"I found very few compelling photographs of the Milwaukee Police Department in local library and historical collections," she says. "I was disappointed because so many of them were of unidentified officers, places and events. I wondered if a book such as this could be done. Shortly thereafter, I discovered the rich collection of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society.

"They have preserved thousands of negatives, prints and slides that I looked through before I settled on the photos used in the book. It was very difficult choosing what to include. Many outstanding photographs were candidates, approximately 450 in the first cut. In the second cut, I narrowed the field to about 300. It took another three weeks to make the final decision on the photos finally chosen for the book. That was difficult."

So, how did she decide which photographs would make the cut?

"I selected photographs that best illustrate significant events in Milwaukee's history and the development of the police department and organized them chronologically," Wellauer-Lenius says.

"During the selection process, I tried to decide objectively what would be of greatest interest to readers and evaluated the impact of each image accordingly. The photographs work together to convey the image of a progressive well-trained, well-staffed and well-equipped urban police force."

After spending countless hours researching photos, personal stories and the overall history of the Milwaukee Police Department, Wellauer-Lenius says she finds a continuity that can be traced from the department's earliest incarnations to today.

"I see the same commitment in the department today to faithfully serve and protect the community as ever. Officers are motivated by the same noble ideals and bolstered by a strong code of ethics that have characterized the force since its inception.

"One difference from past to present may be that years ago, policemen had an overwhelming workload with little off-time, but they enjoyed a great amount of respect. Today, it may be reversed. Although officers still have many responsibilities and the job is stressful, they often do not get the respect they deserve for their efforts. Their spirit is derived from the community they serve and protect.

That said, they also have an obligation to conduct themselves in an exemplary way to court respect. Policemen are an integral part of Milwaukee's fabric and they insure our quality of life."

In addition to recounting the history of Milwaukee's police, Wellauer-Lenius says she hopes the book will help readers connect with officers past and present.

"I hope that readers will make a connection with the human side of the officers and appreciate their commitment to service and dedication to duty."