About the Book
"POLICING IS ON THIN ICE. It's up to us to reimagine what happens next." -Jeff Wenninger
On Thin Ice delivers an unflinching look inside the American law enforcement from a voice who's lived it. With over 30 years in the LAPD and direct oversight of more than 700 use-of-force cases, nationally recognized expert Jeff Wenninger exposes the toxic culture, outdated training, and leadership failures that continue to shape modern policing.
Drawing on firsthand experience, expert interviews, academic research, and historical context, Wenninger traces the troubled evolution of policing-from its roots in American slave patrols and Sir Robert Peel's founding principles to today's militarized, crisis-prone reality. He takes readers inside pivotal moments: the Rodney King Riots, the Rampart scandal, the Uvalde school shooting, the Butler, Pennsylvania assassination attempt, the New Orleans New Year's Day terror attack, and the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Each case reveals deep gaps in coordination, preparedness, and accountability.
INSIDE, JEFF EXPLORES:
How poor leadership and entrenched mindsets have eroded public trust
Why policing's complex legacy derives racial disparities and aggressive tactics
The urgent need for cultural transformation grounded in judgement, integrity, and meaningful collaboration
What U.S. law enforcement can learn from international models that prioritize restraint, transparency, and trust.
Wenninger doesn't offer easy answers or partisan soundbites. Instead, he invites readers into the hard conversations that are too often avoided-conversations grounded in empathy, mutual respect, and the shared goal of safer communities. On Thin Ice is a powerful call to Reimagine Policing (TM)-not through slogans or surface-level reforms, but through honest dialogue shaped by the people it affects most.
About the Author :
Jeff Wenninger is a retired LAPD lieutenant, acclaimed law enforcement expert, and founder of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC. Wenninger brings over thirty years of frontline law enforcement experience to this discussion, having risen through the ranks of the Los Angeles Police Department to become a respected lieutenant. Renowned for his leadership in critical situations and his unrelenting commitment to accountability, Jeff's career is defined by a dedication to bridging the divide between law enforcement and the communities it serves. As the founder and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC., Jeff is a sought-after expert witness, consultant, and speaker, working alongside law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, and policymakers to reimagine policing for a modern world. His work focuses on fostering trust, raising professional standards, and advancing public safety through actionable, community-centered solutions. In On Thin Ice: An LAPD Veteran's Journey to Reimagine Policing, Wenninger offers a powerful and unfiltered account of his decades-long career and the critical lessons learned along the way. Blending hard-earned insights with a bold vision, he challenges readers to rethink what policing can be-and should be-in the twenty-first century.
Review :
"On Thin Ice is a fascinating and compelling story about one person's journey in law enforcement and a thoughtful, intricate, and insightful roadmap of the steps needed to address the problems in American policing. Jeff and I worked at LAPD during a time of upheaval and change. We saw firsthand how organizational negligence and the old way of doing things impact not only public trust but officers' physical and mental health. As a retired lieutenant and current police best practices expert, I not only recommend this book to those outside of the profession but firmly believe it should be essential reading for those starting a career that is incredibly rewarding, if done the right way. Thank you, Jeff, for having the courage to speak the truth." -Adam Bercovici, Lieutenant, LAPD (Ret.)
"On Thin Ice is a powerful and passionate testament to Jeff's three decades in law enforcement, spanning from his early days at the LA Sheriff's academy to his role as a respected LAPD lieutenant and nationally recognized consultant. By sharing his deeply personal stories and lessons, Jeff provides a trusted guide for law enforcement professionals at every rank. This book is both an inspiration and a call to action for anyone committed to excellence, accountability, and building lasting trust with the communities they serve."
-Ralph Ornelas, Former Chief of Police, Westminster PD and Commander, LA Sheriff's Department (Ret.)
"On Thin Ice is a riveting and honest account of one LAPD veteran's transformation from hockey player to law enforcement leader. With gripping personal stories and hard-earned insights, Jeff challenges us to reimagine the future of policing in America at a critical time in our history. This book isn't just a memoir; it's a bold blueprint for justice, accountability, and change." -Dr. Michael Ayalon, CEO of Greek University
"On Thin Ice is an unflinching, necessary call to rethink how we police, how we lead, and who we serve. Having personally spent more than two decades in law enforcement, I recognize myself-and the culture I came up in-on every page. Jeff is deeply committed to confronting the difficult conversations law enforcement too often avoids, exposing the systemic failures that have long gone unchallenged while pushing us toward meaningful change. This is a must-read for anyone in public safety who believes that real courage lies not just in holding the line, but in the willingness to change." -Michelle J. Caron, Inspector, DC Metropolitan PD (Ret.)
