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The Blue Journey

The First 20

Memoirs of a Cop’s Cop

Mike Geier

9:41

Chapter 1

Mike Geier

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The Blue Journey

Memoirs of a Cop's Cop

By Mike Geier

“I am privileged to have met Mike Geier years ago through a partnership with our non-profit organization. Throughout the years, I have found Mike to be a man of great integrity and compassion, and is one who deeply loves his community, in uniform and out. Through Mike's story, The Blue Journey, one will witness a powerful example of what it looks like to persist in one's calling, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Mike's memoirs prove that a heart to impact the world, coupled with unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and great determination will leave a beautiful legacy that will go on for generations to come.”
Valerie Jameson
President and Founder, Stand True 4 Blue
“An actual 'cop's cop' book from start to finish. A refreshing life story about honor, integrity, and selfless service. Having known and worked for Chief Geier (Ret.) for many years, he is true to his word and cares deeply for others, as is exemplified through the pages of this fantastic book.”
Adam Anaya
Deputy Commander, Albuquerque, NM Police Department; Chief Warrant Officer 2, New Mexico Army National Guard

“I am privileged to have met Mike Geier years ago through a partnership with our non-profit organization. Throughout the years, I have found Mike to be a man of great integrity and compassion, and is one who deeply loves his community, in uniform and out. Through Mike's story, The Blue Journey, one will witness a powerful example of what it looks like to persist in one's calling, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Mike's memoirs prove that a heart to impact the world, coupled with unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and great determination will leave a beautiful legacy that will go on for generations to come.”
Valerie Jameson
President and Founder, Stand True 4 Blue
“An actual 'cop's cop' book from start to finish. A refreshing life story about honor, integrity, and selfless service. Having known and worked for Chief Geier (Ret.) for many years, he is true to his word and cares deeply for others, as is exemplified through the pages of this fantastic book.”
Adam Anaya
Deputy Commander, Albuquerque, NM Police Department; Chief Warrant Officer 2, New Mexico Army National Guard
“I worked together with Mike back around 1999-2002 in the APD Gang Unit. His chapter in The Blue Journey on the gang unit brought back some good memories. Mike was my mentor and guided not only me, but hundreds of officers during their careers. He helped numerous officers prepare for promotional tests, many of whom went on to advance through the ranks and become outstanding leaders in their own right. Mike's book tells the story of a true 'cop's cop.' It contains a first-hand, accurate depiction of what challenges, risks, trials, and tribulations police officers face in their careers. He not only presents entertaining real life stories based on his experiences but also offers personal insight from a lessons-learned perspective for the reader. This book tells what it is like to be a great cop and great leader. Mike's story is truly informative and inspirational and hopefully will encourage others in our profession to follow his example and honorably serve and protect our communities.”
Louie Sanchez
Retired Albuquerque Police Lieutenant; City Councilor, City of Albuquerque, NM
“I recently finished reading The Blue Journey by Mike Geier. For the first 20 years of my career as a police officer, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Mike and for Mike after he was promoted. He has been my friend for most of my adult life. When he and his family moved to New Mexico in 1994, it was a very depressing time for me and many other officers with the Wilmette Police Department. He would truly be missed. If you have never been in law enforcement, this book will give you an extremely accurate understanding of the life of a police officer. If you have had a career as a police officer, you will be able to relate to just about every story Mike has penned. You might even say to yourself, 'Been there, done that.' Mike was the finest police officer I have ever worked with. His dedication, knowledge, compassion, and understanding were the driving forces that enabled him to work relentlessly at his job. He created a work environment that made other officers want to do a better job. You just wanted to be around Mike while working, hoping that some of that stuff would rub off on you. Fortunately, it frequently did.”
Jeff Green
Retired, Wilmette, Illinois Police Department
“The Blue Journey allows the reader to ride along with Mike though his personal life and law enforcement career. Drawing the reader in with his down-to-earth storytelling, his recollections run the gamut from comical, to tragic, to compassionate, all while humanizing the badge and offering real life insights. He provides a unique perspective of how policing has changed over his 40+ years on the force and how he was able to adapt throughout the decades. Mike proves that, when you are called to a life of servitude, there is rarely a dull moment.”
Jessica Mourning
Stand True 4 Blue member
“I knew Chief Geier was a 'cop's cop' upon my first encounter with him when I was a recruit with my field training officer. He was the lieutenant/watch commander when we heard him call out in a foot chase. My appreciation of him, his knowledge of policing, and his commitment to raising the standards of the profession are fully validated by this passionate memoir of his life on the street.”
Thomas Grover
Attorney and former Albuquerque Police Department Sergeant
“THE BLUE JOURNEY: Memoirs of a Cop's Cop is a wonderful, telling book of the daily life of a cop who served in three very different police departments, rising to the highest position in two of these agencies. The Blue Journey is an easy read where Mike Geier provides a down-to-earth description of what a dedicated cop does to protect and serve the people of his community on a day-to-day basis. He demonstrates what it requires to be a leader and hold cops accountable in an ever changing society. Geier's book is a true story and a must read. Mike Geier is a rare combination—a street cop and a fine writer providing his assessments and experiences of being a 'cop's cop' while maneuvering through the mire of a political environment.”
Bob Martinez
Retired Senior Executive, United States Department of Justice, Past President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Albuquerque Chapter
“I first met Mike Geier as a rookie with the Wilmette Police Department in the mid 1970's. He had just left the Detective Bureau and was back in the Patrol Division. I was lucky to ride with him for a few shifts back then. I knew right away that he was a one-of-a-kind cop. I looked to him as a role model and mentor during my career. His book takes you on a journey from the early seventies to 2020, describing the realities of policing through those five decades. Geier provides a unique insight of policing through his entertaining, well told, and real life collection of 'war stories' that brought back fond memories of my own career. Mike was a close friend, and I even mentioned him when I spoke at my dad's funeral. This book should be a must read for both the average citizen and criminal justice professionals.”
Terry Fitzpatrick
Wilmette Police Department, retired police officer
“Chief Geier's book gives the invaluable steps of character development by walking us through his life's ups and downs—never ignoring the wisdom that comes from the grace of God. Kudos to Chief for writing a genuine and candid book that peels back the layers of his success...from one meaningful struggle to the next.”
Oscar Solis
Law Enforcement Torch Run Operations Director, Special Olympics New Mexico
“I am privileged to have met Mike Geier years ago through a partnership with our non-profit organization. Throughout the years, I have found Mike to be a man of great integrity and compassion, and is one who deeply loves his community, in uniform and out. Through Mike's story, The Blue Journey, one will witness a powerful example of what it looks like to persist in one's calling, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Mike's memoirs prove that a heart to impact the world, coupled with unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and great determination will leave a beautiful legacy that will go on for generations to come.”
Valerie Jameson
President and Founder, Stand True 4 Blue
“An actual 'cop's cop' book from start to finish. A refreshing life story about honor, integrity, and selfless service. Having known and worked for Chief Geier (Ret.) for many years, he is true to his word and cares deeply for others, as is exemplified through the pages of this fantastic book.”
Adam Anaya
Deputy Commander, Albuquerque, NM Police Department; Chief Warrant Officer 2, New Mexico Army National Guard

