William J. Caunitz was a distinguished author, known for his best-selling thrillers that drew from his own experiences as a New York City Police Department officer. Born in Brooklyn, Caunitz joined the NYPD in his twenties after serving in the United States Marine Corps and working for an insurance company. Starting as a patrolman, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Lieutenant and later a detective squad commander during his 30-year career with the N.Y.P.D.
Caunitz's novels are highly regarded for their "raw authenticity," providing vivid descriptions of the day-to-day life of a cop. His works often focus on one or two police officers who follow detailed police procedures to solve crimes. The New York Times has compared Caunitz to Joseph Wambaugh, another prominent crime fiction author. One of Caunitz's most famous novels, "One Police Plaza," was eventually made into a television movie.
Caunitz's writing is known for its sensational elements of thrillers, which add an extra layer of excitement to his stories. His works are praised for their ability to transport readers into the world of law enforcement, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs that police officers face daily.
Sadly, Caunitz passed away in 1996 due to pulmonary fibrosis. At the time of his death, he was working on his last novel, "Chains of Command," which was later completed by Christopher Newman. Caunitz's contributions to the genre of crime fiction will always be remembered, and his legacy lives on through his timeless novels.