Unwritten Rules Rookies should know....

[Dukeboy01]

Like most officers who have been the police for five years or more, I became concerned over the lack of common sense displayed by some of our new officers. I decided that the failing wasn't necessarily the rookie's fault, but probably their FTO's for not informing them of the "rules." In that spirit, I offer a few lessons you rookies should take to heart.

1. Out here, everybody lies.
Out on the street, every non-police person you come in contact with will lie to you. The criminals will lie to you because they have to. The victims will lie to you out of embarrassment, to hide their own criminal activity, and to hide all the stupid things they did that led to their being victimized in the first place. Witnesses and other citizens will lie to you just for fun. Always know and just accept that you are never, ever being told the whole story.

2. They lied to you during training.
Most of what you learned in during training will need to be forgotten. Most of what you learned in traing doesn't work. For example, unlike during training with your classmates, the bad guys on the street will not hold still long enough for you to scream, "Stop, stop, stop!", step back, and deliver a perfect knee strike to the bad guy's common peroneal.

3. Never take the word of a drunk person over that of a sober person.
I cannot count the number of times I have watched a rookie agonize over who to believe in a dispute between a drunk and a sober person. Simplify your life. The drunk is always wrong. The drunk is drunk and therefore, can't remember what happened anyway. Referring back to rule #1, his drunken lies will be stupid and insulting, while the sober person's lies will probably be better thought out and plausible. If you know somebody in the disorder needs to go to jail, and you can't decide which one, take the drunk.

4. Civilian ridealongs are not your friends.
My department tends to assign civilian riders to new officers, presumably because they will be more eager to get into stuff, and also because the old heads won't take them. Treat the civilian rider, especially one you didn't bring with you but was approved through the chief's office as a spy. Do not tell them war stories about how you and several other officers beat some thug down. Do not show the ridealong all the cool places where you and you partners go to hide when you don't have a call and want to slack off. Assume that everything you say to them will make it's way back to the chief because it will. Your ridealong may not personally care about the guy you and your buddies had to beat down, but if it's a good story, they'll tell a friend, who'll tell a friend. Remember that "Kevin Bacon" game. Everyone in your city is only six relationships away from your chief and probably quite less.

Okay, I've got the ball rolling. Any "old heads" want to add on to this list, feel free to do so.

[ateamer]

5. Sit back and listen to the veterans. If you really did know everything about being a cop, they would have sent you straight to being chief. God gave you two ears and one mouth because He wanted you to listen twice as much as talk.

6. Some night, someone will try to kill you. You do not when, who or where. Therefore, consider everyone with whom you come in contact to be a potential threat. That doesn't mean you draw down on a soccer mom in a minivan, but NEVER let your guard down. Like Rowdy Roddy Piper says, just when you think you know the answers, we change the questions.

7. If you need help, ask for it. That goes for everything from asking your sergeant for advice on a minor case where you are confused to calling for Code 3 cover when facing a threat. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

8. NEVER, EVER lie. That is the one thing that will absolutely for sure get you fired. If your FTO, sergeant or IA questions you, tell the truth. They most likely already know the answer.

9. Have fun with the job and don't take yourself too seriously. This doesn't mean be unsafe, just don't get uptight and think that we are on a crusade. Loosen up, see the humor in ugly situations and fine-tune your sense of the ironic.

[SGT Dave]

Damn good points, guys!

I'm still pondering on my points to mention (wouldn't want to forget something!)

[SWAT1]

ateamer
Point 9 Brings back the first thing I was told by my FTO back in 77. "Remember, too many people treat this joke like a job!"
So True! :D

[MI_Five-O]

Let's hear some more. I am learning more here than I did at the academy :D

[shooter1201]

10. If you think someone is watching you....they are.

[Don]

11 THE FNG BUYS THE DONUTS AND COFFEE! :D

12 Never, ever, under ANY circumstances stop your radio car in such a position that your FTO has to step into a mud puddle when getting out of the car! :eek:

[Summer Rain]

Originally posted by Dukeboy01:
<STRONG>
1. Out here, everybody lies.
</STRONG>

I know that a couple of stops I've been on that if I hadn't been with one of the seasoned officers, the person I stopped may have gotten over on me. I can think of quite a few instances that I realized, after the fact, that I had been lied to. My very good friend who is an officer in a neighboring PD told me "Summer, it's the badguy's job to lie to you and it's your job to find out the truth." So true. I would like to give an example:

I few months ago I stopped a black Lexus for running a stop sign. When I get to the vehicle I realize that I know this guy (I work in the vicinity in which I grew up in so 8 out of 10 people I stop, I know... the other 2 out of those 10 I'm most likely related to!) Anyway, I realize that I know this guy through my ex boyfriend. I also know the passenger. I decide at that point that I'm still going to write him a citation because he blew the stop sign with such disregard that I couldn't fathom letting him get off with just a warning. I ask him for his license and he tells me that he doesn't have them on him. I get his name and D.O.B. so I can do a BMV check. I'm a little unsure of his real first name because I know him mostly by his nickname and the D.O.B he gave me seemed to make him a little younger than I thought he was. Lo and behold the dayum BMV's computer system is down, so I write him for the stop sign and send him on his way.

40 minutes later, when the computer comes back up, the registration for his car comes back to him and his girlfriend (who I also know) Now I remember his real name because it came up with the registration and guess what... it's not the name he gave me :mad: Guess what else? He has no dayum license and to add insult to injury... he had warrants :eek: Boy I was ****ed. But that taught me to stop taking things for granted. Eventhough I couldn't do anything about getting the info back so late, I didn't thing that he would lie to me.

Thanks for starting this post, I look forward to more responses! You don't know how helpful this info is (well, I guess you do know or else you wouldn't have posted :) )

[ 02-25-2002: Message edited by: Summer Rain ]

[SGT Dave]

Good lesson, Summer. I've learned the hard way many times also. Also, I sometimes have to RELEARN. I had two that I should have arrested that (I found out later) gave me a false name in one week! One I've caught and lawed (she got to stay in jail a while... {teras, tears, crying, tears...} )

Unfortunately, this applies to use of force also-often someone has to get hurt before it clicks with them how fast we must go hands on to KEEP from getting hurt.

On the guy, did you go back and law him, or at least arrange for it with another officer and agency? With me, if you screw me, I'll see that you have what's legally coming to you, if I have to work OT. Don't let them have the last laugh.

[SGT Dave]

1. Go Home At The End Of Your Shift-

That's the first rule of law enforcement-that you go home at the end of your shift.
Officer Jim Malone (Sean Connery)
The Untouchables (1987)

Enough said. However, I’ll give my thoughts on it. It is proven that officers intently focused on going home, with the mentality “I WILL not die here on the street” will be more apt to survive deadly encounters, and FAR more likely to survive a potentially deadly wound. Officers have survived being shot to the heart, brain, etc. You MUST adopt the mentality and motto: “They WILL NOT HURT ME-I MY GOING HOME TO MY FAMILY!”

Many officers point out picking something that means the most to you-a spouse, kids, a parent, a DOG, and focusing on that when shot, stabbed, ran over, whatever, and credit that focus toward keeping them alive. I can’t begin to tell you of the officers who have lived through bad injuries and said they just refused to die.

I read a story once by an American who joined the Rhodesian Army in the 70’s looking for action. In an encounter with a terrorist, he took SIX AK-47 ROUNDS to the legs and torso, and lived and is totally 100% recovered. Being shot does NOT, BY ANY STRETCH of the imagination, equal “dying.” Don’t give up. Be like the cab driver who was shot and SWALLOWED the bullet, and fought back, and lived. Be like SGT Roy Benavidez: http://www.mishalov.com/Benavidez.html
Remember, “small arms fire” means 7.62 RIFLE ROUNDS, not the .38 lead round nose of some crackhead, and “killed his opponent” meant “brutally beat him to death in vicious hand-to-hand combat, after being shot, stabbed, etc.”

Get mad if you have to, BUT NEVER FREAKING GIVE UP. I’m going to die on a boat, in my sleep, in the Caribbean, after retirement, and my girlfriend is going to be so upset she has to drop out of college! NOT on some dirty grease covered street!

2. Pick A Secret Mentor
Observe officers and learn from every one of them (although some you may learn what NOT to do!) Pick one that you feel is the best officer you’ve ever met, and try to model yourself after them. I say keep it secret, because it would make them feel “weird” if they knew you respected them this much, and was watching them this closely. I told one early in my career (before I figured out the “secret” part) and he actually got MAD about it!

3. Develop A “Hand Fetish”
MAKE YOURSELF watch the hands before you even look at the face. They can only hurt you with their hands. If you don’t see two empty PALMS then assume they have something in it. I can’t over emphasize this-if I have someone run from a car stop, I STILL look at his or her hands before the overall appearance for the description. If I get out at a domestic, when the people come out of the house, I’ve seen every hand there before I’ve seen their face. Many experienced officers can tell you that they’ve approached a violator’s vehicle, made the “Hi, I need to see your license please” spiel, and (maybe unconsciously) watched their hands so closely, they then drop the gaze to the OL and it’s someone they know. I have done this countless times. Develop a “hand fetish”! If you have trouble getting in this habit, watch “Surviving Edged Weapons” once, and think about that butcher knife penetrating and deflating your lung, and as you hit the barn floor, you’ve lost 50% of your strength.