Be first to read it

The Blue Journey

Behind every headline about crime, every police tape, every badge, there are human beings who chose to walk toward the danger everyone else runs from. Most people see law enforcement from the outside, through a windshield or a news screen. What they rarely see is the weight of the years, the calls that never leave you, the slow climb from patrol officer to the desk where the hardest decisions land. Mike Geier lived all of it, and The Blue Journey is his account of a career built from the ground up, ending at the chief of police of APD. This is not a polished institutional story. It is raw and real, the kind of account that can only come from someone who was actually there. Geier writes from inside the work, the crime scenes, the politics, the grief, and the moments of unexpected grace that keep good officers going. He does not dress it up. He tells you what it cost and what it meant. You do not need to agree with every decision, or understand every call, to finish this book with something you did not have before: genuine respect for the people who put on the uniform and stay. That respect is not complicated to give. It only takes knowing the truth.

Inside this book

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Chapters

N° 01

The First 20

Geier emphasizes the crucial nature of taking the first steps in any journey, framing these initial actions as key to personal growth and exploration amidst uncertainties that lie ahead.

N° 02

Destiny

Exploring the interplay of choice and fate, Geier reflects on pivotal moments from his youth, detailing his journey toward becoming a police officer and the lessons learned from both missteps and successes.

N° 03

Congratulations, You’re a Cop

With excitement and pride, Geier recounts his first day as a police officer, sharing the camaraderie he built with colleagues and the challenges that defined his early experiences on the job.

N° 04

Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth

Geier reflects on his dedication to law enforcement during critical moments of his early career, underscoring the emotional challenges he faced while honoring the legacy of fallen officers.

N° 05

Now You’re One of the Dicks

Navigating the complexities of juvenile crime as a detective, Geier shares significant cases and highlights the importance of respectful treatment and procedural justice in his interactions with youth.

N° 06

Back to the Blues

Geier recalls his return to street patrol, illustrating resilience and adaptability as he confronts various incidents and collaborates with younger officers to combat rising crime.

N° 07

Men in White

As a newly promoted sergeant, Geier emphasizes leadership, community policing, and the importance of trust-building as he navigates the challenges of managing officers and dynamic police work.

N° 08

Becoming a Leader

Geier reflects on his leadership journey, advocating for modernized police training and ethical practices while sharing personal anecdotes that shaped his commitment to serving the community.

N° 09

The Transformation

Experiencing personal and professional growth, Geier revitalizes himself during a break in Florida, returning to intensified enforcement efforts that lead to significant community protection achievements.

