Well, I graduated from the police academy friday night, and took the state exam sunday morning. I am so glad it is over. I passed the state exam with a 92. I already found a job and i start on the 15th Just bought a glock model 22 40 cal and i love it. Now I have to go drop some more bucks on a holster, boots, cuffs, ect. Yes it is a small department. They only supply the uniform.

To all police here, what can I expect from my new career? Is it like any other job where the fun wears off and it gets boring? I'm really excited

 

Just don't pull us diesels over. Pay more attention to the ricers, and punk kids, and just let us cruise on by

 

Learn how to turn off the Management By Intimidation mess when you go home to the family that loves you.

 

Good advice there.

Change out of your uniform before you go home. Helps to shed the days' troubles so you don't bring them home with you. (or the creepy crawlys and diseases (sp)that you can get as well.)

Use your common sense. It is your best tool.

Good luck and stay safe!

 

And turn off the Barney Fiffe mess when you get to work...

 

Talk to Jack. He's a Cop, and he's seen some pretty serious stuff his first few years on.

PM 'administrator'

 

16 years as Security Forces in the Air Force (AF for military policeman). I sub-specialized as a weapons instructor/gunsmith (called CATM-Combat Arms Training and Maintenance) eight years ago, so I don't see the inside of a patrol car much anymore...

 

Perfect advise, listen to him.

Best of luck, and stay safe



Tim

 

Behave like there's a camera and mic on you at all times and never say anything that you wouldn't print in the newspaper. I grew up in a small town, 27 in a 25 would get you a ticket. I went to work in a larger town, 30,000. We would give 20 over before we wrote paper, unless there were P.O.P charges. Learn from everybody and make what they do work for you. Never turn your back on anyone!!!

 

Welcome to law enforcement! Ive been in for 12 years and the thing that has helped me the most is my good wife and kids. Be a good example to them and treat them right. If your family life is in order you will be successful in your employment. Stay safe and never turn your back on anyone.

 

All the above advise is good, the common sence advise is the best IMO, been with the Sheriffs Office for almost 13 years,wow time is flyin. Any way Just remember what the others guys said your wife and kids are not the bad guys.If it is a really bad day take the long way home and cool off. Find a guy in the deaprtment that knows what he is doing and learn from him. Just because they seem smart does not mean they are..... AND NEVER EVER BECOME COMPLACENT ABOUT ANY THING YOU DO.

 

As quickly as you can learn the difference between letter and spirit of the law. Don't compromise safety for policy and always take your work shoes off before coming in your house.

I started with a small department and went on to a much larger department. Large department is good for pay, equipment and readily available backup. Small department made me hone my communication skills and taught me an important lesson early...easier to talk folks into the back seat than it is to fight them into it. Good luck and congrats!

 

old MP, State police, state corrections, state police instructor and general pita, now retired.

fun will come at the right time and place. don't pick yours, let the experienced guys show you. nothing is personal. you can only control your reaction to other people, and be good at it. think- what will solve the problem
or ask them. drunks are always sorry the next day- never get between a man and his woman when they fight, follow protocol. two biggest sources of injury if you don't keep your observation up. you are in control, you set the pace.
and if you have a car video, don't run over the suspect.....lol

Congratulations! it is well worth the education and thank you for putting your life on the line for the public. now get ready to REALLY learn some stuff! heheh

heidi

 

Congrats!
Another vote on not becomeing complacent. Never forget the basics, the shortcuts can turn into the longest minutes of your life. Wait for your backup, a dime bag isn't worth the danger of not waiting for a partner to watch your back. Cuffs and car cages are a false sense of security, don't take your eyes off of them. You've probably heard all this already, but sometimes it helps to have it sink in when it comes from different places. Good Luck.

 

I am retirement eligible in 10 months, after close to 20 years with the Feds. Remember the most important weapon you have is your brain. You can talk your way out of most situations, and those you can't, your reactions will save you based upon training. Listen to your gut feeling, if you feel something isn't right; it probably isn't. Trust your judgement, and commit, as second guessing yourself can be costly. You have to know the law in order to work within it, your defense can not be I didn't know, as that is reserved for the idiots. It is not just a job, it is a way of life, as although you are off duty, those that may bring you harm never are, nor do they care that you are off the clock. I couldn't imagine doing anything else after all these years, but always remember, being a law enforcement officer is a priveledge, not a right. This is a honorable profession, and that is based upon integrity, as without integrity you are just a person with a badge, and there is no honor in that. Remember that you are human, and a little compassion goes a long way. Best of luck, be safe, and be proud!