The Other Side of the Line
The book on policing in New Jersey
Longtime PBA member Jim Ford releases must-read autobiography that relates to all officers
Many PBA members might know the stories of Serpico, Donnie Brasco and other famous police officers who have authored autobiographies. Some of these stories have even been adapted to the silver screen.
They probably don’ t know the story of longtime PBA member Jim Ford, though. Or maybe they haven’ t read it yet – but they probably have lived his stories.
In his new book, The Other Side of the Line, Ford, a 26-year member of Chatham Township Local 170, tells tales of community policing and the joy of responding to the calls that don’ t make headlines or national news. He says he wanted to write a book that relates to the everyday law enforcement officer, even knowing that no two days on the job are the same.
“ I always read books about the city cops,” Ford noted.“ I wanted to write something about community policing. It’ s the frequency of it. You’ re not dodging knives and bullets every single day, but things still happen.”
Ford represents three generations of law enforcement. His father, James Ford Sr., and grandfather, Dennis Ford, both served more than 22 years as PBA members with Summit Local 55 and Union County Corrections Local 199, respectively.
The Other Side of the Line is also a testament to his two sons, who both have followed in Ford’ s footsteps on the thin blue line by becoming PBA members. Brian Ford is a detective and member of Florham Park Local 78, and Tim Ford is with Union Township Local 69.
Now entering his 19th year as a criminal justice professor at the College of Saint Elizabeth, Ford has put together a selection of stories from his career in law enforcement before he became an educator.
“ I realized that there was more to the job than the actual job,” Ford explained.“ Now I’ m on the other side of it. I feel blessed to have had two wonderful careers.”
The Other Side of the Line is a book that will have special appeal to members who have a passion for community policing. The stories in the book capture what it’ s like to prepare for the unexpected but spend many days responding to the small calls that make make a world of difference to the people whom law enforcement officers serve. Ford relates this special service through incidents like ones about taking an elderly man to the supermarket, breaking up a domestic argument over laundering socks or running into a burning house and rescuing residents.
Some stories show Ford in situations that not even the police academy could prepare an officer for – like the time he encountered a wild horse running down a busy road.
Ford’ s recollections are exciting, amusing and sometimes sad. But most of all, The Other Side of the Line is a relatable tale for community officers who, even though they have not been involved in a shooting or even a critical incident, are true heroes. d
The Other Side of the Line
A new book by Dr. Jim Ford 26-year member of Chatham Township Local 170 Criminal Justice Professor at College of Saint Elizabeth Special for PBA members $ 19.99 www. drjimmyf. com Copies also available through Amazon or at Barnes & Noble
74 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ AUGUST 2018