4. Report Writing IS “Officer Survival”
Yes, you knew SGT Dave would hit on this one! SO many officers hate report writing, so many are backed up on calls, and so many supervisors will rush their officers to get back on the street (what THEM take a call or two???? :rolleyes: )

We DO NOT have the support of the public we once enjoyed, although since September 11, we are getting it back slowly, but, as you know from intimate relationships, “trust” is a delicate thing.

Write your reports to an imaginary member of the public, NOT to just your supervisor. For instance, the layperson does NOT KNOW that “Hilltop Apartments” are a high crime area where an officer was almost killed a few years ago. They do NOT understand why your threw someone to the ground for taking his hands off the car repeatedly while you were patting him down-you must articulate that “in my training I have been taught that most officers are assaulted during the actual arrest procedure, and SINCE HE REPEATEDLY REFUSED TO OBEY VERBAL COMMANDS this furtive movement led me to believe he was reaching for a weapon.” I’m not encouraging you to lie-that is indeed why we have to take them down, but moist officers don’t possess the writing ability to objectively distance themselves, and then articulate these things in subjective terms. Indeed, my motto is that we don’t cover up bad police work-we are just better documenting GOOD police work!

Articulate everything you see, and know of a call to help justify your actions. In high courts (Sate and Federal) you don’t get the luxury of adding the details you left out, like you might with your Captain, or in district court. They will assume that if you as a police officer did not put it in your report, IT DID NOT HAPPEN!

Judges, lawyers, civilian review board members, insurance companies, etc. do not have the frame of knowledge and mindset that you do-you must write it to their level, but still in guidelines set forth by your agency. Everywhere I’ve worked, allowed me this latitude-you might not be as lucky

5. Wash Your Hands!
SO many officers are catching cooties from arrestees you must remember that something as mundane as washing your hands, that you haven’t been told since you were 12, it so vastly important to LE. I have bought my own gloves, my own hand sanitizer, and carried my own 50/50 mix of bleach and water for a long time. Also, by keeping this in mind, and doing it, you develop the OVERALL mindset of sanitation and safety, and reaps benefits other than just sanitized hands.

6. Wear That Geeky Traffic Vest
Almost every year, the number of cops killed in and around traffic is equal to or GREATER THAN the number of cops killed feloniously. The body armor is “high speed” and accepted as part of the job, but the traffic vest IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT.

Also, you must make time to put it on. If you roll up at a wreck, the victims/witnesses/gawkers/etc will CONTROL YOU if you let them. You must make yourself not get rushed by them and take the time to put your traffic vest on. You control the situation, don’t let it control you!

7. Use Officer.com!
I really don’t get any extra pay in my check as a moderator for plugging the site! I have been anal for many years about learning these little tidbits, but I have learned SO MUCH from this site. We can pick each other’s knowledge, and ALL benefit from it. Also, you can blow off stress here you can’t at the office, and stress kills MORE cops than guns, knives, cars. More on that later.

8. Have A Life Outside The Job
Man, I still recall being 20 YOA, and a rookie! I WISH the job were still that enjoyable! It is enjoyable still, but in a different way. I think I was excited for the first 3 years, straight! I mostly associated with only LEOs, and ate, breathed, slept, and SHAT policing! I would even go in and ride once or twice a week OFF DUTY!

As I’ve gotten older however, I’ve seen the need to NOT lose touch with the non-LEO world. Keep some friends outside LE-sometimes they can be very stress relieving.

Also, as I said earlier, stress kills more cops that guns. I VIVIDLY recall LT Peggy Shafer of Greensboro PD (5’11’’ blonde, SWAT team member, Firearms, Defensive Tactics, and OS instructor!) who, in a class she taught gave us hard and fast statistical data of how many cops die OTJ or within 5 years of retirement, and it was staggering. She concluded her presentation with this statement “So, you may as well draw your retirement out and buy a fishing boat now, because, statistically speaking, YOU WILL NOT LIVE to enjoy and collect it.” (Guuuuulp… :eek: ) It was a very powerful message.

She also told us her credentials as a firearms instructor, SWAT member, defensive tactics instructor, officer survival instructor, and then told us that THE most important officer survival technique we could learn was… (we were all expecting some vicious take down maneuver… )…GOLF! This was also a powerful message.

9. Trust Your Instincts
I don’t care what the courts rule-a cop does have a “sixth sense.” Use it. If you think you need to search someone over, DO IT. If you feel you are being lied to, keep pursuing it. I truly believe God looks out for police officers a little more. You might get hurt and never see it coming, but NEVER go against the “hairs on the back of your neck” when they ARE telling you something.

9. Handcuff EVERYBODY / “Search For The BB”
You WILL hear this in the academy, but you must practice it. Don’t assume a non-violent arrest for a minor offense means they have no reason to kill you and urinate on your grave after they do it. A local Wildlife officer was killed several years ago OVER A FISHING LAW CITATION.

You won’t have this problem initially, mind you. You will be more nervous than the arrestee you first several times! You will do exactly like you were taught. It’s after you get a few months or years, you start feeling like you know enough, and then you may get lax. You try to be good to them and not cuff them on a warrant, or cuff them in front (aaaaaggghhh!) Even if you see others doing this, you will ALWAYS cuff behind their back, every time, for every offense.

It’s proven that aggressive proactive officers are NOT the ones who get killed, for the most part. It’s the “Mr. Nice Guy.” A study was even done with prisoners currently in prison or on death row for killing cops. One of the questions asked was “What could the officer have done differently to prevent this?” Almost unanimously, they said “They could have controlled me better.” The evidence points to improper or no use of cuffs, improper or no searches, or a lax method of handling their aggressiveness BEFORE it was to late.

If you are not comfortable handcuffing EVERYONE the legislature, the courts, and your department says you can handcuff (which BTW is EVERY arrestee…duh… ) and not comfortable searching their crotch area, then PLEASE, find another job before you get yourself or worse ME killed.

You actually make MY job harder, because the next time they are arrested, I AM going to handcuff them behind the back, and then they whine and moan and EXPECT preferential treatment!

Search for the smallest of items-a paper clip, a hidden handcuff key, or an Exacto knife blade can lead to your DEATH. Don’t be their friend, be MY friend. Please.

10. Be Professional And Courteous, But Never Forget The Next Person Meet You May Have To Kill.
The push toward “community policing” and PR and “improved public image” had actually led to some officers not being able to use deadly force EVEN when it called for it.

I saw one video where an officer was attacked by a teenager girl with a pistol, and he drew and CONTACTED her body with his muzzle, BUT COULD NOT FIRE since it was a small girl. I have heard of scenarios where a fear of being sued led to officers that died, for lack of taking decisive action. Again, if you feel you cannot shoot anyone (elderly woman, teenager, Catholic priest turned EDP) that is posing an immediate deadly threat to you or another officer, McDonalds is hiring on a continual basis.

I admit we must be kind, courteous, and professional, but don’t lessen our ability, in the name of “image.” Enough cops die already-why should we REGRESS?

[ 02-25-2002: Message edited by: SGT Dave ]

[Sparky]

Ditto SGT Dave!

and (you'll have to forgive me just this once 'kay?)

HOOAH!

Okay. It's out of my system, I promise.

[PtlmZ_72]

9. Trust Your Instincts

I feel this is the most important rule there is. If you have a bad feeling about a situation, you're usually right. I learned this early and unfortunately the hard way.

And also how about, no matter how stressful a situation, always keep a cool and level head. Never let a situation spin out of control and follow suit.

[Mackey]

This is great stuff gang!! Sgt. Dave, thanks for taking the time to elaborate on these tips, they really make sense!

Please keep them coming!

[EAGLE6]

more...more....more.....

these are the points that FTO's oughta be hitting on daily..... more...more....


can't stress the hand fetish enough...and remember gone are the days of the dumb crooks....the BG's are getting smarter and meaner everyday.....

[SGT Dave]

That hand fetish is important-one of my "non academy" commands I've gotten into the habit of using on persons I feel the need to approach at gunpoint is "SHOW ME SOME HANDS!"

Even if I get slack on it, watching "Surviving Edged Weapons" usually gets me back into the habit right quickly.

If you miss something in the hands, the worst thing that can happen is they can kill you. If you don't get a perfect look at the face, the worst that can happen is they get away or you lose 1 case in court.

[jwelch]

Wow!!,

Great Post...I don't have the words to describe them. The "hands" are what hurt you is sooo true. Thanks for posting this, you will never know how many lives could be saved by this. Thanks,

jt welch

[k9medic]

I certainly agree with the hands. The hands will get you killed.
Get a hobby, Get a life and live it. We are cops 24/7 but by God, don't act like one. It's been said that rookies want everyone to know that there cops, and the vets can't stand for people to know.
Train like you life depends on it...Because it does!
Know how to talk. You best weapon is not on your belt but between your ears. I learned this only after my first bar fight with my backup 10 minutes out.

