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Gun To The Head: My life as a tactical cop. The impact. The aftermath.
My life as a tactical cop. The impact. The aftermath.
From the bestselling author of Drugs, Guns & Lies, comes Keith's story of what it was really like to be a tactical police officer in the violent and corrupt eighties
'Fear and exhilaration are blood brothers; that's what drives risk. I should have been careful what I wished for.'
Keith Banks was a member of the Queensland Police Force when not everyone with a badge could be trusted.
After serving as an undercover cop and declining an opportunity to participate in a lucrative and totally corrupt enterprise, Keith found himself sidelined from the Drug Squad. In 1984 he was transferred to the Taringa Criminal Investigation Branch as a Detective Senior Constable. That had its moments, but he wanted more. He missed the adrenaline charge of his days as an undercover cop. He discovered that rush again when, ultimately, he became one of the first full-time members of the Tactical Response Group.
This was challenging and dangerous work. Not only did Keith find himself facing off against some of Australia's most brutal criminals, but he also had to confront the demons of constantly living on the edge, of finding that fine line between good and bad where violence was normal.
Raw and confronting, Gun to the Head exposes a world of policing that few have lived.
'Banks has told his story in a raw and honest autobiography. It is the best true crime book published in Australia in a decade.' - John Silvester, Crime Reporter for The Age on Drugs, Guns and Lies
From the bestselling author of Drugs, Guns & Lies, comes Keith's story of what it was really like to be a tactical police officer in the violent and corrupt eighties
'Fear and exhilaration are blood brothers; that's what drives risk. I should have been careful what I wished for.'
Keith Banks was a member of the Queensland Police Force when not everyone with a badge could be trusted.
After serving as an undercover cop and declining an opportunity to participate in a lucrative and totally corrupt enterprise, Keith found himself sidelined from the Drug Squad. In 1984 he was transferred to the Taringa Criminal Investigation Branch as a Detective Senior Constable. That had its moments, but he wanted more. He missed the adrenaline charge of his days as an undercover cop. He discovered that rush again when, ultimately, he became one of the first full-time members of the Tactical Response Group.
This was challenging and dangerous work. Not only did Keith find himself facing off against some of Australia's most brutal criminals, but he also had to confront the demons of constantly living on the edge, of finding that fine line between good and bad where violence was normal.
Raw and confronting, Gun to the Head exposes a world of policing that few have lived.
'Banks has told his story in a raw and honest autobiography. It is the best true crime book published in Australia in a decade.' - John Silvester, Crime Reporter for The Age on Drugs, Guns and Lies
- GenresNonfictionBiography
275 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2021
20 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 17, 2021
An honest, factual, amazing account of the authors experiences as an Undercover and Tactical Police Officer in Queensland.
PTSD was certainly not dealt with at all in the Police Force of the 80-90s and even now is only given not much more than lip service.
Once started I could not put this book down, I read it from cover to cover in about 10 hours.
Congratulations Keith Banks, well done with the writing, both books are excellent and thank you for your service.
Many times I was moved to tears.
It was gripping, involving reading.
Highly recommended.
PTSD was certainly not dealt with at all in the Police Force of the 80-90s and even now is only given not much more than lip service.
Once started I could not put this book down, I read it from cover to cover in about 10 hours.
Congratulations Keith Banks, well done with the writing, both books are excellent and thank you for your service.
Many times I was moved to tears.
It was gripping, involving reading.
Highly recommended.
June 30, 2021
This book was such an honest, raw & realistic view of undercover policing in Australia. Keith shares how he lost colleagues thru gun battles, drug addiction, mental health & alcoholism issues - all thru their commitment to keeping us all safe. What a price they paid. But Keith is their voice, & what a voice he is....
September 14, 2021
Gun to the Head: My Life as a Tactical Cop by Keith Banks
Synopsis /
Keith Banks was a member of the Queensland Police Force when not everyone with a badge could be trusted.
After serving as an undercover cop and declining an opportunity to participate in a lucrative and totally corrupt enterprise, Keith found himself sidelined from the Drug Squad. In 1984 he was transferred to the Taringa Criminal Investigation Branch as a Detective Senior Constable. That had its moments, but he wanted more. He missed the adrenaline charge of his days as an undercover cop. He discovered that rush again when, ultimately, he became one of the first full-time members of the Tactical Response Group.
This was challenging and dangerous work. Not only did Keith find himself facing off against some of Australia's most brutal criminals, but he also had to confront the demons of constantly living on the edge, of finding that fine line between good and bad where violence was normal.
Raw and confronting, Gun to the Head exposes a world of policing that few have lived.
My Thoughts /
Former Queensland police officer, Keith Banks, has written this autobiographical account of his years of service in the Queensland Police Force during the 1980’s and titled it Gun to the Head.
