"Cops never say good-bye. They're always hoping to see you again in the line-up." - Raymond Chandler

In the grimy, rain-soaked streets of 1940s Los Angeles, Philip Marlowe, the hard-boiled detective created by Raymond Chandler, was known for his wry wit and cynical observations. One of his most memorable lines, "Cops never say good-bye. They're always hoping to see you again in the line-up," encapsulates the bleak humor and stark reality of his world. This quote, from Chandler's 1940 novel "Farewell, My Lovely," has become a staple of the classic noir genre, reflecting the author's unique perspective on crime, corruption, and the criminal justice system.

Chandler, an American-British novelist and screenwriter, was a master of the hard-boiled detective story. His work, heavily influenced by the pulp magazines of the time, is renowned for its sharp, snappy dialogue, complex plots, and richly drawn, often seedy, settings. Marlowe, Chandler's iconic detective, is a prototypical noir hero: a world-weary, wisecracking private eye, navigating the treacherous underbelly of LA with equal parts grit and gallows humor.

The quote in question underscores Marlowe's jaded view of the police. For him, cops aren't interested in farewells or final goodbyes. Instead, they're always looking ahead, hoping to see their suspects again, not in a friendly reunion, but in a police line-up - a grim reminder of the cycle of crime and punishment that defines their world.

This sentiment is a reflection of Chandler's own views on the police and the criminal justice system. He was critical of what he saw as their ineffectiveness and corruption, a theme that runs throughout his work. In "Farewell, My Lovely," Marlowe's disdain for the police is evident in his interactions with them. He sees them as more interested in maintaining their power and reputation than in solving crimes or bringing justice to the victims.

The quote also highlights Chandler's use of humor as a coping mechanism in the face of the darkness and violence he often depicted. His wit, though often cynical and biting, serves to leaven the grimness of his stories, making them more palatable to readers. It's a testament to Chandler's skill as a writer that he could make even the bleakest aspects of his stories compelling and engaging.

Today, nearly eight decades after "Farewell, My Lovely" was first published, Chandler's influence on the crime genre is still profound. His work continues to inspire new generations of writers, and his iconic detective, Philip Marlowe, remains a touchstone for private eyes in literature and film. The quote "Cops never say good-bye. They're always hoping to see you again in the line-up" endures as a pithy, memorable encapsulation of Chandler's unique vision and the world he created for Marlowe to inhabit. It serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of his work and the timelessness of his insights into the human condition.