Joseph Wambaugh is an American author and former police officer, best known for his crime fiction and non-fiction works. Born on March 15, 1937, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he served with the Los Angeles Police Department before turning to writing. His experiences in law enforcement greatly influenced his storytelling, providing authentic insights into police work. Wambaugh gained fame with his novel "The Onion Field," published in 1973, which is based on a real-life murder case. He has written several other popular books, including "The Choirboys" and "Hollywood Station," and is recognized for his ability to blend humor and drama in his narratives.