Listen to the K9 guys. Even though I don't work a full service dog, I can tell you that my K9 can certainly sense things that are "hinky." That might just save your life.

Heros are what they call dead cops at funerals. Better to be a living witness than a dead hero.

Kids and old people can hurt you just the same as the criminal in lockdown.

[Summer Rain]

On the guy, did you go back and law him, or at least arrange for it with another officer and agency? With me, if you screw me, I'll see that you have what's legally coming to you, if I have to work OT. Don't let them have the last laugh.

Dave, I mailed him citations for the license, for the stop sign and I mailed his girlfriend a citation for permitting. I’d say I got the last laugh! :p

3. Develop A “Hand Fetish”

MAKE YOURSELF watch the hands before you even look at the face. They can only hurt you with their


The best instructor that I had in the academy ingrained this into our minds.

5. Wash Your Hands!

I can’t believe that adults need to be reminded of this. :mad: When I’m working weekends and there are two of us out, we’ll have dinner together. I can’t remember any of them ever going to the restroom to wash their hands. I don’t get it! That is such a basic thing. There was a thread on here a while ago and someone posted that they use anti-bacterial wipes to wipe down the patrol car – streering wheel, gear shift, radio, etc. after it has been used by someone on the prior shift. This has become my habit as well. Especially after seeing this guys come right off the street and eat their food without washing their funky hands! They must not be teaching their children any better habits than that either. :rolleyes:

[jpa]

don't treat everyone as if they're the enemy, give them the benefit of the doubt but still expect anything and be prepared. 99% of the time people will be fine, it's the 1% that can kill you.


Doubletap on the maintaining a life outside of LE. I dunno bout that golf part, swinging and missing that little freaking ball repeatedly damn near made me shoot it. But nevertheless, get a hobby outside of the law journal and Police magazine. Everyone u know WILL introduce you as "____ the cop". I've gone to great lengths to break everyone I know of this habit ASAP. Keep your eyes and ears open when off duty, but don't act unless you're positive you can control the situation. Be very careful in areas where you may be "made". Leave the funny cop shirts and stuff for the weight room at work or going to a cop bud's house for a few.

Ask what to do if you're unsure. It shows professionalism and you won't look like a bumbling idiot when you do everything wrong.

always document document document, and cya on anything that may be "iffy". Make the supervisor make the call, he gets named in the lawsuit anyway, might as well make it for a good reason.

[Pig]

One word SGT. Dave. Amen.
The mindset of not giving up is probably one of the most important things to remember. Use something to keep you focused and do not ever let dying or giving up enter your mind. I can say this from experience. I've been shot with an SKS and it hurt like He!!, but I didn't give up. I agree that getting mad about the fact that the S.O.B. just shot me helped too. Even after having part of my femoral artery completely blown out of my right leg, I never let dying enter my mind. I'm not better than anyone else out there, but I had a good mindset and I didn't give up and I've recovered and I am back doing the job I love. Like Sgt. Dave said. NO MATTER WHAT, NEVER GIVE UP AND ALWAYS HAVE THE MINDSET THAT YOU ARE GOING HOME AT THE END OF YOUR SHIFT!!!! Stay safe out there.

[THE BRONZE]

A little off the safety trail, but important for long term survival, be sure to eat. I lost count of how many times I skipped eating because the call load was too heavy to get clearance. I'm sure this contributed some to the stomach problems I now live with. While a hit-and-run on a drive-through isn't the healthiest, its better than nothing.

Also, get in the habbit of working out. Exercise helps the body deal with stress, and counteracts the effects of the above-mentioned drive-throughs.

[Arizonafuzz]

All I have to say is "Do what is right even when nobody is looking" This motto will get you far in life, as well as your career ;)

[Jim]

"2. They lied to you during training.
Most of what you learned in during training will need to be forgotten...."
NO WAY!! Forget ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that you learned during training! What you learned in training will be used to hang you out to dry if something goes bad. If your FTO tells you to forget everything they taught you in the academy, ask for a new FTO. You might learn something on the street that works better than what they taught you in training, that's great, but don't ever forget what they taught you.

"5. Sit back and listen to the veterans."
Yes, you should have big ears and a little mouth, but remember that veterans can be your best friends and your worst enemies. Don't beleive everything the veterans tell you. The most frequent bad advice given by well meaning veterans is "forget everything you learned in the academy". You might hear this phrase coming from well meaning veterans, and even superiors, several times a day for your first few weeks. I can not stress strongly enough; remember everything they taught you in the academy. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not helping you.

There are many veteran officers who will tell you to keep your reports short and simple. They might tell you that if it doesn't fit in the narrative section of the first page, then you're writing too much. They will tell you that the more info you put in the report, the more ammunition you give the defense attorney's. They might also tell you that you might deprive yourself of court time if your report is too detailed, since the DA won't have any questions for you. Veteran officers and superios who tell you these things are IDIOTS. Don't listen to them. Be as detailed as possible. Use three or four extra pages if you have to. Read what Sgt Dave wrote for his #4 above. Smart guy, that Sgt Dave.

Consider this; When you're brand new, veteran officers are going to approach you and start off questions with, "Hey, you just got out of the academy, you should know this...." followed by a question about a certain rule or reg, a procedure, a chapter and section, a recent law change, etc. They are not asking you because they want to see if you were properly trained, they are asking you because they don't know, and they expect you to still remember what they taught you in the academy. When you come to the station fresh out of the academy, you are probably the most knowledgeable officer in the station in regards to the way things are supposed to be. When you see everyone else doing it wrong, that means that everyone else is doing it wrong! It does not mean that they taught you wrong in the academy.

You've got the next 30 years to forget what they taught you in the academy. Don't let anyone rush you.

[ 03-04-2002: Message edited by: Jim ]

[Sparky]

Originally posted by Jim:
<STRONG>There are many veteran officers who will tell you to keep your reports short and simple. They might tell you that if it doesn't fit in the narrative section of the first page, then you're writing too much. They will tell you that the more info you put in the report, the more ammunition you give the defense attorney's. They might also tell you that you might deprive yourself of court time if your report is too detailed, since the DA won't have any questions for you. Veteran officers and superios who tell you these things are IDIOTS. Don't listen to them. Be as detailed as possible. Use three or four extra pages if you have to.</STRONG>

I gotta say "yeppers" to this one, too.

If you really want to know what kind of reports the prosecutors can use, then get your advice from the prosecutors who have to use your reports.

You might also ask the detectives. I can't tell you how many times I spent days playing phone tag with victims to get an answer to a simple question that the report officer should've taken one more minute to ask themsleves, or one more minute to include in the report. This delays the investigation and causes other people more work.

Since I am a former po-po detective, and now work for the DA, let me say this.

Reports are menat to document and communicate information to other people.

Your reports should be clear, concise, and complete.

Avoid police jargon and fancy language. Just tell it like it is.

Write in first person and use regular time in the narrative. (8:30 am instead of 0830hrs)

Refer to other people by name, not W1 or W2.
Applies to suspects and other officers.

(If Deputy Franklin arrived and spoke to Mrs. Smith, then say that. Don't say "695 made scene and interviewed W1.") :rolleyes:

Don't just fill in the blanks. "Because the report didn't ask for it" is not a good reason not to include important information in a report. Be a professional.

Learn how to spell and use proper grammar. No one expects you to be a professional english professor, but the word "vagina" is not spelled "v-i-r-g-i-n-i-a". And there is a difference between the words "their", "there", and "they're".

If YOU were a prosecutor, how much faith would you have in an officer who turned in incomplete reports with poor spelling and grammar? If they can't write a decent report, will they make a good witness about their interpretation and application of search and seizure laws? Duh!

[PeteBroccolo]

To the rookies - Rule #1: KEEP GOOD NOTES. There ARE no other rules! This is NOT for covering-your-*** (CYA), nor to "get" another officer. This is so you can become, and remain, professional. You can ALWAYS get into serious trouble if you have POOR or SKIMPY notes, but you can NEVER be faulted for having COPIOUS, DETAILED and LENGTHY notes.

Does your Agency issue you note books - not the kind the kids in school use, but shirt or jacket pocket size, 60 to 100 pages, properly bound, numbered so they can not be ripped out without being very obvious, and lined to provide a proper writing area? If not, BUY in bulk with other professionals. Whether issued or you-buy, strive to fill it cover to cover, and use as many per year as you can. When you get into undercover work, then you can look into getting the larger desk journal size.

Notebooks are NOT for personal non-official entries or to provide scratch pages for leaving hasty notes in doors or under windshield wipers. Get full names, dates of birth, home/work/school addresses, land and wireless phone numbers for all witnesses, victims and suspects. Record the licence numbers, colour, make, model and style of all forms of transportation involved. Note the weather and road conditions. Keep track of the names and stations of all other investigators attending the scene.

Notes are used to refresh your memory, to put scenes and circumstances in perspective, to be able to substantiate or refute stories, to keep you on track with your inquiries and investigation.

Get a durable cover, one that can hold Miranda (or whatever other name/type) warning-wording cards and other small, quick-reference lists, that you can slip the note book refills into. Write your name and badge number on the refill cover page, along with the start and end dates that the note book was used for. Look for one or more clean cardboard boxes that can hold one or more complete rows of these refill books, and use it/them to store your note books for future reference.

