Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
It's that time of year again. The time between Thanksgiving and New Years Day when people are out and about more, spending more money, driving a bit crazier, ignoring the weather as they drive crazier, drinking a bit more, arguing with family more... heck, you all know what I'm talking about.
It's the silly season!
This time of year brings an increased need for safety awareness on the part of all officers. Not only do we have to worry about weather related issues such as road conditions and hypothermia, but we also need to tighten up on our officer survival awareness as well (if we've relaxed at all which we
shouldn't). This is the time of year where the common sense of people seems to go out the window and we have to either clean up their mess or deal with their mess in some other way. Typically, especially if they've been drinking, our involvement reminds them that their holiday season isn't pristine and perfect and they resent US for it rather than accepting responsibility for their own actions and the results thereof.
SO... Stay on your toes. Stay alert. Stay alive. Dress properly. Keep your vehicle prepared for the weather. Put a few things in your trunk just in case, i.e., sleeping bag or blankets, a few food items, water (if it won't freeze, keep it inside the passenger compartment if your weather demands it). Keep some spare batteries for your flashlights handy. Clean your weapon and make sure it's properly (but not overly) lubricated. Is it time for new boots? Gloves? Hat? Do what you have to. Make sure you're safe. Make sure you stay healthy.
Make sure you get enough sleep! Many of us work extra secondary employment assignments during this time of year so we have a few extra dollars with which to spoil family. Don't sacrifice sleep - and therefore mental alertness - for that few extra dollars. Your family would rather have YOU Christmas morning than another cool present.
If you work on the holiday itself, remember that just because people are celebrating
doesn't mean they are jolly. The bad guys are just as likely to kill you on Christmas day as they are on any other day of the year. Keep your guard up even as you smile and voice holiday greetings.
For more tips and info, listen to
"The Silly Season" podcast from our Officer.com Radio show December 1. Excellent discussion about safety concerns both for us and the public we serve.
The bottom line? Stay safe. Go home alive.
