William Caunitz

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William J. Caunitz (1933-1996) was a New York police officer who used his own experiences to write best-selling thrillers. After serving in the Marine Corps, and working for an insurance company, he joined the New York police department in his twenties. He first worked as a patroller, and eventually became lieutenant followed by detective squad commander. Caunitz was praised for his "raw authenticity" when describing precinct day-to-day life in his novels, especially for One Police Plaza, which was eventually made into a television movie. His novels usually center around one or two police officers that follow detailed police procedures to solve a crime, and he also used some sensational elements of thrillers.