Beyond The Call Of Duty

The book used by Thandie Newton to research her part in Line of Duty.

A lone policewoman disarms a knife-wielding schizophrenic; two officers drag a woman from a railway line seconds before an express train roars past; an undercover cop clings onto the bonnet of a drug-dealer's car as it speeds through a busy town centre.

These are just some of the ways Britain's police officers are daily called upon to demonstrate bravery in the line of duty when even the most routine call can turn into a life-or-death situation and split-second judgements can make all the difference. Sometimes officers make the ultimate sacrifice in fulfilling their duty. When PC Bill Parker was swept to his death by floodwaters in Cumbria in 2009, he had been working to save stranded motorists from the same fate.

This thrilling collection of first-person accounts of true courage celebrates the sustained bravery and presence of mind routinely displayed by so many officers in England, Wales and Scotland. The stories also reveal an insider's view of the culture, training and techniques police officers use in carrying out their duties.

“After reading the book I can honestly say what a privilege and honour it is to have been able to contribute to it. The way each story is written really captured the moment and I couldn't help but feel humbled. It really is a fantastic book.”

'I am astounded by the way you told our tale. Absolutely brilliant.' -- Ian Worthington, North Midlands Air Support Very inspirational and shows police officers for what they are - normal people, people who can get hurt. A police officer goes to work every day not knowing what he/she will face. Their bravery should NEVER be underestimated. Fantastically written, you feel like you know the officers - such is the writing style. I like how hard hitting the very real fears/emotions/mindset of the officers involved has been portrayed. Bravo to all those involved. -- C. A. Hobson

Ben Ando has been BBC Crime Reporter since 2008. In a broadcast career spanning nearly 25 years, he has worked for the BBC, ITN, Channel 4 and Sky News. He is also a regular on the radio, with numerous appearances on the Today programme, Radio 5 Live, BBC radio news bulletins and previously Independent Radio News. He has covered some of the biggest stories of recent years including the trial and conviction of serial killer Levi Bellfield, the shocking murders of two French students in South London and the hunt for, and trial of, mass rapist Delroy Grant. Nick Kinsella is a highly respected former Detective Chief Superintendent.

Amazing true stories of Britain's bravest police officers - in their own words The incredible acts of bravery described here reveal in vivid detail the raw courage of police men and women up and down the country who put their lives at risk daily to save others. These stories highlight the physical and mental strength required to prevail against sometimes overwhelming odds in often horrific situations. Through in-depth interviews conducted over the course of a year, journalist Ben Ando and retired Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Kinsella lay bare the innermost thoughts and motivations of those at the heart of these extraordinary events, uncovering in compelling and moving detail what it's really like to be at the sharp end of policing today. Helicopter cops jump into fast-flowing flood waters to rescue a drowning woman A lone policewoman challenges and disarms a knife killer Two officers brave gunfire and petrol bombs to rescue a grievously wounded colleague

The book used by Thandie Newton to research her part in Line of Duty . A lone policewoman disarms a knife-wielding schizophrenic; two officers drag a woman from a railway line seconds before an express train roars past; an undercover cop clings onto the bonnet of a drug-dealer's car as it speeds through a busy town centre. These are just some of the ways Britain's police officers are daily called upon to demonstrate bravery in the line of duty when even the most routine call can turn into a life-or-death situation and split-second judgements can make all the difference. Sometimes officers make the ultimate sacrifice in fulfilling their duty. When PC Bill Parker was swept to his death by floodwaters in Cumbria in 2009, he had been working to save stranded motorists from the same fate.This thrilling collection of first-person accounts of true courage celebrates the sustained bravery and presence of mind routinely displayed by so many officers in England, Wales and Scotland. The stories also reveal an insider's view of the culture, training and techniques police officers use in carrying out their duties.

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