Always carry more than one pen - splurge on the NASA-type write anywhere pen if you want to, but I suggest an inexpensive pack of retractable ball point pens with a pocket clip and that has waterproof ink. You may want to have one or more pencils available - get a fancy mechanical one, with the narrow "lead", again if you want, but I suggest an inexpensive pack of wooden pencils that you can shave to a point with your utility knife. Notes SHOULD be done in non-erasable ink, but even a scrap of toilet paper that has a licence plate written in pencil may be the link that puts the serial rapist away.

Write your notes as soon as possible - do it while your partner is talking and the situation is under control, or as soon as the "client" is properly secured in your vehicle, or as soon as you have properly secured the "client" in cells.

If your handwriting can only be read by you, but not by anyone else, that is okay - some idiot lawyer WILL someday make a big show of trying to "read" your notes in Court, but that is his problem, especially after his client gets convicted anyway!

Did I mention that you should keep good notes?!

[Franky]

Wow great info here! Being a rookie I can never hear enough tips from Vets. The guys at work try to give me tips at crime scenes, after traffic stops, etc and apologize while they are doing it saying that they dont want to bust my balls. I tell them please TELL me anything you think will be helpful, it doesn't bother me at all. If you can't take constructive criticism in this line of work, you picked the wrong career in my opinion. Thanks

[Sig220Man]

Originally posted by PeteBroccolo:
<STRONG>Always carry more than one pen - splurge on the NASA-type write anywhere pen if you want to, but I suggest an inexpensive pack of retractable ball point pens with a pocket clip and that has waterproof ink. You may want to have one or more pencils available - get a fancy mechanical one, with the narrow "lead", again if you want, but I suggest an inexpensive pack of wooden pencils that you can shave to a point with your utility knife.</STRONG>

I highly recommend not purchasing expensive writing utensils for patrol work. You will eventually lose them, whether it be from fighting with a suspect, a citizen forgetting to give them back to you after signing a ticket, or just plain falling out of your pocket during routine duties.

I use department-supplied pens, which being government-purchased are the absolute cheapest ones you can buy. But they work just fine, and if I lose them I just ask for another.

If you just have to have that matching Cross pen and pencil set, or got one as an academy graduation present, save it for ceremonial purposes only.

Same goes with timepieces...save that expensive Rolex or Tag-Heuer for off-duty. Let an inexpensive Timex or Casio get beat up "in the line of duty."

[ 03-08-2002: Message edited by: Sig220Man ]

[PeteBroccolo]

Originally posted by Sig220Man:
<STRONG>I highly recommend not purchasing expensive writing utensils for patrol work. You will eventually lose them, whether it be from fighting with a suspect, a citizen forgetting to give them back to you after signing a ticket, or just plain falling out of your pocket during routine duties.

I use department-supplied pens, which being government-purchased are the absolute cheapest ones you can buy. But they work just fine, and if I lose them I just ask for another.

If you just have to have that matching Cross pen and pencil set, or got one as an academy graduation present, save it for ceremonial purposes only.

Same goes with timepieces...save that expensive Rolex or Tag-Heuer for off-duty. Let an inexpensive Timex or Casio get beat up "in the line of duty."

[ 03-08-2002: Message edited by: Sig220Man ]</STRONG>
Gee, I thought I was the only one that loses pens - I can start with 3, end up with 2 and neither were any of the ones I started with!

The watch is another good point - sure as anything that great looking watch will get smashed, face first, up against a wall sometime. I tried a digital watch, but was used to timing the Breathalyzer 900 (ok, already, stop the laughing, forgawdsakes, it was paid for years ago and still works!) with the sweep second hand. Now, if some watch company would sell a 3 handed watch with tritium on the hands and hour points at a low price I might almost be happy working nights!

[Chase]

Originally posted by PeteBroccolo:
<STRONG>To the rookies - Rule #1: KEEP GOOD NOTES. There ARE no other rules! This is NOT for covering-your-*** (CYA), nor to "get" another officer. This is so you can become, and remain, professional. You can ALWAYS get into serious trouble if you have POOR or SKIMPY notes, but you can NEVER be faulted for having COPIOUS, DETAILED and LENGTHY notes.

.....Look for one or more clean cardboard boxes that can hold one or more complete rows of these refill books, and use it/them to store your note books for future reference......</STRONG>

I would agree that making accurate, detailed notes is important. How else can you later write an accurate, detailed report?

However, I personally do not keep my notes after the report has been written. In fact, I don't know an officer that does.

For one, once you use your notes to write the report, there really is no need to keep the notes. They have served their purpose. Plus I go through an entire notepad at least every shift or two. I can't imagine keeping all those notes AND having to find a place to store them.

Furthermore, if you keep your notes they can be subpoenaed at trial. And I, like most officers, write things down in my notes that I wouldn't want made public. (Example: info on a drug dealer provided by a citizen who wanted to remain anonymous.) If you simply tear the pages out that contain this "private" information, it may look like you're trying to hide something. Or how about the things in your report that you wrote from memory? It could be something as simple as the color of the suspect's car. If it wasn't in your notes, but was in your report, it could be made to sound like you "must" have made it up.

Just my humble opinion.

[ 03-12-2002: Message edited by: Chase ]

[diver923]

1. You've got 30 years to be the Police...don't try to do everything the first year.
2. Know where the hell you are (this was handed to me by my first FTO, Larry, on a sheet of paper entitled "Larry's Rules of FTO", and has served me well)
3. Don't let the b*stards get you down...the department is probably full of people that like to complain. Realize that somewhere, the officers have it much worse, and everywhere you work, no matter what field, has its problems. Don't listen to the whiners; form your own opinions. Generally, the people complaining are the ones with under five years on, and that haven't been on a different department.
4. Mouths will **** you off, but hands will kill you.
5. When it comes time to lay hands on somebody (and that time WILL come), let your violence be swift and merciless. One really hard hit looks better than 10 little hits (look at Rodney King), and gets the job done quickly.

[PeteBroccolo]

Originally posted by Chase:
<STRONG>

I would agree that making accurate, detailed notes is important. How else can you later write an accurate, detailed report?

However, I personally do not keep my notes after the report has been written. In fact, I don't know an officer that does.

For one, once you use your notes to write the report, there really is no need to keep the notes. They have served their purpose. Plus I go through an entire notepad at least every shift or two. I can't imagine keeping all those notes AND having to find a place to store them.

Furthermore, if you keep your notes they can be subpoenaed at trial. And I, like most officers, write things down in my notes that I wouldn't want made public. (Example: info on a drug dealer provided by a citizen who wanted to remain anonymous.) If you simply tear the pages out that contain this "private" information, it may look like you're trying to hide something. Or how about the things in your report that you wrote from memory? It could be something as simple as the color of the suspect's car. If it wasn't in your notes, but was in your report, it could be made to sound like you "must" have made it up.

Just my humble opinion.

[ 03-12-2002: Message edited by: Chase ]</STRONG>
The way we are taught here is, you prepare your report from your notes, and it should be a detailed report, but you will always have more minute detail, or should, in your notes than you will put down in your report.

For example, when dealing with an impaired/drunk driver, you should have copious notes about observed driving abnormalities, condition of the suspect's clothing, spontaneous admissions of what kind, and amount, of beverages s/he drank, much of which you summarize in your report. However, it is absolutely CRITICAL that your rough notes be disclosed to the Defence AND that you rely on your rough notes, NOT your written report, when you are called to testify in Court.

Most members of the RCMP will use a 3" x 5" (approximately) sized, 60 to 100 numbered-page, refill-style, stitch-bound, lined-pages note book that slips into leather holder that will fit in a uniform shirt or jacket pocket. The note books are RCMP property, but are stored by the members themselves and are an integral part of your investigative report. When a book gets filled, you mark the start and end dates, and put them away in a suitable box that you secure in your office locker.

Our policy DOES allow us to use separate pages for our notes, that then must be held on the file. This merely reflects the reality that often you don't have time to get out your note book, but will start scribbling names, admissions, licence plate or serial numbers, or dates and times of observations or Chartering (Mirandizing) of a suspect.

Do I write down absolutely everything about every file? No, especially not if it is something minor that I can conclude with a phone conversation and direct-enter the data onto the computer to create a paperless report.

However, my notes have often been instrumental in being able to convict an accused where other investigators failed to note as much detail. I have also failed to note details at time - I can think about an investigation of a 2 vehicle traffic collision where the drunk motorcycle rider hit a stalled car, but I could not recall, and failed to document in my note book, if or when I read to him the Police Warning and Rights to a Lawyer. He was found not guilty that time, but 1 year later, he rolled his car while drunk and I made NO errors in my notes, so he went to jail finally.

To each their own, or whatever your rules of evidence are. IF you have privileged information, then you block it out with "sticky" notes when making copies for disclosure, or elastic-band off the areas of your notes that do not apply to whatever case you are testifying about.

If an investigator is ever concerned about the unprofessional or non-duty related information or comments recorded in their notes that might be revealed during disclosure, testimony or review by a supervisor, then obviously there are other problems that must be addressed.

