the protectors

A New Police History Book By
James Bultema

From the Introduction:

Cops really don’t like to be photographed. No, they prefer to do their job with as little fanfare as possible. They put their trust in their partner, their focus on protecting the city and their efforts to get home safely. An occupation that puts ones’ life on the line every day spares little room for the spotlight. So why then, a photographic book about police officers? Simply because they won’t bring attention to themselves. The job they so diligently do each and every day is filled from calls of sheer terror to laugh-out-loud moments, to downright boredom. It is fair to say that only another cop can fully understand the intricacies of being a police officer­­­—until now. The Protectors is a photographic journey, illustrated with moments frozen in time, of our cities' police officers’ path through history, captured through rare and thought-provoking images taken from across the nation.

What are the Critics Saying:

“This book is a window into policing’s past, and James Bultema has curated wonderful photos. Many of the elements I’ve stressed as a police executive—training, technology, community, safety—are reflected thoroughly in James’ book….Although much has changed in our country and our profession over the past century, I’m certain that most law-enforcement officers will relate to many of the pictures James selected….But all the pictures in this book show the reality of police work across the United States, capturing moments of humor or tenderness, stress or danger. Taken together, they convey the passion that police officers have for keeping our country safe and fair, everywhere for everyone.”--William J. Bratton, former Police Commissioner, City of New York

​“Bultema’s book collects photographs from a century-and-half of American law enforcement…the photographs largely speak for themselves and that the immediacy of the images of strikes and riots will allow readers to draw their own conclusions. Anyone perusing this volume, whether a police buff or not, will find photos that spark curiosity and interest. A comprehensive collection of archival, police-related images.” Kirkus Reviews

The Protectors
Reviewed by Matt Sutherland
Foreword Reviews
2017
Law and order, peace and prosperity, these are key elements of that fragile thing called civilization. Here in the US of A, few among us have experienced anything but, and most of the heavy lifting of a functioning society is borne by cops. Raise your glasses, please.
Strikingly, organized law enforcement arrived in the States on the streets of New York City (1845) within the same decade as the daguerreotype process of photography was invented (1839), and the earliest photos in this collection of three hundred are mesmerizing. The accompanying captions and text provide all the needed context, as well as an unexpectedly high level of entertainment. Foreword Reviews
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The author of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the author for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

“The Protectors” is a well-researched history of law enforcement across this country. It is well presented with incredible photos. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in police history.”
--Richard Kalk, Founder of the Los Angeles Police Historical Society & Museum
 
"When I pinned my badge on, I was told 'always look into their eyes and watch their hands.'  The eyes can tell you so much about someone and, when you are looking into the eyes of someone bent on killing you, what a story that officer hopes to live to tell.  Reading The Protectors lets you look into the eyes of the officers from our profession’s earliest years with magnificent photographs that speak volumes to the character and drive of our crimefighters.  Author James Bultema has drawn on his years as a crimefighter and his passion as an historian to take one on a fascinating walk through the beat of the American peace officer."
 --Doug Gist, Historian, Founder of the Silver State National Peace Officers Museum, and author of When San Francisco Burned (2016 Craven Street Books)

Book Review of James Bultema’s new photographic journey back into the 1800s with 308 pages of fascinating images of American Police Officers going about their business. Many of these images have not been previously seen outside the agency itself.
When you sit down to look at it, allow for several pleasant hours, as you won’t want to put it down. Published in 2016, 1st Edition. Foreword to the book is by NYPD former Commissioner Wm. J. Bratton, formerly LAPD Chief of Police.
This book is professionally written by former policeman, Jim Bultema and the images, though old, are clear and interesting to see. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy, or have a family member know that this is what you want for Christmas, Birthdays etc. - - Ray Sherrard, author and police historian.