This is the author’s second written offering. His first book, "Guns, Drugs & Lies," covered the first half of his police career. "Gun to the Head" covers the second half.
The book is written in the first-person perspective of the author, and it’s that which makes the content compelling, albeit at times (almost) unbelievable, if it wasn’t for the fact that it was a tale of events recited by someone who actually experienced them.
This book takes you on a journey. The writing flows easily, and the happenings and events described in the book are written well and do not hold back any factual descriptions. The chapters are short and punchy, with each chapter telling a new event in the story that is Detective Senior Constable Keith (‘Keithy’) Banks.
Often sensationalised in movies and television as something that is full of adventure and excitement, being a working police officer, as Banks describes, is anything but. Working in a high pressure environment, being exposed to horrific scenes on a daily basis, working every day with the possibility of encountering a high level of violence each and every time you start your shift. Banks describes, that during the 1980s, many officers he knew were turning to drug use or using high levels of alcohol to dull the pain of what they were experiencing in their day-to-day work lives. With basically no formal avenue of support, these officers were left to cope as best they could – ‘man-up’ was the mentality of that era. PTSD must surely have been a very common occurrence at that time.
In detailing the accounts of his career, Banks leaves nothing out. He’s exceptionally honest when discussing his work path; the death of colleagues and friends; his marriage breakup; how he coped with depression and bouts of PTSD.
This book, whilst often dark is not humourless, there are light-hearted moments along the way -
When someone was arrested and charged on all three accounts – obscene language, assault (police) and resist(ing) arrest – that was known as the Ham, Cheese and Tomato or, the Hamburger with the Lot.
This book won’t be for everyone, but I’m glad I’ve read it and Mr Banks, thank you for writing it.
3.5 stars, rounded up
Synopsis /
Keith Banks was a member of the Queensland Police Force when not everyone with a badge could be trusted.
After serving as an undercover cop and declining an opportunity to participate in a lucrative and totally corrupt enterprise, Keith found himself sidelined from the Drug Squad. In 1984 he was transferred to the Taringa Criminal Investigation Branch as a Detective Senior Constable. That had its moments, but he wanted more. He missed the adrenaline charge of his days as an undercover cop. He discovered that rush again when, ultimately, he became one of the first full-time members of the Tactical Response Group.
This was challenging and dangerous work. Not only did Keith find himself facing off against some of Australia's most brutal criminals, but he also had to confront the demons of constantly living on the edge, of finding that fine line between good and bad where violence was normal.
Raw and confronting, Gun to the Head exposes a world of policing that few have lived.
My Thoughts /
Former Queensland police officer, Keith Banks, has written this autobiographical account of his years of service in the Queensland Police Force during the 1980’s and titled it Gun to the Head.
This is the author’s second written offering. His first book, "Guns, Drugs & Lies," covered the first half of his police career. "Gun to the Head" covers the second half.
The book is written in the first-person perspective of the author, and it’s that which makes the content compelling, albeit at times (almost) unbelievable, if it wasn’t for the fact that it was a tale of events recited by someone who actually experienced them.
This book takes you on a journey. The writing flows easily, and the happenings and events described in the book are written well and do not hold back any factual descriptions. The chapters are short and punchy, with each chapter telling a new event in the story that is Detective Senior Constable Keith (‘Keithy’) Banks.
Often sensationalised in movies and television as something that is full of adventure and excitement, being a working police officer, as Banks describes, is anything but. Working in a high pressure environment, being exposed to horrific scenes on a daily basis, working every day with the possibility of encountering a high level of violence each and every time you start your shift. Banks describes, that during the 1980s, many officers he knew were turning to drug use or using high levels of alcohol to dull the pain of what they were experiencing in their day-to-day work lives. With basically no formal avenue of support, these officers were left to cope as best they could – ‘man-up’ was the mentality of that era. PTSD must surely have been a very common occurrence at that time.
In detailing the accounts of his career, Banks leaves nothing out. He’s exceptionally honest when discussing his work path; the death of colleagues and friends; his marriage breakup; how he coped with depression and bouts of PTSD.
This book, whilst often dark is not humourless, there are light-hearted moments along the way -
When someone was arrested and charged on all three accounts – obscene language, assault (police) and resist(ing) arrest – that was known as the Ham, Cheese and Tomato or, the Hamburger with the Lot.
This book won’t be for everyone, but I’m glad I’ve read it and Mr Banks, thank you for writing it.
3.5 stars, rounded up
August 1, 2021
Gun To The Head follows on from Drugs, Guns and Lies by former Queensland police officer, Keith Banks, detailing his years of service in the Queensland Police Force during the 1980’s.
Banks offers readers personal insight into policing during a period that can probably be best described as transitional. In the 1980’s the Queensland police force was exposed as a hotbed of corruption, which had little tolerance for officers who played it straight. After several years serving as an undercover operative in the Drug Squad, Banks was forced out when he declined an invitation to participate in a corrupt enterprise.
