Mystery readers are usually very observant and perceptive. And they are not shy about telling an author when they’ve gotten something wrong. At a writing conference that I attended, a published author regaled the audience with tales about the feedback she’d received from readers. She advised us to conduct advanced research to ensure that the storyline was realistic and the legal procedures were factually accurate.
I was a civil litigation attorney. I know nothing about criminal law and procedures other than what I learned in law school many years ago. To educate myself, I’ve researched the basics online, taken interactive courses through Sisters in Crime, registered for webinars taught by experienced law enforcement officers and criminal attorneys, joined more writing groups, and added some new resource books to my shelves. I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface though.
Some of the books that were recommended are Cops and Writers: From The Academy To The Street by Patrick J O’Donnell, Books, Crooks and Counselors by Leslie Budewitz, The Crime Writer’s Reference Guide by Martin Roth, and Police Procedure & Investigation by Lee Lofland. In addition to penning a book, Patrick J O’Donnell founded a Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/copsandwriters. It’s a wonderful resource – writers can post specific questions and receive responses from knowledgeable experts. Similarly, I was referred to another group in a different forum: https://groups.io/g/Crimescenewriter2. Both groups have proven to be invaluable tools.
My husband was invited to attend the FBI Citizens Academy. https://fbisdcaaa.org/the-academy/ He thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I got to travel with him to DC and tour Quantico and the FBI Headquarters. It was quite an adventure. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office host a joint Citizens’ Academy that I am hoping to attend in the future: https://www.sdsheriff.gov/community/citizens-academy. I think it would be a fabulous learning opportunity.
Despite my educational efforts, I still feel woefully ignorant. I’d love to find a law enforcement officer or criminal law attorney willing to proofread my manuscripts. Any volunteers?