If you always strive to discharge your duties professionally, honestly and compassionately, there really will be no problems. But then maybe I am, or life up here is, too simple!

[Zamboni]

Most everyone else seems to have dealt with street stuff so I thought I would deal with other issues that to me seem to be much more of a danger to ending your police career (not your life) than anything you face on the street. Most of these were learned by me the hard way.

1) Your a rookie and no one cares what you think. You may have good ideas and thoughts on how to improve dept policies and procedures but all your going to do by saying them is **** the old timers off.

2) Some supervisors get their kicks harassing rookies. The more seasoned cops have learned not to put up with their power trips and games but the rookies get lambasted. Try to lay low and expect to get harrassed even when you do things right.

3) Cover your butt. I see so many new rookies come in that think the dept is golden just like I did. They think the dept cares about them and will protect them. Your dept cares about your dept - not you. If its politically or financially expedient your admin will hang you out to dry in a heartbeat. I know, they did it to me after my shooting. Luckily public sentiment drifted my way and the dept got lambasted for its treatment of me (long, long story).

4) Kinda covered in #1 but keep your mouth shut. I did it and so has every rookie I've seen. In roll call they will offer up tips on making things go smoother which everyone already knows and does. One rookie one day in roll call said "I just thought I'd let you guys know that I've figured out it makes things a lot easier if you rip out the bad guys ticket before he signs it so you aren't fumbling with it afterwards."

5) A little X-filish here but "TRUST NO ONE" on your dept. After a few years you will figure out who you can trust but at first you need to realize that a lot of the guys are bottom feeders looking for a promotion and won't hesitate to narc you off to whatever supervisor you criticized. Just because they act like your friend doesn't mean they are.

6) Lastly get legal defense, someway, somehow. Join your union, FOP, or whatever that pays your legal bills. A lot of guys think they don't need it because the dept will protect them or have to pay the bills. But you need it to fight the dept. I pay $20.00 a month to the FOP for legal defense. Seems like a lot at first but a few years back it saved me $5000.00 in legal bills fighting a suspension which I got overturned. Its worth it.

[Bravo8]

Summer,

I would have charged him with Forgery if he signed his name as the false name. Nothing like a nice Felony charge to say "lying is not nice!"

[Summer Rain]

Originally posted by Bravo8:
<STRONG>Summer,

I would have charged him with Forgery if he signed his name as the false name. Nothing like a nice Felony charge to say "lying is not nice!"</STRONG>

Bavo8,

We basically don’t have the defendant sign their citation. On their signature line we just write “Issued to Defendant” and give them their copy. I guess there are pros and cons to doing it that way, it’s just the way I was taught. What’s your opinion?

[Bravo8]

Summer, I know I've asked you before, but where in Pennsylvania are you? I've never heard of a citation being issued that way before. The signature line is there for a reason, and it says, "Signature of Defendant". The only time we don't have them sign is when we file it at the DJs office, then we write "Filed at District Court".

Here's the main issue with doing it your way. The purpose of the defendant signing is an acknowlegement of receipt. When a citation is issued, the DJ will usually not mail a copy to the defendant. Only when we file a citation, does the court also mail a copy (b/c the defendant has yet to receive one). If the defendant fails to respond to the citation within ten days, his DL gets suspended and a warrant is issued for his arrest. The defendant now has a defense against the suspension and additional costs incurred from the Constable serving the warrant. He will probably say he never received a copy. It's the same reason when the courts send a copy, it goes certified mail.

Besides...had he signed the citation, you have Forgery, along with False Reports, etc. Did you charge him with anything other then the traffic?

[Summer Rain]

Bravi 8,

Check your PM. And as far was what I wrote him for: Obediance and Driver's Required to be Licensed.

I agree with what you are saying. I just don't want to do things against the way my FTO taught me. Believe me, there are several things that I was taught that I just don't agree with but I'm still a "rookie" and don't want to act like a know it and do things my way. Know what I mean?

[spurlock]

Originally posted by ateamer:
<STRONG>5. Sit back and listen to the veterans. If you really did know everything about being a cop, they would have sent you straight to being chief. God gave you two ears and one mouth because He wanted you to listen twice as much as talk.

6. Some night, someone will try to kill you. You do not when, who or where. Therefore, consider everyone with whom you come in contact to be a potential threat. That doesn't mean you draw down on a soccer mom in a minivan, but NEVER let your guard down. Like Rowdy Roddy Piper says, just when you think you know the answers, we change the questions.

7. If you need help, ask for it. That goes for everything from asking your sergeant for advice on a minor case where you are confused to calling for Code 3 cover when facing a threat. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

8. NEVER, EVER lie. That is the one thing that will absolutely for sure get you fired. If your FTO, sergeant or IA questions you, tell the truth. They most likely already know the answer.

9. Have fun with the job and don't take yourself too seriously. This doesn't mean be unsafe, just don't get uptight and think that we are on a crusade. Loosen up, see the humor in ugly situations and fine-tune your sense of the ironic.</STRONG>

10. Learn quickly who you can trust and be friends with on the dept., because someone down the line will most certainly stab you in the back to make "Brownie Points". It's a known fact!!!

[Sparky]

Alot of folks mention the backstabbing between officers, getting ratted out for badmouthing a supervisor.

True. BTDT.

Here's another rule that I had to learn the hard way:

Don't talk bad about other officers EVER.

It's a matter of professinalism. Sure, you may think they are an ignorant a-hole. They may very likely BE an ignorant a-hole. But keep your opinion to yourself.

No one likes someone who bad mouths people. If you b!tch to me about some other guy. I figure I can safely assume that you do the same about me when I am not around.

And it's not like you're telling anyone something they don't already know. If someone is an a-hole, then it's not like you are the only person to figure it out.

Not only should you not badmouth other officers TO other officers, but this is one things to keep to yourself at home.

If you do nothing but badmouth a guy at home, then your spouse ends up giving you grief. "What do you mean you're gonna work with that guy?!"

You're spouse will also tell her friends. It's like inside information and they MUST tell others. "Oh so-and-so is an idiot. My husband told me... balhblahblah"

well, first off, you never know who someone is gonna know and it will get back to them and grow in the telling.

Also, if someone ever has to deal with the guy you were badmouthing, they now are going to deal with him differently because they have a bad impression of them based on your venting and not neccessarily on fact.

There are enough people who will talk bad about the po-po. I make it a rule not to.

[TPD737]

Rule # whatever. Listen up to the radio and know where the other officers are. Sure thats the dispatcher's job, but sometimes they get caught up doing important stuff (running tags, doing nails, watching tv, you know ... important stuff), and when your zone partner screams for help it is a good thing to know where he is.

Rule # whatever +1. When everyone else in the jurisdiction is shagging paperwork calls, DO NOT stop the car with an out tag light that is being driven by a 60 year old woman who has never ever been stopped by the police before just because you are a little bored. Be patient ... the next paper call is yours and the vets will like you a lot better for that than for making your personal quota of equipment violation tickets.

Rule # whatever +2. Murphy was a cop and he likes to do ridealongs. If it can go wrong it will. That goes for everything from your car not making the tight turn and falling into a pond to the bad guy having a gun when you least expect it. Expect the unexpected is cliche, but at least it will allow you to keep a sense of humor when you call your Sergeant and explain just how your car ended up in 6 feet of water :p

Lastly ... treat the vets around you like you treat any other person you have worked with. If they are getting results that are good and held in high esteem by their peers, they are probably someone to watch, ask questions of and learn from. If YOU catch them sleeping under a shade tree, you might just want to take what they say with a grain of salt.

[shooter1201]

More:

* NEVER eat where you can't see your food being prepared.

[Zamboni]

Originally posted by shooter1201:
<STRONG>More:

* NEVER eat where you can't see your food being prepared.</STRONG>

Barring that go through the drive thru. By the time they realize your a cop hopefully your food is already done.

[hockey245a1]

well i hope i am not to late on this one, but i was told something that i will always remeber.. Somwere someone is practicing, and if your not and one day you meet YOU WILL LOSE.
The other day i was told is whenever a sgt. or lt or anyone has you do somehting DOCUMENT IT. exp. per sgt wong i did this. or sgt wong had me do this... it goes a long way and pulls you out of the ringer

[Owen McPhillips]

Originally posted by Sig220Man:
<STRONG>

I highly recommend not purchasing expensive writing utensils for patrol work. You will eventually lose them, whether it be from fighting with a suspect, a citizen forgetting to give them back to you after signing a ticket, or just plain falling out of your pocket during routine duties.

</STRONG>


I use the Zebra brand pens. Every Wal-mart carries them, they're cheap, and they look sharp.

I also use blue ink whenever possible, because it makes it easy to tell the difference between an original and a copy.

[Dukeboy01]

Soon after starting this thread, I was asked by my sarge to become a FTO. "Har, har, har!" I laughed. "No way they'll give me a young, innocent recruit to lead to the dark side of the police force. A trusting, uncorrupted soul to mold and twist into my own graven image? Never F'n happen!" But I turned in the paperwork anyway and they sent me through FTO school.

