I like Michael Connelly's books, Bosch and the follow-on Rene' what's-her-name (sorry, Ballard?). But they are much more procedural whereas Wambaugh was much more human nature oriented. His characters - for example, The Oracle and Flotsam and Jetsam from the Hollywood series - are unforgettable. And as I said, funny and sad and tragic all at the same time. I remember one from a book long ago, a victim, The Madonna of the Wogs. And a cop called The Bad Czech who mangled the English language. And another criminal he called The Mother of the Year. Obviously it made quite an impression if I remember that from twenty five years ago and that's a tribute to the writer.
I also remember some reviewer from decades ago fantasizing about a dinner party with Hugo and Tolstoy and Faulkner and Wambaugh.... and it was the reviewer's opinion that Wambaugh would not be out of place. I agree. JMHO....