David ‘Chook’ Henwood’s memoir is a unique insider's view of New Zealand policing during the evolution of criminal profiling. Spanning nearly four decades of his career, Unmasking Monsters takes us deep into the heart of South Auckland’s law enforcement.
Unmasking Monsters begins in the 1980s, when a serial rapist known as ‘The Ghost’ terrorised South Auckland. David recounts the challenges they faced in trying to identify and apprehend the elusive Joseph Thompson before he struck again. Painstaking investigation finally led to his arrest, and significant changes in policing methods soon followed.
David says the number of criminals who develop into serial rapists isn’t high. But at the time, 30 or 40 rapists were responsible for a large percentage of all the stranger rapes. The details of their crimes were added to their database at the Criminal Profiling Unit.
“We could study their behaviour and know our enemy. It was a time of great change, and I was fortunate (and proud) to be in the right place at this pivotal moment - and up for the challenge,” he says.
You may have seen television shows about criminal profiling, but David shares what really happens on the job. He delves into the everyday realities of police work, from building almost amicable relationships with minor offenders to the relentless pursuit of justice against serious criminals.
“Many retired police officers have considered writing about their experiences during their time in the trenches. Most have turned away from the idea because they realised that most of the many memorable moments from their careers, whether good, funny, bad or sad, simply cannot be told in the public arena and are best kept for banter at reunions among those who were present and can best understand them,” says David.
However, David played a large role in identifying, charging and convicting rapists which helped prevent more innocent lives from being destroyed. David says the work was meaningful, knowing that they were making a difference to the safety of women and girls, as well as providing some closure for victims.
Unmasked Monsters is a must read for anyone interested in New Zealand true crime and law enforcement.
David Henwood served for 37 years in South Auckland before retiring in 2007. He held the rank of Detective Sergeant and was awarded three silver merit awards during his time as an officer. Now in his early 70s, David has six grown up children and lives with his wife in Cambridge.
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy
Allen and Unwin