Tired of the badge? Monica Crawford's story might resonate

Oklahoma police officer Monica Crawford's self-published book, "Thriving Inside the Thin Blue Line: Identifying Abuse, Taking Back Control, and Cultivating Fulfillment In Your Life and Career," offers a surprising perspective. Instead of a celebratory look at police life, Crawford chronicles her disillusionment with the job in just three and a half years. Hired in 2018 by an unnamed Oklahoma agency, her enthusiasm quickly wanes.

This isn't your typical police tell-all. Crawford delves into the mental health toll law enforcement takes, mirroring experiences in Nicholas Ruggiero's "Police Mental Health Barricade" and "Dark Side of the Blue Line." Crawford then details her personal strategies for coping with the stress, ultimately leading her to found Five-0 Fierce and Fit, a coaching and nutrition company focused on first responder health.

"Thriving Inside the Thin Blue Line" compels for two reasons:

• A firsthand look at officer struggles: If you're a cop wrestling with similar issues, Crawford's story might resonate.

• Officer wellness and performance: Crawford argues for a strong connection between a healthy lifestyle and effective police work.

We reached out to an active law enforcement officer to offer his perspective on Crawford's experience with her agency. Lt. Fortson of the Washington County, Maryland, Sheriff's Office, stated, "I just feel these people that hop agencies are not integrated enough or experienced enough to make these kind of conclusions. And instead of being the solution, they jump ship."

An easy read, "Thriving Inside the Thin Blue Line" is particularly relevant for those interested in police reform or first responder well-being. While the title suggests a triumphant journey, Crawford, who has been working for a different agency part-time while running her business, offers a more nuanced perspective on the realities of police life.

From Instagram/Five-0 Fierce and Fit