Rap Sheet - Bio

Kathy Bennett was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California and has lived there all her life. The youngest of three children, she spent a happy childhood with her mom, dad, and sister and brother.

Kathy’s love of books began when she learned to read the adventures of Dick and Jane, Sally and Spot. When she got a little older, Trixie Belden introduced Kathy to the mystery genre. Nancy Drew soon followed. As Kathy got older her favorite stories to read were mystery, romance, and true crime.

Wanting to be a police officer from the time she was twelve, Kathy saw her first Dragnet television show and decided to be the female version of Sergeant Joe Friday.  In an era when most kids were anti-establishment supporting peace, love, and drugs Kathy found Joe Friday cool.

Kathy’s career with the Los Angeles Police Department began in 1973 as a civilian employee, and in 1990 she fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming a sworn police officer. 

When Kathy entered the Police Academy she fully intended on doing her mandatory ‘time on the street’, and then find a nice inside job.  But a funny thing happened.  She liked being a street cop.  Not only that, she was good at it.  Kathy helped to overcome dissension during the Los Angeles riots and helped citizens to piece back together their shattered lives after the Northridge earthquake.  Kathy’s worked at the Police Academy teaching female recruits basic firearms.  She’s worked in the ‘war room’ analyzing crime and directing resources to combat the crooks. 

Prior to her retirement, Kathy worked as a Senior Lead Officer.  Responsible for crime and quality of life issues in her Basic Car Area that covered approximately five square miles of the City of Los Angeles, she directed officers to problem areas and advised them of suspects capering in the Basic Car Area.  She was named Officer of the Quarter twice, and Officer of the Year once.

Currently, Kathy writes a monthly column for the North Valley Community News in the North San Fernando Valley.  Those articles explore life from the perspective of a former cop, reaching out to the public - not only to entertain, but to educate as well.

Kathy is married to a Los Angeles Police Officer, Rick and they have one daughter and one granddaughter.  Kathy has written two romantic suspense manuscripts and is currently revising her third book – a suspense novel.