Joseph Wambaugh, LAPD Officer Turned Influential Crime Writer, Dies at 88

The celebrated author of 'The Onion Field' and creator of 'Police Story' redefined the portrayal of police in literature and media.

Joseph Wambaugh passed away from esophageal cancer at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, on February 28, 2025, at the age of 88.
Wambaugh's groundbreaking works, including 'The New Centurions,' 'The Choirboys,' and 'The Onion Field,' transformed the depiction of police officers in fiction and non-fiction alike.
He co-created the Emmy-winning TV series 'Police Story,' which introduced a more nuanced and humanized portrayal of law enforcement on screen.
Wambaugh's writing, informed by his 14 years with the LAPD, focused on the psychological toll of police work, blending dark humor and raw realism.
Survived by his wife Dee, two children, and grandchildren, Wambaugh leaves behind a legacy that influenced crime writers and reshaped public perceptions of policing.