AUDIOBOOK IN DEVELOPMENT! Estimated release date in Fall of 2026! Look for it on Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books.

D. W. Sumner, who has spent several decades in law enforcement, has completed his latest book. “Tales of an Average Giant”: a compelling assortment of amusing stories and memories from the author’s
career in law enforcement that explores just how hilarious law enforcement can be.

Here's a quick sample:

After Jeff was secured in the patrol car and I had reassured him that I was not charging him with assault, the officers transported him to the hospital for observation and mental evaluation, as is protocol.

The shift supervisor waited with me for EMS while I called the chief to let him know.

I can only imagine how that call sounded to him, but the following is how my side of the conversation went.

“Hey, Chief, it’s Dave. I just need to advise you that I got stabbed on a suicide call, but I’m okay. No one else is hurt, and the student is going to the hospital for evaluation… What happened? He is a furry bear, and he can’t find any other bears to have sex with. We bum-rushed him since he wouldn’t drop the knife, and it ended up in my arm.” I turned my arm to look at it as I was talking to the chief.

“Nah, I don’t even feel it, and it isn’t really bleeding that much. EMS will wrap it up for me… Yeah, a furry bear… No, this isn’t a joke.”

That’s one of my favorite stories. I usually start it by pointing at my little scar and saying, “You want to hear about my bear attack?”

-from "Tales of an Average Giant"


Author D. W. Sumner’s career began in 1993 in southern Alabama, where he worked for sheriff’s departments, rural police departments, and university police departments. He held the ranks of patrol officer, crime prevention officer, field training officer, investigator, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and acting chief of police. His career achievements include international, national, and regional awards, as well as authorship of several procedural books and college courses. After leaving law enforcement in 2019, the author has had similar success as a corporate trainer and training manager.


“Law enforcement is a dangerous, all-consuming life,” writes Sumner. “It’s more than a job, it's a life. The good news is that it provides you with hilarious experiences you can't possibly imagine".


“This book contains some of the more memorable and enjoyable events of my twenty-year career. Most cops call these war stories, and we tend to just share them among other officers. However,
this book is your peek behind the curtain; and hopefully, it will brighten your day and your understanding of the job".


“Trust me—you’ll enjoy it.”


Published by Newman Springs Publishing, D. W. Sumner’s engaging series will captivate readers as they explore this unique behind the scenes look at what law enforcement agents face every day in their line of work in order to serve and protect their communities.


Readers who wish to experience this inspiring work can purchase “Tales of an Average Giant” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iBooks Store, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.