The bloodiest crime in Texas history, and only one man has the guts to solve it. Bank robbery. Jailbreak. massacre. Alone, any one of them would send good folks reeling. But when all three occur in the same night in the same small South Texas town leaving no eyewitnesses behind, it could be the end of the world. Saddler County Sheriff Dell Hoffman is charged with bringing the perpetrators of these horrific crimes to justice, but even the toughest and most cunning lawman in Texas has his limits. With nothing to go on but five bloody bodies, a cracked safe, and an empty jail, Dell works the fringes of his sleepy little western town—among the forgotten, the invisible, and those who often see without being seen. The more he learns, though, the more he wishes he could forget. In search of the truth, Dell finds himself pulled into a dark world of murder, deception, and brutality the likes of which he never imagined. Striking out on his own across the vast Texan prairie, he risks it all in search of justice. Will he solve the most heinous crime in Texas history? Or will Dell's drive for justice lead him to an even greater tragedy for both himself and those he cares for most?

"103 Texas peace officers recount their proudest moments, the most unusual calls they've handled, their worst days on duty, and what gets them through it all." --Introduction.

About the Book The Dark Side of the Badge: A Texas Tragedy exposes the history of the dark side of policing. Drs. Terry and Daphne Free integrate research combined with personal experiences in policing and bring to light stories that happen in policing that never make it to public light, including those stories behind the scenes. Those who are interested in policing will be able to avoid the pitfalls of agencies, and the public will realize the need to elect and hire qualified people in policework, which is of utmost importance. About the Author Both Drs. Terry and Daphne Free are Texas police officers with over twenty-six years of combined experience. They own and operate a martial arts school, security company, and a fire and environmental company. They also both hold Advanced Peace Officer certifications and doctorates in Organizational Leadership.

There is a myriad of little known, often forgotten, and sometimes unbelievable events, places and people that make up the warp and woof of the Texas mystique. This book consists of intriguing facts taken from age-old legends about the people who developed and settled the state. A section called Truth is Stranger than Fiction will defy imagination. The Texas history buff is sure to enjoy Forgotten Footnotes to Texas History. Have You Ever Wondered? will supply answers to questions about certain Texas legends and folklore. Texas: Land of Legend and Lore presents the Texas of fact and fantasy that so captivates the imaginations of Texans and non-Texans alike.

Explores the history of the Texas Rangers from their origin in 1821 to protect the settlers from the Karankawa Indians, and describes how they became one of the fiercest law enforcement groups in America.

The Texas Ranger law enforcement agency features so prominently in Texan and Wild West folklore that its accomplishments have been featured in everything from pulp novels to popular television. After a brief overview of the Texas Rangers' formation, this book provides an exhaustive account of every known Ranger unit from 1823 to the present. Each chapter provides a brief contextual explanation of the time period covered and features entries on each unit's commanders, periods of service, activities, and supervising authorities. Appendices include an account of the Rangers' battle record, a history of the illustrious badge, documents relating to the Rangers, and lists of Rangers who have died in service, been inducted into the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, or received the Texas Department of Public Safety's Medal of Valor.

This book gives an historical overview of all the fifty State Police and Highway Patrol organisations, together with the uniform and badge descriptions and state law enforcement museums where they exist. Includes 218 black & white, 226 coloured illustrations and 81 colour paintings of uniforms and badges.