Transferring to the Criminal Investigation Branch as a Detective Senior Constable, Banks enjoyed the work but found himself missing the adrenaline rush of his former position and leapt at the chance to become a member of the part-time Emergency Squad, which eventually morphed into the full-time Tactical Response Group.
Banks played a role in some of Queensland’s most high-profile operations, including the hunt for notorious bank robber, Russell ‘Maddog’ Cox, and the MLC Siege, where Banks personally convinced the would-be bomber to surrender, but everyday he and his team put their lives on the line to apprehend violent criminals. Banks insights into the groups daily operations are fascinating, it’s often intense, thankless work that requires a huge commitment and courage. The public generally only hear of such incidents when something goes wrong, as it did when Senior Constable Peter Kidd was shot to death by an armed robber who had escaped from prison, during a raid to recapture him. I knew vaguely of the case but it was very impactful to hear it from Banks first hand viewpoint and I was horrified to learn of the role bureaucratic interference had in the tragedy.
Banks, who was a team leader in the raid, was dogged by undiagnosed PTSD after the death of Kidd. Banks is honest about his increasing struggles with alcohol, anxiety, guilt and anger in its wake. I really felt for him, and was appalled by the lack of support available from the force not just after a tragic incident like this, but also in other instances, such as re-entry from undercover work. I certainly hope the situation is much improved now. Sadly it cost Banks his first marriage, his police career, and very nearly his life.
Raw, thrilling and often dark but not humourless, Banks presents as personable and truthful. Gun to the Head is a compelling memoir exposing life behind the blue line.
Banks offers readers personal insight into policing during a period that can probably be best described as transitional. In the 1980’s the Queensland police force was exposed as a hotbed of corruption, which had little tolerance for officers who played it straight. After several years serving as an undercover operative in the Drug Squad, Banks was forced out when he declined an invitation to participate in a corrupt enterprise.
Transferring to the Criminal Investigation Branch as a Detective Senior Constable, Banks enjoyed the work but found himself missing the adrenaline rush of his former position and leapt at the chance to become a member of the part-time Emergency Squad, which eventually morphed into the full-time Tactical Response Group.
Banks played a role in some of Queensland’s most high-profile operations, including the hunt for notorious bank robber, Russell ‘Maddog’ Cox, and the MLC Siege, where Banks personally convinced the would-be bomber to surrender, but everyday he and his team put their lives on the line to apprehend violent criminals. Banks insights into the groups daily operations are fascinating, it’s often intense, thankless work that requires a huge commitment and courage. The public generally only hear of such incidents when something goes wrong, as it did when Senior Constable Peter Kidd was shot to death by an armed robber who had escaped from prison, during a raid to recapture him. I knew vaguely of the case but it was very impactful to hear it from Banks first hand viewpoint and I was horrified to learn of the role bureaucratic interference had in the tragedy.
Banks, who was a team leader in the raid, was dogged by undiagnosed PTSD after the death of Kidd. Banks is honest about his increasing struggles with alcohol, anxiety, guilt and anger in its wake. I really felt for him, and was appalled by the lack of support available from the force not just after a tragic incident like this, but also in other instances, such as re-entry from undercover work. I certainly hope the situation is much improved now. Sadly it cost Banks his first marriage, his police career, and very nearly his life.
Raw, thrilling and often dark but not humourless, Banks presents as personable and truthful. Gun to the Head is a compelling memoir exposing life behind the blue line.
July 16, 2022
This book was very eye-opening, from corrupt officers to the mental health issues officers were struggling with, I was captured by how life for a police officer was back in the 1970s to 1980s.
Mental health was taboo and for Keith and his brothers in uniform, who worked undercover and in the Emergency Squad, the effects of the things they had witnessed was truly devastating. As they didn't have any support, they drowned themselves in alcohol, and became drug addicts from their days as undercover police officers. Not only was this truly heartbreaking to read, but the fact that the "higher ups", or anyone who didn't have any experience in these fields, didn't bother to check up on them. They were expected to go back to work as if nothing had happened.
The slow yet gradual build of Keith's mental health issues was seen throughout the book. The way in which it was written and described makes you understand and empathise with what he, and many others, were going through.
The corruption talked about in the system was really interesting to read about. Some of these corrupt officers contributed to the drug addiction of undercover cops, or people who had been undercover cops.
The only reason this is not a 5/5 is because there were some grammatical issues throughout the book, and there was a lot of names of guns and organisations that became tedious to read and it was becoming hard to distinguish between each organisation.
