Bradford-born David Watson joined West Yorkshire Metropolitan Police in his early twenties, after several years working as a carpenter and joiner. After two years' probation 'on the beat' he spent a quarter of a century on patrol in and around the urban areas of Brighouse, Bradford, Shipley and Keighley. At fifty, he took early retirement, intending to travel but a year later whilst cycling in the Scottish Highlands was involved in an accident which left him on a life support system. Only after recovery did he decide to write and share the stories that he had experienced during his police career.