I've had my first recruit for two weeks now. He's probably gonna spoil me for the rest of my recruits because he's pretty squared away. He did four years in the Army and is still a M.P. in the reserves. He knows the basics of "the job" so it's mostly been teaching him the nuances of my department. I think he'll be fine.

I did mess with him a little, though. Our first shift together, we got in my cruiser. I was in the driver's seat. I turned the engine on, buckled up, then turned and stared at him for a couple seconds.

Then I said, in my most dead- f***in' serious voice,"Before we pull out of here, there's something I got to tell you. Look at me while I'm talking to you, because this is f***ing serious. This is the most important g.d. thing I will ever say to you. You can forget every other g.d. piece of advice or instruction I give you, but if you f*** up what I'm about to tell you, I will have your @$$ fired."

Pause for dramatic effect, then quietly:

"Don't f*** with my presets on the stereo. I've got 'em tuned where I like 'em, don't f*** 'em up."

And with a wink and a smile, we were on our way.

[Signal 24]

Read these before I got hired. Finished academy and reread posting this so it gets move to the top its good stuff. The hands part helped me a lot in practicals.
Something I wanna add that I've seen already in my 2 days of road work

1-Dont hold your flashlight in your weapon hand.

2-Dont ever tell back-up there not needed even if there from another agency. Especially when its 3 perps to you. You want to Saturate to were if the perps want to fight when they see its 2-1 against them there like nah.

3-Look Good.

[SB]

Remember to look up when your out on patrol

A top notch burglar told me years ago that he used to sit on roofs, balconies etc and watch officers walk right under him as he was either going in or coming out of a burglary. He said that we never, ever look up above the first floor.

Keep looking up and you'll catch one one day.

(We only caught him BTW because his car wouldn't start)

[MacLeod]

Two unglamorous points

1 DO YOUR PAPERWORK, Do it now. It

[IPDBrad]

Great thread, even though it is old, nice to reread it again. Many great suggestions.

MAKE A DECISION. When you arrive on the scene you are in charge or one of your "bro's". Make a decision and get it done.

[Signal 24]

Dont know if this is same as what you was talking about IPDBrad. But know how your partner operates and advise him on what you do or ask what he wants you to do.

[shooter1201]

Have a SPARE key for every car you THINK you might drive...and keep it ON YOUR PERSON.

[Signal 24]

We got atleast 3 keys to every car. On e stays in ignition in when in your place of choice to unlock doors when ya get in/out.

[That Guy]

[QUOTE] For one, once you use your notes to write the report, there really is no need to keep the notes. They have served their purpose. Plus I go through an entire notepad at least every shift or two. I can't imagine keeping all those notes AND having to find a place to store them.

I agree but it depends on your dept. With my dept it is either you keep notes or you don't. There has been many times that notes are subpoenad (even for traffic court)due to Discovery.
I do not know your call loads put I go through about 3-pages a night and a notebook about every month. I only write things regarding the call or stop.
It's not a pain I have a large box I keep in the closet where I store mine(I guess maybe after 20 years it will be)along with dash videos.

[Deputy Joe]

Don't apply for your dream job while you are on probation. It will get you fired, or in deep cow poop.

Sometimes the bad guy will get away. Sometimes you just can't connect him to the crime. Sometimes he will be out on the street before you report for your next shift. Sometimes prosecution will be declined. RELAX, THERE WILL BE A NEXT TIME.

Don't skimp on your reports. A good report will keep you out of court. You may be able to enjoy your day off.

Use O.C. when possible in a hands-on situation. People / Officers get hurt when they fight. You will have to wrestle with suspects from time to time. Be prepared.

Stay Safe!

[Jeremy_]

WOW. This thread is the reason i registerd here. These tips are VERY helpfull, thanks guys for all the great info. :D

[mcherup]

New to this forum but after 21 years:
Don't take the job home with you. If the bad person got away remember "What goes around, comes around" seen it time and time again so don't stress out about it.

[occiferdave]

1. When doing your first traffic stop, always put the car in P before getting out.

2. When diving back into the car to put car into P, make sure it's not R.

:D

[Don]

HEY ODIE! That sure sounds like somebody who has "BTDT!" :p :D

[occiferdave]

Haven't we ALL? :)

[Badgerland]

I want to bump this up for the newcomers to the board. I have a few to add:

1. If you are on a traffic stop, and the lowlife you are dealing with does not have ID... If you think that they are lying about their identity, check their arms or chest. Chances are that they have their own name tatooed somewhere.

2. If you are on a traffic stop and you see a purple Crown Royal velvet bag, use caution!! Chances are that there is either a gun or drugs in that purple velvet bag. Very rarely will you find Crown Royal in that bag.

3. Budweiser is the source of 85% of drunken physical domestics. This was a scientific study I read somewhere, and it definitely applies to the field as well. If you go to the scene of a domestic, and you see empty cans of Budweiser lying around, you know that someone got the shiznit kicked out of them.

4. Finally, when working late nights, caffiene is your best friend.

[nctrooper]

Go to court and listen to veteran officers testify. Talk to the DA about what will be asked of you on the stand. Always tell the truth-don't even try to bend it, as most lawyers won't ask a question unless they already know the answer.
As previously (and wisely) stated on this BB--It takes time to build your reputation, but only a second to destroy it.

[Chief Wiggum]

Just because your a rookie doesn't mean your stupid. Just because an officer has been on longer than you doesn't mean they know better. Rookies have instincts, they just haven't learned how to use them yet.

[Texas 1911]

It may seem simple, but... Remember to take off your seat belt before trying to quickly jump out of your unit.... Hurts like hell and can leave a good mark. Also it reminds you to think before you jump.

[spaz]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by Samuel:
<strong>Two words: Vick's VapoRub (or a nice cigar)

Look for flies on the windows or dead flies on the window sills...

You can also cook coffee grounds in a pan on the stove.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">???????

[SO 5150]

Spaz, Samuel is referring to 10-55s, Code 7s, etc., whatever you want to call them. :D <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

Think of every word ending in "cide", starting with "homi" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

PS- "Vicks" is my personal favorite :D

<small>[ 02-15-2003, 12:39 PM: Message edited by: SO 5150 ]</small>

[adw 245 Jr.]

This is what I was told

Never get cold
Never get wet
Never go hungry
Do your code 8 when you can, if you wait you will be stuck directing traffic for a hour.
Always bring you PD 145 note book to court.
The number one rule, GO home when your shift is over.

There was some talk about writing utensils. You can have the nice pen set just don

[Dukeboy01]

One year anniversary of this thread and still going!

Whoo- hoo!!

Who's your daddy?? :D

[kirch]

Congratulations on your 1-year anniversary.

Here's one from a rookie: Get familiar with the area outside your jurisdiction.

I work in a municipality that is surrounded by 3 other municipalities. After taking a few 'assisting other agency' calls, I found out I needed to learn the streets in the jurisdictions surrounding mine. This really hit home when I heard a county-wide request for a defibrillator at a building just a few blocks from my jurisdiction. I was the nearest responding unit but was the 3rd to arrive on-scene because I couldn't find the location. As it turned out, the guy was well-DOA, so it didn't matter. But what if that'd been another officer fighting for his life?

Now, at least once during every shift, I pick a nearby section of one of these other jurisdictions and drive around learning the street names.

[Sig220Man]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by kirch:
<strong> After taking a few 'assisting other agency' calls, I found out I needed to learn the streets in the jurisdictions surrounding mine.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">It's important not just for the "assist police" calls. It's easy to find yourself in an adjacent city, because you witnessed a traffic violation near the border, and because you couldn't catch them before the city limits, or because the driver was a bozo and didn't see your lights and hear your siren for five blocks (a common occurrence here in Southern California), now you're outside your city. Murphy being the optimist that he was, of course this is the time when your traffic stop turns into a foot pursuit, and/or a fight for your life.

Just like the saying goes, "You may know where you are, and God may know where you are, but if your dispatcher doesn't know where you are, then you better hope you and God are on good terms."

Plus, the way my city's boundaries are drawn, to effectively patrol certain areas you MUST drive into the adjacent city as part of your duties.

<small>[ 02-23-2003, 11:21 AM: Message edited by: Sig220Man ]</small>

[SGT Dave]

BUMPT... :D

For the newer members...

[COBRA90GT]

Wow, this thread has a TON of great info. I'm trying to soak it up like a sponge! :D

[J.DIXON]

Take as much advanced firearms training as you can get. Remember,your weapon is the LEAST USED (thank God) item on your belt.

Practice with all the gear on your belt on a regular basis. Make sure you can pull out/put back all your gear from memory and not have to look at it when you do it.

Practice FAST and PROPER handcuffing techniques.

Pat everyone down TWICE,in case you missed something the first time. Then have your partner do it before securing the perp in your unit.

ALWAYS reach for drivers licenses with your weak hand. Drivers licenses can be sharpened just like a knife. There have been cases of officers killed because they reached for a license with their gun hand,had their tendons severed and couldn't respond.

Never assume.

Never be too proud to call for backup. You are not Superman. Neither am I.

Think about worst case scenarios,then have a plan to respond. Have a backup plan in case the first one fails.