Mental health was taboo and for Keith and his brothers in uniform, who worked undercover and in the Emergency Squad, the effects of the things they had witnessed was truly devastating. As they didn't have any support, they drowned themselves in alcohol, and became drug addicts from their days as undercover police officers. Not only was this truly heartbreaking to read, but the fact that the "higher ups", or anyone who didn't have any experience in these fields, didn't bother to check up on them. They were expected to go back to work as if nothing had happened.
The slow yet gradual build of Keith's mental health issues was seen throughout the book. The way in which it was written and described makes you understand and empathise with what he, and many others, were going through.
The corruption talked about in the system was really interesting to read about. Some of these corrupt officers contributed to the drug addiction of undercover cops, or people who had been undercover cops.
The only reason this is not a 5/5 is because there were some grammatical issues throughout the book, and there was a lot of names of guns and organisations that became tedious to read and it was becoming hard to distinguish between each organisation.
July 22, 2021
On his second outing as an author, Keith has improved as a storyteller by an order of magnitude. His first book, "Guns, Drugs & Lies," covered the first half of his police career and was told in the matter-of-fact style typical of the genre. "Gun to the Head" covers the second half of his career but this time is told in a much more compelling way. The author puts more of himself onto the page, revealing more of his personality and allowing the reader to better share the emotional ups and downs of his story And, just like life in the police force, there are plenty of ups and downs. The book embodies this with intermittent bursts of excitement, frequent black humour and occasional periods of immense sadness.
This book gives the reader a glimpse of what it was like to be a tactical police officer in the 1980s. The dedication to training, the adrenaline rushes, the constant battles with the worst of society (whether that takes the form of violent criminals or incompetent bureaucrats) and the soul crushing despair when things go wrong.
This book is the remarkable story of a remarkable man; a man who we see always tries to do his best but unfairly blames himself when he judges his best to not be good enough. It also demonstrates, whether the author is prepared to admit it, that the world is a much better place because Keith Banks and people like him are in it.
This book gives the reader a glimpse of what it was like to be a tactical police officer in the 1980s. The dedication to training, the adrenaline rushes, the constant battles with the worst of society (whether that takes the form of violent criminals or incompetent bureaucrats) and the soul crushing despair when things go wrong.
This book is the remarkable story of a remarkable man; a man who we see always tries to do his best but unfairly blames himself when he judges his best to not be good enough. It also demonstrates, whether the author is prepared to admit it, that the world is a much better place because Keith Banks and people like him are in it.
July 20, 2021
Brilliant book.
This book is a great expose' of Police work as it really is, not the sanitised version Police Departments want you to know about or as portrayed in the movie dramas.
As a Police Veteran myself I found this book to be raw, gritty and accurate. Although Keith had some unusual and exceptional experiences he portrayed the life of an average Policeman in the 80s very well. The comradery, danger, alcohol and blurred lines most hard Policemen experienced often changed them. Like war veterans, only a comrade understands.
It's about time someone told it how it was. They protected their communities from evil 24 hours a day the hard way.
We could use a few more Keith Banks these days.
This book is a great expose' of Police work as it really is, not the sanitised version Police Departments want you to know about or as portrayed in the movie dramas.
As a Police Veteran myself I found this book to be raw, gritty and accurate. Although Keith had some unusual and exceptional experiences he portrayed the life of an average Policeman in the 80s very well. The comradery, danger, alcohol and blurred lines most hard Policemen experienced often changed them. Like war veterans, only a comrade understands.
It's about time someone told it how it was. They protected their communities from evil 24 hours a day the hard way.
We could use a few more Keith Banks these days.
July 20, 2021
At last an Australian police story that shows the strength and conviction of a generation who served despite the uncertain times. The vulnerability and courage of ordinary people doing extraordinary things is inspiring.
July 30, 2021
Some sad and harrowing tales but relayed with warmth and wit. Such an enjoyable read. Even better than his first novel.
July 22, 2021
A Gun to the Head: My life as a tactical cop is the second book from a new author to the Crime and Policing genre here in Australia from Keith Banks, a former highly decorated Queensland Police Officer in the very interesting 1980’s and 1990’s. The first being Drugs, Guns and Lies: My life as an undercover Police Officer. Both books are from the first-person perspective of Keith Banks and that makes the content of both books compelling as he re-tells the tales as someone who actually experienced the events, as almost unbelievable some of them may have been.
A Gun to the Head continues Keith’s journey of trying to be the best Police Officer and Detective he could be, while challenging himself beyond that to become a part time member of the SWAT equivalent of The Emergency Squad which became the Tactical Response Group. Banks succeeded in transitioning from a part time member to a full-time operator confronting Queensland and Australia’s worst armed criminals, who at times had better and more powerful weapons.
Intertwined in the sometimes heartbreaking stories, was the internal turmoil Banks experienced, as he struggled to reconcile and attempt a work life balance across his Police work, relationships and life. However it will come as no spoiler to anyone who has viewed, even a modicum of Police genre television or movies, that such a balance is almost never achieved.
