KN Magazine: Articles
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work: Garrity Warning
An essential guide for crime and thriller writers explaining the Garrity Warning, how it differs from Miranda, and how understanding real police procedure can raise the stakes, realism, and dramatic tension in crime fiction and true crime narratives.
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work: Traffic Stops, Part Two
In this follow-up to last month’s article, former detective David Lane Williams takes writers deeper into the world of real police work. From the nuances of reasonable suspicion to the tactics of safe vehicle approaches, Williams explains the legal, procedural, and tactical realities behind every traffic stop—helping crime and mystery writers bring authenticity and accuracy to their fiction.
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work: Legal Justification for a Traffic Stop
Former police officer and author David Lane Williams explains how traffic stops really work, what makes them constitutionally sound, and why understanding “probable cause” is essential for writers crafting authentic crime, mystery, or thriller scenes.
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work: Why Cops Yell Sometimes—The OODA Loop Phenomenon
In this informative and eye-opening article, David Williams—veteran officer and SWAT medic—explains the psychology behind why police officers raise their voices in high-stakes situations. Through real-life stories and expert insight, he introduces the OODA Loop and explores how understanding this decision-making model can improve both writing and real-world de-escalation.
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work: Six Terms Writers Tend to Get Wrong About Police Work
Want your crime fiction to sound authentic? In this sharp and informative guide, D.L. Williams breaks down six of the most commonly confused criminal justice terms—like jail vs. prison and parole vs. probation—to help writers get the lingo right and elevate their storytelling.
Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work: You Have the Right to Learn About the Miranda Warning
Writers, stop winging police dialogue. If your cop character is cuffing suspects, they’d better know when (and how) to use the Miranda Warning. Here’s what every writer needs to get right about real-world police procedure—and why it matters.
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