Always leave yourself a way out.

There is no such thing as retreat. However,there is nothing wrong with fighting in the opposite direction.

Be nice to everyone you meet.

Have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

Remember that one day you will be locked in a contest where there is no trophy for winning. The only thing you will win at the end is your survival.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. They are telling you something.

If you are riding in your patrol unit and have a funny feeling,SOMETHING BAD IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. Be ready.

Be back with more later. I've gotta go to work.

[Group 29]

Develop "street eyes".
1. Learn to look around at everything quickly and not staring in one place hoping something happens there. If there is something going down, you won't have to look long to know.
2. Always know your location. Look at street signs as you pass and frequently check address numbers. When the SHTF it's a lot harder to try and figure out where you are.
3. Try and look one or two blocks ahead. Most of the people closer will have already seen your car and stopped doing what they were doing. Try to see them first.
4. Look in and down every street and alley you pass. When people are in alleys, they are frequently there for the wrong reason.
5. Pay special attention to people who don't want to make eye contact. The ones who give you FU looks are the ones who probably don't have anything going right then.
6. ANYONE walking toward you or your car with hands out of sight is big trouble. When out interviewing someone, watch them, but don't quit looking around.
7. If you can't roll down your windows,at least crack them. Why give up one of your senses?
8. Talk to the guys who make a lot of busts on patrol and asks them what they look for and at.

[J.DIXON]

You cannot patrol driving supersonic speeds. Slow down to 15-20mph in residental areas. Especially at night. You would be amazed at what you hear.

Get out on foot and walk. Perps expect us to be lazy. They never expect us on foot.

Yes you CAN get a large load of narcotics by pulling someone over for a simple MV infraction.

When asking for consent to search,watch their eyes. If they have something,the eyes will automatically look at it before they respond.

[squad51]

WOW great stuff. I am just starting phase two of my fto time. One thing I learned very fast, you never have enough information. I took a call, thought I was done as the person I helped had left, my fto turned to me and said what was the license plate on that car? Whoops I had everything else but that. whoops. :eek: Lesson learned. Later that night on another call, same question and bam I had the answer, my fto was happy and I passed on to phase two. :cool:

[Stump]

Be nice to your dispatcher!

[J.DIXON]

If you ever get a call to a stinker,don't get on the radio and tell the responding med unit to back it down to code 1 "cause he ain't going anywhere." Your supervisor won't appreciate it.

Make friends with a nurse/EMT/doctor etc...and get an ambu bag. Those little pocket masks aren't worth a damn and you will taste that SOB for days.

Invest in a good pair of patrol gloves.

Always keep an anti-bacterial hand wash handy.

NEVER walk up to a vehicle on a traffic stop with a ticket book in your hand. I don't care what your FTO says.

Stay away from carbonated drinks on duty. You will dehydrate yourself drinking them. Especially in the summer and you are wearing a vest. Drink plenty of Gatorade and water.

[Cockney Corner]

If you pinch a guy for possession of drugs, or just find them on him, specially the ones with the "addictive personalities", don't plonk them on a table/the top of the car/wherever, where he is in a position to grab them and swallow them. Not only have you lost your evidence, but if he dies, guess whose responsibility that is. Clue, not his.

More generally, the rule all British bobbies are taught is be careful of the 3 P's: property, prostitutes and prisoners. Make sure you cover your behind when dealing with any of them.

[CNU2]

When and officer has made a decision and a perp questions the decision of that officer in his or her absence, never side with the perp because they most commonly twist the thruth. Instruct the perp to get with the officer in question to resolve their misunderstanding. An old sarge once told me, "Never believe what you hear, and only believe half of what you see." Can't go wrong with that phylosophy.

[JKT]

Bump

[DrugDawg]

Never ever under any circumstances change the radio station to a country station. Matter of fact, DON'T TOUCH THE RADIO AT ALL!!!! :D

[scrivner]

1 AS A NEW OFFICER YOU MUST PACE YOURSELF. YOU CAN NOT ISSUE A CITATION TO EVERY CAR ON THE ROAD. POINT BEING YOU WILL EVENTUALLY BURN YOURSELF OUT. AND BESIDES IF YOU WRITE 200 A MONTH FOR 3 STRAIGHT MONTHS AND THEN ONLY 175 THE NEXT IT LOOKS LIKE YOUR SLACKING. WHICH LEADS TO #2

2 BE WARY OF THE NUMBERS GAME. ALOT OF DEPTS CAN RUN NUMBERS ON COMPUTER, ONLY PROBLEM IS THE #'S DONT HAVE ALL THE DETAILS AS ADMIN BELIEVES.

3 THE PEOPLE THAT YOU GO OUT OF YOUR WAY TO "CUT A BREAK" ARE ALWAYS THE ONES WHO COMPLAIN.

4 THERE IS SUCH A THING AS TO MANY PART TIMES!!

5 THE GOOD LOOKING GIRL YOU RUN INTO WHILE ON DUTY IN SOME RAMDOM WAY KNOWS YOUR WIFE.

6 THE GUY YOU KNOW PERSONALLY EXPECTS FAVORS.

7 WHEN IN HIGH SPPED PURSUIT IF YOU DONT HAVE TO DONT BROADCAST YOUR SPEEDS.

8 ALSO WHEN THE SUSPECT VEHICLE BRAKES YOU TO SHOULD BRAKE QUICKLY.

9 WHEN THE SUSPECT GETS AWAY REMEMBER THEY WERE IN YOUR CITY FOR A REASON THEY'LL BE BACK SOON ENOUGH.

10 YOUR PATROL CAR IS NOT IN ANY WAY A RACE CAR. IT IS A CIVILIAN VEHICLE WITH ABOUT 500LBS OF EXTRA STUFF ON IT, YOU CAN BE OUT RUN.

11 ALSO THAT CARS BRAKES WERE MEANT TO STOP THE LIGHTER CIVILIAN VERSION.

12 REMEMBER CHECK YOUR TIRES(EVERY SHIFT) SOUNDS STUPID BUT ASK ANYONE WHOSE HAD A HIGH SPEED BLOW OUT.

13 SPELL CHECK AND GRAMMATIC ARE FRIENDS:D :D :D :D :D

[InSane1]

NEVER ASK YOUR FTO...."WHY?":mad:

[Girle911]

A few pointers as far as dealing with your control operator. Some of us are bad and some of us have been around
quite awhile and know all the tricks and are quite good at what we do. I work for a very large department and while during the winter it slows down it's more often then not non-stop air traffic. Contrary to some beliefs, we aren't all doing our nails, sleeping or otherwise goofing off although I realize in some departments, mine included, some come off as if they just fell off the turnip truck.
However, if you are blessed with a good strong control operator/dispatcher keep this in mind:

#1-First if you're a rookie-try not to fall for the "check welfare of a person" at a cemetary or funeral home. If you clear the run and have a laptop the most obvious clue will be the complainant's name, most popular being "Mort Tishon".

#2-If I tell you someone is coming back with a good warrant please don't argue and continue to tell me that the wanted person is swearing to you he took care of it months ago and have me check and recheck. You asked me to do something for you and I'm certainly not the one lying to you. They can clear it up downtown if you really
beleve them.

#3-Don't ask me about general orders or what you should do. Ask your supervisor-that's why they're there. Although I don't being asked on occasion in certain situations it can get you in a bind.

#4-Any other questions, feel free to ask. You may have a unique sitation as a rookie that other officers have never had but as we deal with hundreds of officers we have probably come across it at one time or another and might be able to lead you in the right direction.

#5-Try not to get into a '****ing match' over the air and certainly don't do it if you're not 100% correct. Some will only try to embarrass you and prove you wrong and call you out over the air and some will get even. You may find yourself taking many more report runs then your beat partner,if you have one, and the local and NCIC
system may suddenly only "slow down" for you.

#6-If it's busy over the air then please don't call me on the phone and say "the radio was busy so I called to ....." If it 's busy on the air, then I am busy period.

#7-Again if it's busy and you're on a run with more than 2 officers that all have MDT's or laptops, don't ask us to run over 5 people if you're not in a dangerous situation. I have 40 officers wanting my attention. It's a G.O. at my department for officers to use them whenever possible but, of course, it is much easier to hit
in with it.

#8-I know if you're in a stressful situation you may come across as angry, upset and sometimes sound downright nasty on the air. I don't take it personally but sometimes it helps to send a little message saying so.

#9-In addition, if you find yourself with a good control operator/dispatcher treat them with respect and some dignity. I guarantee if you do most of us will bend over backwards with any request you have. Officers that are continually rude and nasty in requests they have find some control/dispatchers tend to do the absolute minimum for.

#10-I know you're new and excited...But...if it's a Sunday and a quiet rainy/windy/-10/snowy night and there's no radio traffic and you find yourself the only one marking out on traffic every 10 minutes....well, give it a break, it's Sunday after all, and even God rested. It's the Sabbath-keep it holy :)

Just know that no matter how rude or nasty you are to me, I will do everything possible to make sure you are safe. If I ask you to repeat something, please don't get irritated-I do so because 1-I just didn't hear you...2-you have alot of background-wind, etc...3-you need to change your battery....4-I have alot of background-someone on the phone, etc....4-wait at least 1 second after keying up to talk....5-You're out of breath from running and were inaudible :)
I'll be there for you if you're hurt. that's the most important thing. Just keep it in mind.