I highly recommend Gun to the Head and can personally vouch that I could have kept reading the entire book in a day, but forced myself to stop and completed it within two days. Do yourself a favour and grab it for a great read.
A Gun to the Head continues Keith’s journey of trying to be the best Police Officer and Detective he could be, while challenging himself beyond that to become a part time member of the SWAT equivalent of The Emergency Squad which became the Tactical Response Group. Banks succeeded in transitioning from a part time member to a full-time operator confronting Queensland and Australia’s worst armed criminals, who at times had better and more powerful weapons.
Intertwined in the sometimes heartbreaking stories, was the internal turmoil Banks experienced, as he struggled to reconcile and attempt a work life balance across his Police work, relationships and life. However it will come as no spoiler to anyone who has viewed, even a modicum of Police genre television or movies, that such a balance is almost never achieved.
I highly recommend Gun to the Head and can personally vouch that I could have kept reading the entire book in a day, but forced myself to stop and completed it within two days. Do yourself a favour and grab it for a great read.
July 21, 2021
An excellent read tinged with incredible sadness and excitement. Keith's experiences were raw, in some instances, heartbreaking. I commend him for writing this book and thoroughly recommend it.
August 3, 2021
I know the author personally having worked closely with him in business environments for the past 13 years. I am also a former cop but unlike Keith I was in Victoria. I have been close to him during many of his highs and lows. We were close when he was diagnosed with PTSD. This book is more personal than his first; more telling. It tells of a police life that many cops think they want(ed) but few could handle. Keith ran (sprinted) towards danger either as a hero or blinded by guilt. It doesn't matter which. This is a raw story of a leader who started out in the QPS trying to make the world a better place. Ironically, his greatest achievement is the volunteer work he does now with those who suffer mental illness. Whether you were in 'the job' or not, this is a great read which shines a light on the darkness of a police command who cared only for themselves, and who treated their underlings as irrelevant and dispensable. Unfortunately some heroes don't survive the lottery. Fortunately this hero survived to tell the tale of AND FOR those who were sadly lost in a variety of ways, and of those who should have been lost but were not.
October 19, 2021
5 ⭐️
Gun to the Head by Keith Banks is the highly anticipated sequel to his first memoir Drugs, Guns and Lies. Picking up where it left off, Banks is done with undercover work and finds himself in the Taringa Criminal Investigation Branch. He loves the unit, but something is missing. Banks is craving the rush and adrenaline that came with undercover work, so when the opportunity to become a founding member of the Tactical Response Group (TRG) presents itself; he cannot accept fast enough.
Sometimes though, you should be careful what you wish for. For Banks is about to find out that whilst the TRG work is what he was born to do, it also comes with a whole lot of personal and professional collateral damage that will change his life forever.
Hang on to your hats because Banks is back, all guns blazing; in this raw, honest, unflinching and unapologetic memoir and it’s a doozie. For the same reasons that I ravished Drugs, Guns and Lies; I also could not put down Gun to the Head because honesty, authenticity and sincerity leap off the page as Banks takes us through the highs and lows of being one of Queensland’s most decorated police officers for twenty years.
The writing is not only engaging and captivating; but it makes it easy to visualise the plot, which is always a must for me. What I again particularly appreciated and admired though, was that Banks doesn’t shy away from the personal cost of being a police officer. He details, and is very frank about; the psychological toll of intimate relationships, the deaths of colleagues, the corruption in the force and the complete lack of support by the force which sees so many offices self-medicate and suicide. This easily could have been an action packed memoir full of war stories from TRG jobs, but it would have have been a much poorer read for it. The combination of the adrenaline and bravado, with the vulnerability and mental health awareness is what makes this book and I thank Banks for giving us a true and honest account.
Gun to the Head is a phenomenal memoir, which I highly recommend. Do yourself a favour and buy it and Drugs, Guns and Lies and settle in for a truly eye opening and exceptional read.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
Gun to the Head by Keith Banks is the highly anticipated sequel to his first memoir Drugs, Guns and Lies. Picking up where it left off, Banks is done with undercover work and finds himself in the Taringa Criminal Investigation Branch. He loves the unit, but something is missing. Banks is craving the rush and adrenaline that came with undercover work, so when the opportunity to become a founding member of the Tactical Response Group (TRG) presents itself; he cannot accept fast enough.
Sometimes though, you should be careful what you wish for. For Banks is about to find out that whilst the TRG work is what he was born to do, it also comes with a whole lot of personal and professional collateral damage that will change his life forever.
