Ruffian

Photos: D. Paul Graham

True crime books and TV shows have grown in popularity in recent years. However, how often do you ask yourself “how real is all this?” Kevin J. Grogan’s second book, “Ruffian,” shows just how “real” policing gets and how it can be used to actually make a community a better place.

“Ruffian” provides an unvarnished and rare look behind the curtain of a major, multi-department operation to clean up two neighborhoods in Savannah. With his unique background in both the military and law enforcement, Grogan presents a wealth of information on not only the events of the operation but also the players and their backgrounds as well.

Grogan’s conversational writing style gives the reader the feeling they are listening in on someone telling the story of Operation Ruffian, while also imparting commentary on the social and political climate of the day.

Grogan gives the cliff notes version of the different departments, the decision makers, and the whole process of putting together an operation that will last for months. However, he also gives the reader insights into the motivations of the ‘bad guys’ and what societal events have cast them in that role. He even admits that there are some criminals that he actually liked as people, but he had to bring them in if they were involved with drugs or guns.

From the process of establishing informants, who would then be able to provide ‘probable cause’ for search warrants, to the integration of various departments and agencies who provided personal and equipment all the way through to the final reporting to the top brass, Grogan tells the whole story, warts and all.

“We were on a mission to succeed… We understood the importance of political support, but we didn’t worry about it, we were as non-political as it gets. We looked at things simply, to keep the good people safe from the bad people… It is amazing what happens when governmental units work together for a community and even more amazing when no one cares who gets the credit for success. Unfortunately, that is a rarity.”  – An Excerpt From “Ruffian”

Whether you are a true crime fan or just someone interested in a good read, then “Ruffian” should be at the top of your summer reading list.

Find it on Amazon or wherever good books are sold for $19.99.

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