Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
It's the New Year. The idea of making
New Year's Resolutions is far older than I am and, as I think back on my life, it seems to me that I've made a few every year. Like most of you readers, I've kept some; I've ignored some; I've kept some for brief periods of time or stretched them out until they are habits instead of resolutions. As we move forward into a new decade, especially given the condition of our country in so many ways, it may be one of the best times to makes some New Year's Resolutions,
and stick to them.
As law enforcement professionals there are a few things we should never neglect and if we are then we definitely need to resolve not to anymore. They would include:
Keeping ourselves fit. Our first, best weapon is ourself. Our mind and our body need to be maintained properly so that when we call upon them to perform in emergency conditions, THEY CAN. That means keeping our weight reasonable; maintaining our strength, flexibility and endurance; getting enough sleep each night; eating properly. You've heard all this before.
Keeping our equipment maintained. The last thing any of us needs to do is lose a fight with a bad guy, or not be able to call for assistance, because through our own neglect our gear isn't working right. Just do it.
Maintaining perishable skills. Shooting is a perishable skill. If you don't practice, your skill will diminish. Fighting is a perishable skill. If you don't train to fight you'll more likely lose the fight when the time comes. Communications, believe it or not, is a perishable skill. Conversation is a two-way thing: not you talk and they listen. Much can be learned by listening carefully, reading between the lines (or lies) and saying something that serves the specific purpose you intend.
Supporting our brothers and sisters. All too often I read or hear debates between different kinds of cops: policed vs. deputies; either vs. corrections; city vs county vs state vs federal. HEY! News flash. We are ALL brothers and sisters in blue. If we can't get along with each other, how can we fight together against all those who would target us.
BEING AWARE. We have seen far too many LE deaths in the past few weeks (one is too many but we've seen them happening in groups) STAY ALERT - STAY ALIVE. On duty, in uniform or out, don't let your own relaxed outlook cost you. Off-duty remember that there are still bad guys all around you and your family. STAY ALERT - STAY ALIVE.
There are more. You already know them. Don't commit any of the ten deadly errors. Train hard. Train like you fight. Harder training makes for easier battles.
It's a new year. Ten years ago, within a week as I type this, the whole world was ready to end because of the
Y2K glitch. It didn't happen. As we enter the new decade our world is facing new challenges: financial and security ones. Be prudent. Be aware. Manage your emotions and your actions. Stay professional.
Most of all...
Have a
SAFE and
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