Hang on to your hats because Banks is back, all guns blazing; in this raw, honest, unflinching and unapologetic memoir and it’s a doozie. For the same reasons that I ravished Drugs, Guns and Lies; I also could not put down Gun to the Head because honesty, authenticity and sincerity leap off the page as Banks takes us through the highs and lows of being one of Queensland’s most decorated police officers for twenty years.
The writing is not only engaging and captivating; but it makes it easy to visualise the plot, which is always a must for me. What I again particularly appreciated and admired though, was that Banks doesn’t shy away from the personal cost of being a police officer. He details, and is very frank about; the psychological toll of intimate relationships, the deaths of colleagues, the corruption in the force and the complete lack of support by the force which sees so many offices self-medicate and suicide. This easily could have been an action packed memoir full of war stories from TRG jobs, but it would have have been a much poorer read for it. The combination of the adrenaline and bravado, with the vulnerability and mental health awareness is what makes this book and I thank Banks for giving us a true and honest account.
Gun to the Head is a phenomenal memoir, which I highly recommend. Do yourself a favour and buy it and Drugs, Guns and Lies and settle in for a truly eye opening and exceptional read.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
January 11, 2022
What a ride!
A nice guy and a hero... this autobiography has it all.
It was thrilling to be inside Keith's life as a tactical cop, undercover operative and detective. He takes you undercover with drug dealers and is raw about the way the police facilitated employees to become addicted to drugs so they would blend in, only to leave them high and dry when their lives inevitably fell apart. It is at a time where police corruption is rife and cops could make powerful enemies by refusing to participate in dirty deals.
Keith takes you on his tactical training and on real life missions. He is one of those guys dressed head-to-toe in black, jumping out of helicopters with headsets on and rifles at the ready, to take out the bad guys, it is very exciting... and heartbreaking. There are very dangerous missions to break up drug cartels that result in losing people he cared about because of lack of essential equipment and support and others countering his decisions. He struggles with long term grief, anger and sadness, in a culture that does not understand this type of trauma and in a time where no support is offered.
It's very Aussie with lots of drinking and cursing and some awesome black Australian humor. Keith provides a special insight into the beauty and loyalty of Australian mateship that had me in tears at the end. There's so much more but I don't want to give away any spoilers. HIGHLY recommend.
(I listened to the audio version and the narration is great).
A nice guy and a hero... this autobiography has it all.
It was thrilling to be inside Keith's life as a tactical cop, undercover operative and detective. He takes you undercover with drug dealers and is raw about the way the police facilitated employees to become addicted to drugs so they would blend in, only to leave them high and dry when their lives inevitably fell apart. It is at a time where police corruption is rife and cops could make powerful enemies by refusing to participate in dirty deals.
Keith takes you on his tactical training and on real life missions. He is one of those guys dressed head-to-toe in black, jumping out of helicopters with headsets on and rifles at the ready, to take out the bad guys, it is very exciting... and heartbreaking. There are very dangerous missions to break up drug cartels that result in losing people he cared about because of lack of essential equipment and support and others countering his decisions. He struggles with long term grief, anger and sadness, in a culture that does not understand this type of trauma and in a time where no support is offered.
It's very Aussie with lots of drinking and cursing and some awesome black Australian humor. Keith provides a special insight into the beauty and loyalty of Australian mateship that had me in tears at the end. There's so much more but I don't want to give away any spoilers. HIGHLY recommend.
(I listened to the audio version and the narration is great).
September 10, 2025
The sequel to “Drugs, Guns and Lies” tells of Keith’s policing career after he leaves the world of undercover, to chase even more danger as a tactical response agent leading the charge into shootouts, sieges & chaos. He is critical and outspoken of the police who damaged the force’s reputation and is keen to show that not all officers were like this. As an officer moving through the ranks of the emerging Tactical Response Group, he shows the care and dedication to his team he wished he had been given when undercover, and leads by example, not willing to sacrifice men in a situation he would not enter himself. He recognized in himself he was not in a great place mentally but as PTSD was rarely discussed, he kept it to himself, believing others had it worse and he just needed to carry on. Keith lost close friends to the dangerous situations the force put them in – being shot, repeatedly exposed to drugs resulting in addiction or suicide and ultimately being dropped by the force out on their own or in prison. All this affected his career progression as well as his mental health and personal life. Eventually seeking help & building a life outside the force, Keith was able to begin to heal and tell his story. Awarded to medals of Valor, the force lost a great man. I’d like to think changed in attitudes have helped those who still serve, but I do doubt it.
Keith tells his story with humble pride and an honest attitude.
Keith tells his story with humble pride and an honest attitude.
July 27, 2021
An honest, factual account from Keith Banks in his second book, the first being Guns, Drugs and Lies.
