Joseph Wambaugh Quotes

United States, Writer
January 22, 1937

Joseph Aloysius Wambaugh, Jr. is a bestselling American writer known for his fictional and non-fictional accounts of police work in the United States. Several of his first novels were set in Los Angeles, California, and its surroundings, and featured Los Angeles police officers as protagonists. He has been nominated for 4 Edgar awards winning 3, and named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America.

I was never a wet-eyed, passionate writer; I was always a policeman.

Joseph Wambaugh
I certainly believe it's over for the jury system, but we won't admit it for a while.

Joseph Wambaugh
- Over
- Admit
- Jury

I enjoy doing the research of nonfiction; that gives me some pleasure, being a detective again.

Joseph Wambaugh
Every time I write a nonfiction book I get sued.

Joseph Wambaugh
It`s corruption never been systemic, because a fish rots from the head.

Joseph Wambaugh
- Corruption
- Fish
- Rots
When I interview people accused of capital offenses, I never even ask if they did it. I would consider that unprofessional.

Joseph Wambaugh
Probably 95 percent of the things that are written never get on the screen.

Joseph Wambaugh
- Written
- Screen
- Get On
I write a thousand words a day. Nothing will stop me, I mean nothing, until the book is finished. I'm disciplined in spite of myself.

Joseph Wambaugh
- Book
- Write
- Disciplined

Civil servants take forever to do anything.

Joseph Wambaugh
- To Do
- Servants
- Civil
Jury selection is strictly an emotional process. They're looking for people they can manipulate. Both sides are.

Joseph Wambaugh
- Sides
- Manipulate
- Jury