Ex-LAPD author Joseph Wambaugh is one of the premier chroniclers of mid to late 20th century police.

His early works are characterized by a sort of hero-worship, a reluctance to say anything bad about policemen. Since he was still with the force at the time, it makes sense.
• The New Centurions
• The Blue Knight
• The Onion Field nonfiction

When he quit the police, the gloves came off.
• The Choirboys
• The Glitter Dome
• The Delta Star
• Lines and Shadows nonfiction
• Echoes in the Darkness nonfiction

After this period, Wambaugh's work became lighter, losing the dark grittiness, the edge that made it worthwhile. Although still enjoyable, it is clear that life off the streets has been too good to him, and the vitriol has worn off.
• The Black Marble
• The Golden Orange
• Finnegan's Week