Cop Without a Shield

Robert Randisi (1951-2024) wrote over 650 novels and edited over 30 anthologies. He co-founded Mystery Scene magazine and the American Crime Writers League. In 1981, he founded the Private Eye Writers of America and developed the Shamus Award. We've covered his westerns here at PW, but I've never tried reading his mystery and detective stories and books. I've been on a short-story kick lately, so I pulled Randisi's “Cop Without a Shield”. It was published in the August 1976 issue of Mystery Monthly.

Sergeant Jonas Quarterman fears that a revolving-door court system and judicial restrictions are plaguing the American justice system. He argues that the police are more concerned with avoiding disciplinary action than performing their sworn duties. After being reprimanded for his views and actions, Quarterman finds himself dismissed by the department. He's told his career is over. Quarterman advises Internal Affairs that his “good cop” resides in his character rather than his badge or gun. Thus, the story's title comes to fruition. 

Quarterman wants to avenge the murder of one of his informants. After presenting hard evidence to the department that points to the killers, the department refuses to assist. Quarterman goes to a friend, a former prostitute named Telly, to bait the murderers. At her place, mob enforcers ruthlessly attack Quarterman, but he is one step ahead. With the help of Telly, the bait works and the enforcers are subdued. However, Quarterman's former partner pulls out a wild card. 

“Cop Without a Shield” is 14 pages of intense, thought-provoking crime fiction. There's a unique nuance within the story allowing Quarterman to vent his frustrations about American justice – crooked judges, immoral lawyers, and an overbearing watchdog system that protects criminals. These are debated, hot-take problems that are just as relevant today as they were at time of the publication. Without providing a spoiler, Quarterman's former partner has the same views. Randisi's emphasis is on the good and bad cop and what sets them over the edge - the psychological toll on the officer who feels the need to operate outside of the law. Highly recommended read.