'Undercover, you're never just acting; you're only ever a different version of yourself.'

Neil Woods spent fourteen years (1993-2007) infiltrating drug gangs as an undercover policeman, befriending and gaining the trust of some of the most violent, unpredictable criminals in Britain. But Neil was never your stereotypical gung-ho, tough-guy copper. This is the story of how a thoughtful, idealistic character learned to use his empathetic nature to master some of the roughest, most dangerous work in law enforcement. There was no training, no manual and no plan for when things went wrong; he was just dropped at a corner and told to make connections. But, inevitably, having swords thrust against his jugular, witnessing beatings, stabbings, and gangsters burning suspected rats with acid took its toll.

Drawing on Neil's experiences, with the insight that can only come from having fought on the front lines, GOOD COP, BAD WAR is at once a narrative-driven true crime read and a fascinating story of a character under pressure.

My double life undercover with the drug gangs

About the Author
Neil Woods spent fourteen years (1993-2007) infiltrating drug gangs as an undercover police officer - befriending and gaining the trust of some of the most violent, unpredictable criminals in Britain. With the insight that can only come from having fought on its front lines, Neil came to see the true futility of the War on Drugs - that it demonises those who need help, and only empowers the very worst elements in society. Neil is on the board of LEAP (Law Enforcement Action Partnership) in the US and is the Chair of LEAP in the UK. LEAP is an organisation made up exclusively of law enforcement professionals, past and present, who campaign for drug law reforms. He has also starred in Channel 4 Drugs Live.

Reviews
This is the best book ever written about the British war on drugs. -- Johann Hari
Gripping expose of the disastrous reality of the drug war -- Decca Aitkenhead * Guardian *



Book Information
ISBN 9781785032707
Author Neil Woods
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Ebury Press
Publisher Ebury Publishing
Weight(grams) 218g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 126mm * 19mm