sasha hoyt law review

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(as of Jan 02, 2025 11:21:15 UTC - Details)

For 25 years, peace officer Robert T. Christensen patrolled the streets of Kalamazoo, keenly aware every decision he made could have serious, even fatal, consequences. He learned this lesson early in his career, when a belligerent suspect beat the young rookie unconscious.

Throughout his career, Christensen made a habit of reviewing his actions. What tactics had he used? What immediate circumstances prompted his decisions? Could a slight change in strategy have improved the outcome? Viewing every situation as a learning experience molded Christensen into one of Kalamazoo's top cops.

Out of the Darkness and into the Blue recounts the most significant encounters in Christensen's career, but is more than the exciting memoirs of a veteran police officer. Christensen follows each chapter with a thorough analysis, discussing tactics, and training concepts relevant to his experiences.

Along the way, Christensen tackles many of the most important topics in law enforcement today, from racial profiling and deadly force to the challenges LGBT individuals face in a predominantly heterosexual field.

A fascinating exploration of one police officer's thought processes, Out of the Darkness and into the Blue is an entertaining listen and valuable resource for anyone learning about - or serving in - the criminal justice system.

Reviewer: Aaron
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: An essential read for anyone in the CJ/LE community
Review: I'm lucky to have had the honor of being trained by Todd in the police academy. I figured I would put that bias out there right away.I personally enjoyed all of the stories from his very storied career working with Kalamazoo. However, I feel the most important chapter of this book is the Respect Me chapter. I had learned of his sexual orientation during the academy and as a result I gained more respect for him as an officer, person and mentor. I can only imagine the adversity that I presume showed its ugly head during his career in the Army and as a PSO as a result of this. Given this, I felt the message in that chapter was the strongest and one for everyone to follow regardless of their sexual orientation, beliefs, etc. It's something I've always said as a straight white male who has never been exposed to that sort of discrimination, but I certainly don't agree with it and can empathize with the struggle. I still am in disbelief to this day how Todd did it all at such a high level in everything he did. It's truly an inspiration.Cop memoirs are always extremely interesting and this one is no different. I would highly recommend this for anyone going into the CJ/LE field. This served as a great training reminder and many times throughout the book did I feel like I was back in the academy being reminded about certain tactics and officer safety pointers. I think this book was very successful in doubling as a memoir and training reminder as well as offering various life lessons. I would say the book is the whole package and is very well balanced in that regard. I'll definitely be looking forward to anything else he puts out! Highly recommended.

Reviewer: Jonathan
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Passion Renewed!
Review: Let me start off by saying that I had the honor of meeting Drill Sergeant Christensen as a recruit for the 69th Bluedog academy at KVCC. As any fellow Bluedog knows, the academy led by Drill Sergeant Christensen was life changing. I truly believe that I would not be where I am today without DS Christensen's guidance and motivation.When I recently found out that DS Christensen wrote a book, I immediately went to Amazon.com and purchased a copy. Knowing first hand DS Christensen's charisma and dedication to law enforcement, I knew this book was going to be good. I was wrong. The book was way better than just "good"! The book actually renewed my passion for law enforcement. I had caught myself becoming cynical, but while reading this book and learning more of DS Christensen's accomplishments during his career and his genuine selfless service to the community he swore to protect, I realized that if I am able to change or affect the life of just one person, one human being, it will all have been worth it.At first glance, one may think that only current police officers would get any enjoyment/benefit out of the book. This could not be farther from the truth. Between the pages of the book is wisdom, wisdom garnered over a long career, that anyone aspiring to be a police officer should listen and take note. The book is also beneficial for current police officers who may need that passion for law enforcement reignited. Yes, it is that refreshing. Finally, this book is also for anyone who is curious about what it is like to be a police officer, not just what Hollywood or TV portrays, but what it is like to be a dedicated, selfless public servant.The message of this book is timeless and I truly believe it is an important training tool that should be mandatory reading for all police academy recruits and current police officers.Well done DS!Det. Jon Ginka69th Academy Bluedog

Reviewer: Michael G.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Surprising and Awakening
Review: This is a collection of some candid and factual experiences by a dedicated and honest retired police officer. The reading is raw and real and creates the illusion of being there with a cop trying to do his duty in the actual world. It’s fresh look at criminal justice system from the point of view of a regular guy facing the challenges of dealing with people in situations that make the news all too often. A great read for the understanding of the general public and those who might be an apprentice of the creation of a police officer.This story really met my interest when I actually met Robert “Todd” Christensen and realized what a straightforward and genuine person he is. A must read for a time when law enforcement is sometimes challenged by the media.Michael G.Out of the Darkness and into the Blue: Surprising Secrets, Tactics, and Training Concepts: A Memoir from one of Kalamazoo's Top Cops

Reviewer: Hannah Rose
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Amazing!
Review: Out of the Darkness and into the Blue was such a fantastic book! It helped me understand what police officers go through on a day to day basis, what things they have to see and what they have to endure. I definitely have a high respect for police officers, more now than ever I think! This book kept me constantly entertained with all of the stories, but also gave good information that potential police officers need to know. I want to say a special thank you to Robert Todd Christensen for taking the time to meet me, sign my book, and take a picture with me. I really hope that he writes another book in the future! What a fantastic author!

Reviewer: MP
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: It’s worth the time to read the entire thing
Review: I really love stories of Cop’s lives. I’m a Conservative, pro Cop , anti criminal with skin in the game I wanted to love this work as I have done others. This Man , writ large ,had a wonderful career. Truly a professional who loved SERVICE. As a pre - Hospital care provider , volunteer FF , Army Medic and eventually an Infantryman and Drill Sergeant in the reserves. The issue I had was his tangentiality . Some of his writing is geared to Police Safety and very good Patrol Tactics. Then shift to a focus of various calls , I had a hard time reading it. Not a memoir , not a Tactics book , not a story of the Army Reserve. I give him credit, he PT’d before each shift , arrived at work 30 minutes before shift to get his brain housing group ready. But he needed a good editor and writer. Ergo 3 stars

Reviewer: Red Kite
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Started well but faded- too much detail on training programs etc to hold my interest. However, these details may be useful for people (in USA) thinking of becoming a police officer as they'll get more idea of what to expect.