported sightings from time to time, but no definite proof.
A recent film of a Bobby in a Stoke on Trent street turned out to be a fake.
I keep an open mind about it, but until I actually see one with my own eyes I reserve judgement.

[Autumn Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a funny, uplifting,
insightful book into policing in the 8o's. it made me reflect on how much has changed in the last 4o odd years, and question whether the old approaches were actually better? overall a fab book and highly recommend.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of the 1st WPC in Richmond. Well written, interesting and funny but mostly nostalgic as all about Richmond, Redcar & Scarborough which are close to where i grew up

[geoff Bridgman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Very well written f Trump on the heart.loved the stories can recommend this story of the Police ,thank you well done

[Janet Bird · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay read but I think I was hoping for a bit more juicy scandal. More on the Krays would have gone down a treat. I got the impression he liked them and was being very discreet. :D

[Marina.Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I injoyed this book of how the police were in the 60s

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

7/10