This book makes reference to previous colleagues mentioned in book one so reading in sequential order is recommended. Keith, chasing the adrenaline rush after leaving the life of an undercover officer, tries his hand at being a Detective before joining the first QLD Police full time Tactical Response Group. Some amazing stories told here from witness protection, to tactical arrests involving the shooting death of his colleague, Peter Kidd, and the impact on Keith. The shooting would be enough to end alot of Police Officer’s careers, but not Keith, who showed exceptional courage and restraint with his team, went on for further life changing challenges at the MLC building siege where he talks down a veteran with explosives, a grenade and a rifle over the course of 90 minutes, saving alot of lives. Undoubtedly, Australia, and policing is in a better position because of the service and sacrifices of Keith Banks, and the price him and his family paid is testament to his dedication. A story every police officer should read, and learn from, including senior leaders on how to show operational and organisational courage.
This book makes reference to previous colleagues mentioned in book one so reading in sequential order is recommended. Keith, chasing the adrenaline rush after leaving the life of an undercover officer, tries his hand at being a Detective before joining the first QLD Police full time Tactical Response Group. Some amazing stories told here from witness protection, to tactical arrests involving the shooting death of his colleague, Peter Kidd, and the impact on Keith. The shooting would be enough to end alot of Police Officer’s careers, but not Keith, who showed exceptional courage and restraint with his team, went on for further life changing challenges at the MLC building siege where he talks down a veteran with explosives, a grenade and a rifle over the course of 90 minutes, saving alot of lives. Undoubtedly, Australia, and policing is in a better position because of the service and sacrifices of Keith Banks, and the price him and his family paid is testament to his dedication. A story every police officer should read, and learn from, including senior leaders on how to show operational and organisational courage.
July 21, 2021
Heartwrenching look at untreated and unacknowledged PTSD in the Police in the 1980's and beyond. Rarely, do the general community get an opportunity to see inside a Police Officer's mind and heart. What motivates them, what keeps them going when the whole world seems to be against them, what it takes to put their lives on the line to protect the lives of the general community and sometimes criminals, often without adequate support from their own Department. Make no mistake that that is what the Police do - they sacrifice at a personal cost to their health, life and family.
This book takes you on that journey. The writing flows easily. The events are described minutely. I know or knew most officers in this book and they were exactly as described. The author shares his good times and his bad times with honesty and dignity. You will laugh, you will cry, you will be on the edge of your seat. You will be riveted by Keith Bank's story. Highly recommended.
This book takes you on that journey. The writing flows easily. The events are described minutely. I know or knew most officers in this book and they were exactly as described. The author shares his good times and his bad times with honesty and dignity. You will laugh, you will cry, you will be on the edge of your seat. You will be riveted by Keith Bank's story. Highly recommended.
November 16, 2021
A chilling, emotional and intense book which I had to read in small chunks so as not to overload myself with the enormity of it all. This was made stronger by the fact that I lived and worked in Brisbane, Queensland, at that time. I know names and places but never understood the depth of such criminal activities, life and death situations which were happening around me. It is hard to conceive what those brave men went through. When you are young, you think you are immortal but that's not the case and they faced physical and mental stresses every day, and certain events will always haunt them. The chapter titled 'Connolly' is for me the essence of what scriptwriters hope to portray in their movies, but for Keith Banks it was very real. On a lighter note, I enjoyed the photo spread in the middle of the book, not so much the guns or SAS Instructors Course but the Eighties look and Keith Banks well-deserved medals.
July 27, 2021
Gun to the Head is a fascinating look into the world of undercover police and the tactical side of the police force in the 1980’s. Ticking all those true-crime and memoir boxes, this was such a gripping read that I devoured over a weekend.
Keith Banks is one of Queensland’s most decorated police officers having been involved in some very high profile cases as well as living through the well-publicised Royal Commission into police corruption.
A raw, honest and at times confronting look at the real life world of undercover policing and tactical operations. A world that is often glamorised in movies and TV programmes, we soon see through Banks accounts of what they went through it’s definitely anything but glamorous.
With many officers turning to drug use to maintain their covers, alcohol to dull the pain of what they experienced in the course of doing their jobs, and the very real fear of violence every time they left for work it was disappointing to realise how little support these officers were provided during that era. The mentality was very much just be a man and suck it up. That’s what you do.
As a result this book also highlights the very real issue of mental health and PTSD faced by those working in this high pressure environment and the horrific things they must have seen and experienced on an almost daily basis.
This lack of support is an undertone throughout the entire book and it’s extremely obvious how passionate Banks is about changing this and highlighting the need for support.
So well written and so engaging I definitely need to grab a copy of his previous book, Drugs Guns & Lies, after reading this one.
Keith Banks is one of Queensland’s most decorated police officers having been involved in some very high profile cases as well as living through the well-publicised Royal Commission into police corruption.
A raw, honest and at times confronting look at the real life world of undercover policing and tactical operations. A world that is often glamorised in movies and TV programmes, we soon see through Banks accounts of what they went through it’s definitely anything but glamorous.
