Cop story author knows well of what he writes

By Daniel Arimborgo

No one could accuse writer Keith Bettinger of being an arm-chair cop.

The cop-story author has nearly a quarter-century of experience being a police officer. He spoke to fans at the Bayside Branch Library last week, describing for them the police novel trade and what it was like being a cop on the beat.

A police officer on Long Island for 23 years, Bettinger saw his share of drama and heartache.