N° 10

New Horizons

Geier begins to explore new opportunities and personal development, hinting at insights about navigating challenges and embracing the excitement of pursued paths.

N° 11

The Oldest Rookie

Reflecting on a significant transition, Geier shares the emotional challenges and determination faced as he becomes the oldest rookie at the Albuquerque Police Academy, ultimately excelling in his training.

N° 12

The Dark Ages

Geier recounts gripping encounters that highlight the complexities of law enforcement, including a harrowing standoff with a suicidal youth. These narratives reveal his evolving understanding of police work amidst significant psychological challenges and the ever-present danger of the job.

N° 13

Prove Yourself to Yourself, Not Others

Geier shares his experiences during night shifts with the Northeast Area Command, detailing tense encounters and the psychological toll of policing. He emphasizes personal accountability and the journey of proving oneself through action, inspired by the mentorship he received.

N° 14

Gang Life: Family, Friends, and Violence

Geier immerses readers in the complexities of gang life in Albuquerque, detailing his work in the Gang Unit and efforts to educate the community. The chapter provides a raw look at a significant case and highlights the personal toll of policing amid gang violence.

N° 15

The Negotiator

Sergeant Matt Lyons narrates the emotional challenges of negotiating life-threatening situations, showcasing how empathy and communication can save lives. He advocates for compassionate policing approaches, emphasizing the importance of understanding over force.

N° 16

Onward and Upward

Geier underscores the value of continuous learning and mentorship in law enforcement, sharing insights from his rise through the ranks. His commitment to community safety and personal growth drives initiatives like the successful Party Patrol program.

N° 17

The Dark Side of Violence

Geier reflects on his promotion to Captain and the painful realities of violent crime, detailing significant cases such as the Arlington Molester and the West Mesa murders. He advocates for victim support and public awareness to combat the darkness of violence.

N° 18

Welcome to the War Zone

Mike Geier reflects on his challenging return as Area Commander in Albuquerque's Southeast Area Command, navigating high crime rates and community struggles while implementing innovative policing strategies and addressing internal misconduct to foster public trust.

N° 19

Welcome to the City of Vision

As Geier embarks on his tenure as Chief of Police in Rio Rancho, he faces a resistant department while grappling with the profound loss of two officers, using their legacies to inspire reform and improve community relations amidst the challenges of law enforcement.

N° 20

The Final Act

The narrative reaches its climax as Geier highlights the transformative journeys of key characters, exploring themes of redemption and connection as they confront their fears, culminating in significant personal revelations and a resolution of conflicts.

N° 21

Top Gun

Mike Geier's ascension to Chief of Police in Albuquerque reveals his ambitious strategies for reforming the department, focusing on community policing and technological advancements to ensure accountability and public safety amid rising crime rates.

N° 22

The Dance

Reflecting on a tumultuous final year, Mike Geier navigates the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest, revealing the complexities of reforming police practices while contending with internal resistance and a deeply polarized political landscape.

N° 23

We Are All in This Together

Reflecting on a tragic accident that claimed the life of six-year-old Joel Muma, Geier navigates the complex aftermath as Interim Chief of Police in Albuquerque, forging a partnership with the Muma family to promote healing and reform within the department in Joel's honor.

N° 24

This Is Where the Cowboy Rides Away

Geier's final months as chief of the Albuquerque Police Department are marked by unprecedented challenges, including the pandemic and civil unrest, as he navigates systemic issues and critiques the detrimental effects of strict federal oversight on both officers and community safety.

N° 25

Police Bloopers and Shenanigans

Highlighting the role of humor in law enforcement, Geier shares personal anecdotes that illustrate how laughter serves as a crucial coping mechanism for officers facing the harsh realities of their job, fostering resilience and camaraderie amidst stress and trauma.

N° 26

Epilogue: Reflections

Geier reflects on his life and the enduring influence of his mother, emphasizing the values of perseverance and service she instilled in him. He poignantly shares memories of her support, culminating in a call to honor those connections that define true success.

N° 27

Final Words

Geier candidly discusses the challenges he faced in his final months as a police officer, shedding light on mismanagement and corruption that impacted his work. Through personal anecdotes, he seeks to convey the emotional toll of his experiences and the broader systemic issues within policing.

About the author

Mike Geier

Former Chief of Police, ABQ, NM

Mike Geier is the former Chief of Police of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), with a law enforcement career spanning nearly 47 years. He began his career in 1974 with the Wilmette, Illinois Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant after 20 years. He later joined APD, where he served in numerous leadership roles before becoming Chief of the Rio Rancho Police Department and ultimately returning to lead APD from 2017 to 2020. Throughout his career, Geier held key positions in anti-crime, gang enforcement, crisis negotiations, emergency response, violent crimes, and area command. As Chief, he helped drive crime reduction, strengthen community relations, reform use-of-force policies, and implement new public safety initiatives. Now retired, Mike remains active as a fitness enthusiast and competitor in national and international police Olympics. He is also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.