With many officers turning to drug use to maintain their covers, alcohol to dull the pain of what they experienced in the course of doing their jobs, and the very real fear of violence every time they left for work it was disappointing to realise how little support these officers were provided during that era. The mentality was very much just be a man and suck it up. That’s what you do.
As a result this book also highlights the very real issue of mental health and PTSD faced by those working in this high pressure environment and the horrific things they must have seen and experienced on an almost daily basis.
This lack of support is an undertone throughout the entire book and it’s extremely obvious how passionate Banks is about changing this and highlighting the need for support.
So well written and so engaging I definitely need to grab a copy of his previous book, Drugs Guns & Lies, after reading this one.
September 11, 2021
** 5 stars**
This was a well written and insightful read!
This book came up as an audible recommendation and I loved it. I didn't realize going in that is was the second book in a 'series'. Only regret is that I didn't read the first book first as there were a few references when I was a bit confused and I assumed they were covered in the first book (I'll find out soon, already started reading it!).
This book is raw. Keith Banks talks about all the dirty details, his life in the action response team, hostage situations, death of friends, marriage break ups, post traumatic stress, coping with depression... nothing seemed to be off limits and I result respect Keith Banks for this!
This book made me emotional! I laughed, I cried and I got angry.
Highly recommended!
This was a well written and insightful read!
This book came up as an audible recommendation and I loved it. I didn't realize going in that is was the second book in a 'series'. Only regret is that I didn't read the first book first as there were a few references when I was a bit confused and I assumed they were covered in the first book (I'll find out soon, already started reading it!).
This book is raw. Keith Banks talks about all the dirty details, his life in the action response team, hostage situations, death of friends, marriage break ups, post traumatic stress, coping with depression... nothing seemed to be off limits and I result respect Keith Banks for this!
This book made me emotional! I laughed, I cried and I got angry.
Highly recommended!
June 30, 2022
I loved the first book. This second one is even better. It's a raw and compelling account of the author's experiences as a Queensland police officer. He chases the most exciting, and therefore dangerous, roles, unaware of the emotional impact creeping up on him.
In the background are the findings of the Fitzgerald Inquiry, casting a shadow of suspicion across the entire Queensland Police Force.
Having read this, I have a new appreciation of how privileged I am to be a member of the sheltered public.
In the background are the findings of the Fitzgerald Inquiry, casting a shadow of suspicion across the entire Queensland Police Force.
Having read this, I have a new appreciation of how privileged I am to be a member of the sheltered public.
January 15, 2025
I first heard of Keith Banks at a conference for work where he gave a powerful speech. I then got to meet him, and he was just a lovely man. As soon as he mentioned he wrote books about his time as a cop I knew I needed to get them! 6 months later, I finally got to this one on audible. An amazing and truly heart-wrenching account of his time. Keith also touches on the effect his job had on him and the toll it took. It is a truly worthy read if you enjoy true crime stories, memoirs, and some straightforward honesty about mental health.
July 28, 2021
Fantastic book. Banks writes like he's been doing it his entire life. A absolutely gripping follow up to his original book, and tackling some really big issues. It leaves you with a chilling feeling like you are right by his side the whole way through, physically and emotionally. There are also plenty of light hearted moments along with way, and reflects a life well lived, through the eyes of an honest cop. Would highly recommend this book.
August 15, 2021
An absolutely in your face account of police work in Queensland in one of the most chaotic times in the state's history. A violent time before gun control and hence the need for violent police officers. But of course no one wanted to know about those violent men after they had done the job. This is a brilliant book written by a real veteran. Can't praise it enough. It's a cracking read, but it's actually historically accurate. It'll make you uncomfortable but you need to read it. Amazing.
August 5, 2021
I’m a big fan of both of Keith’s books and I especially liked the continuation of some stories from one book to the other. Like Harry. I remember wondering what had become of Harry and I love that Gun to the Head wraps that up nicely for us. This is a raw and very personal account of Keith’s journey to recognising PTSD and everything that led him there.
July 31, 2025
Keith’s books get better each time, I so look forward to the next book. So addictive and you truly lose yourself in the situations. It is hard to put the books down, you just want to carry on reading. A truly remarkable person and the heartfelt honesty draws you into Keith’s life. An amazing read. Keep up the great work and keep being positive. Thank you.
March 28, 2022
Absolutely love Keith Banks's books. Such an insight into undercover and policing back in the 80's and 90's. So sad to read that some of these heroes and yes they are heroes were not supported or given recognition for their work. I like how the chapters/stories are short and easy to read.
November 23, 2021
One of the best books I’ve read !!!
December 26, 2021
I loved reading this book and couldn’t put it down. Well written and full of excitement.
January 18, 2022
Absolutely brilliant author and book. A must read
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