Place yourself in this situation - a young man or woman approaches you and tells you that they have accepted a law enforcement officer’s position and would like your advice. What would you tell them? Occasionally, this will be asked of you by a young person seeking a career or even a friend might approach you about their kid. How brutally honest can you be without scaring the willies out of them and possibly changing their minds? Setting aside how bad of a day you are having, what sterling pieces of advice could you give them to take stock of? Recently, this was asked of me again by a young academy graduate, here is what I told him.
Never Forget Academy Training- the days of forgetting that stuff, here is what the real cops do is over. Most of the cops who say that should go back to the academy. Your academy curriculum has evolved since your dinosaur days. The academy experience is the basic foundation for your career. Yes, some things will never seem to manifest to you. Prepare for the ‘ah-ha moments’ when the instructor’s voice is in the back of your head and a teaching point falls into place.
Trust the process – whether they are in a Field Training Officer (FTO) program or whichever variation or post-academy transition training; they must trust the training process. The department has a process, trainers and a system that are designed to link academy learning towards daily applications. Their success as a self-sustaining officer is end game. It is not to run you off, only to fine tune your skills. Yes, there are stories, but they are rare.
Treat every day as a new learning experience – I was once told that the day you think you know everything about this profession, turn in your shield. Those officers who believe that they know it will get you hurt. Seize opportunities to take classes or gain new certifications. Tip here- do not tell them war stories of the good old days, the procedures, application of laws and life in general do not apply today. Do not confuse them with what it used to be like- they are the future of the profession.
Understand your employee benefits – most young officers do not grasp their employee benefits until it is too late, and it costs them money. If they have a family, they need to know the medical benefits. Take some time to read the benefit package and seek out retirement plan options. You never think about retirement in your 20’s, but you should.
Learn patience – you cannot learn it all in a few months, nor can you ride every exciting call. Their exposure to Policeland will take time, some spend a career and never had a certain type of investigation. After forty years, there are few things I missed out on and am probably better off for it. However, your academy classmate may start off with that very call of a lifetime. The Great Gods of Policeland will deal the cards out to you. Patience is hard to learn- if you get passed-over for an assignment or promotion, hang in there for there will be other days. It is not how you handle getting knocked down but how you handle yourself afterwards.
Do not buy a lot of junk – there are several other articles on this topic. A young police recruit in a cop shop is much akin to a kid in a candy store. Consult your FTO or trusted senior officer before you invest. You make the least money so do not waste it on stuff that you cannot use or will get you in trouble.
Attend or read Below 100 ©– this program has five basic teachings of wear your seat belt, watch your speed, wear your vest, W.I.N. - What’s Important Now and Remember: Complacency Kills! Attend their course offering or seek out their literature. If you apply these basic concepts your overall survival chances will increase. Your safety begins with you and your preparation for every call.
Do not forget partner, family time – you will miss far too much of life due to shiftwork and assignments. Your partner, spouse and family will have your back- do not forget them. Yes, it is exciting hanging out with your cop family, the fraternity of this profession is overwhelming, but you must have balance. Do not forget the ones who got you there and keep the home fires burning.
This is a Profession – I have heard a thousand times, “how long have you been on the job?” First and foremost, this is a profession- to me it was a calling and vocation of life. Professions have rules, standards and ethics. We are not amateurs! Keep your profession in mind at all times, if you let this be good enough for government work and get sloppy, get out now! If we are to hold on to the respect of the public- act professionally in all of your actions.
Maintain your personal ethics - There is not a day that goes by that the news is now relishing in another fallen police officer. Yes, we are all human and life’s temptations can be great. As I have said in the past. When you are faced with a dilemma ask yourself three questions: is it legal, is it fair (to all) and can you explain this to your mother or priest? Not best of three, all three. Do not let our profession’s shields tarnish because of your actions.
Finally, do not take yourself too seriously – take time for yourself. This vocation can be overwhelming. If you see too much of man’s inhumanity, then seek mental counseling. It is not a sign of weakness- for you cannot un-see what you have seen. Should you ever considering taking matters into your own hands – call or reach out! We have lost far too many officers who thought they had no way out. Let us help you, your life is important. In closing, - take time for yourself – laugh a little and enjoy the career.