Stay Safe.

[FTO SGT CARTER]

Originally posted by Girle911
Contrary to some beliefs, we aren't all doing our nails, sleeping or otherwise goofing off

-- Really? :D

Originally posted by Girle911
#1-First if you're a rookie-try not to fall for the "check welfare of a person" at a cemetary or funeral home. If you clear the run and have a laptop the most obvious clue will be the complainant's name, most popular being "Mort Tishon".

-- SHHH .... :D

Originally posted by Girle911
#9-In addition, if you find yourself with a good control operator/dispatcher....

-- :rolleyes: MECA still has these? :p

But seriously, you guys do a good job and keep up the good work.

[FTO SGT CARTER]

*** DELETED DOUBLE POST ***

[ghostsix]

We live in a dangerous world.
We patrol the steets, drive fast cars fast,we sky dive, scuba dive, do rock climbing and fly small airplanes fast.
In short, we take risks.
We can do all of these things safely with a risk manegment plan.
These involve personal minumimums. Just when should I call for back up without looking like a puss?
Most bad things happen because of a lapse in the judgment process.
Lying subjects do not matter much. We expect everybody to lie, including officers. In fact, most people are not lying to you. How many times have you strapped on a pistol without checking it? It was good the day before, right?
The job is personal. Everybody does it in a different way.
I do not much care if I am re-elected. I can afford to use my own discretion on how the law reads today.
Do they pass the attitude test? And this includes cops. I will not cite a cop, but I may write his agency and ask his supervisor for an explaination of his actions.

[ghostsix]

Nobody kills anybody over a fish & game cite.
There is something else going on.

[PeteBroccolo]

Originally posted by Girle911
A few pointers as far as dealing with your control operator. Some of us are bad and some of us have been around
quite awhile and know all the tricks and are quite good at what we do. I work for a very large department and while during the winter it slows down it's more often then not non-stop air traffic. Contrary to some beliefs, we aren't all doing our nails, sleeping or otherwise goofing off although I realize in some departments, mine included, some come off as if they just fell off the turnip truck.
However, if you are blessed with a good strong control operator/dispatcher keep this in mind:

#1-First if you're a rookie-try not to fall for the "check welfare of a person" at a cemetary or funeral home. If you clear the run and have a laptop the most obvious clue will be the complainant's name, most popular being "Mort Tishon".

#2-If I tell you someone is coming back with a good warrant please don't argue and continue to tell me that the wanted person is swearing to you he took care of it months ago and have me check and recheck. You asked me to do something for you and I'm certainly not the one lying to you. They can clear it up downtown if you really
beleve them.

#3-Don't ask me about general orders or what you should do. Ask your supervisor-that's why they're there. Although I don't being asked on occasion in certain situations it can get you in a bind.

#4-Any other questions, feel free to ask. You may have a unique sitation as a rookie that other officers have never had but as we deal with hundreds of officers we have probably come across it at one time or another and might be able to lead you in the right direction.

#5-Try not to get into a '****ing match' over the air and certainly don't do it if you're not 100% correct. Some will only try to embarrass you and prove you wrong and call you out over the air and some will get even. You may find yourself taking many more report runs then your beat partner,if you have one, and the local and NCIC
system may suddenly only "slow down" for you.

#6-If it's busy over the air then please don't call me on the phone and say "the radio was busy so I called to ....." If it 's busy on the air, then I am busy period.

#7-Again if it's busy and you're on a run with more than 2 officers that all have MDT's or laptops, don't ask us to run over 5 people if you're not in a dangerous situation. I have 40 officers wanting my attention. It's a G.O. at my department for officers to use them whenever possible but, of course, it is much easier to hit
in with it.

#8-I know if you're in a stressful situation you may come across as angry, upset and sometimes sound downright nasty on the air. I don't take it personally but sometimes it helps to send a little message saying so.

#9-In addition, if you find yourself with a good control operator/dispatcher treat them with respect and some dignity. I guarantee if you do most of us will bend over backwards with any request you have. Officers that are continually rude and nasty in requests they have find some control/dispatchers tend to do the absolute minimum for.

#10-I know you're new and excited...But...if it's a Sunday and a quiet rainy/windy/-10/snowy night and there's no radio traffic and you find yourself the only one marking out on traffic every 10 minutes....well, give it a break, it's Sunday after all, and even God rested. It's the Sabbath-keep it holy :)

Just know that no matter how rude or nasty you are to me, I will do everything possible to make sure you are safe. If I ask you to repeat something, please don't get irritated-I do so because 1-I just didn't hear you...2-you have alot of background-wind, etc...3-you need to change your battery....4-I have alot of background-someone on the phone, etc....4-wait at least 1 second after keying up to talk....5-You're out of breath from running and were inaudible :)
I'll be there for you if you're hurt. that's the most important thing. Just keep it in mind.

Stay Safe.
I support 99% of this - the ONLY contention I have is about running the traffic checks on the quiet night. I have been just as guilty as, or more so (especially when on general duties) than, anyone else here of slowing down on slow times, and there ARE times when we can back off. However, if one or more members DO want to keep up the checks, the more power to them. You never know - the REALLY bad "clients" may be HOPING that we will try to stay warm and snuggled up at our desks!

By all means, stay on good terms with your dispatchers!

[Stump]

Pete, I will agree with you on that point. I prefer when my guys keep me busy. I went 32 minutes without anyone saying ANYTHING on the air the other night. I was going CRAZY!!!!!
Why should I care if my cop pulls people over all night? Its not like I have to run to that location to bring him coffee each time or something (although I'm sure some of the guys would love it!).
Also #5 - don't ever get into a ****ing match over the air, period. I don't care if you are right or wrong. Call me on the phone to discuss it, send me a message, whatever. Just not EVER over the air.

[Girle911]

SGT CARTER

You're right with the comment "MECA still has these?"

I was with IPD before the merge with Marion Co. and I absolutely

believe there were many more good qualified control

operators/dispatchers when there were sworn IPD in communications

instead of the appointed ones in place now.

It's entirely "Pro-County" now-they could care less about IPD's

concerns or complaints.

I know the merge was all about money. It's really

unfortunate and,to be honest, downright dangerous that now

communications personel are hired based on-you've got it-who

they are related to on County. If you're with County, I

certainly don't mean to offend you as county personel that

merged with us also agree that before the merge they seemed

to function even better before. And this is after, what? 8

years? IPD definitely needs another liason in communications

to protect their own interest and not one that is also being

paid on County's payroll as the last one was that was never

replaced.


Oh well, maybe one of these days.....

[WAMBAUGHREADER]

Stay in shape. Keep learning/going to schools/college. Learn and practice ANY martial art and keep doing it. Use your vacation every year, dont let it accrue. Dont 'jump' calls (speeding to annother's call and handling it, or starting to, before they get there). Answer your calls. Read your policy/procedure or rules/regulations book all the way through once, then a little at the time through your career looking over it so people cant get over on you for lack of knowledge. Keep your nails clean and trimmed (seems as if it would be obvious huh?) people see your hands when you talk and write reports. Learn spanish. Try to get good sleep before work, you can get yourself and others killed for lack of good judgement from sleep impairment(and get complaints for snapping at citizens cause your grumpy). Bring a book for court, traffic details in your veh, sitting in hospital with prisoner, etc. Pray.

Had to add one thing: try to eat your lunch on the clock so when you have to crap you can use your lunch time and youre not getting some b.s. call just when you get your last belt keeper off

[Beatcop]

The training coach is always right.

[boywonder]

DON'T BE A HERO. IF YOU ARE RESPONDING TO A HOT CALL, WAIT FOR BACKUP. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT THE CALL, WAIT FOR BACKUP. IF YOU FEEL THIS WIERD THING IN YOUR STOMACH THAT MAKES YOU VERY UNEASY AND YOU DID NOT HAVE TACO BELL FOR LUNCH, WAIT FOR BACKUP. I MADE THE ROOKIE MISTAKE OF BARRELLING INTO A DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE ALONE ONCE (AND I STRESS ONCE!). ****ED OFF PEOPLE WILL NOT STOP ASSAULTING EACH OTHER SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU TELL THEM THAT YOU ARE THE POLICE.I DID NOT KNOW THIS! IN FACT I LEARNED THAT SOMETIMES THEY DECIDE TO ASSAULT THE POLICE! ALL WORKED OUT WELL THAT DAY, BUT I WAS LUCKY. WAIT FOR BACKUP!!!

MAKE AND KEEP GOOD RELATIONS WITH OTHER LEA'S. YOU WILL NEED THEM AND THEY NEED YOU. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AGENCIES IS CRITICAL.

MAKE AND KEEP GOOD RELATIONS WITH OFFICERS IN YOUR OWN DEPARTMENT. WHAT YOU SAW TODAY MAY HELP SOLVE A CASE TONIGHT! TALK TO EACH OTHER.

DO WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW! ASK SOMEONE!

[Jeremy_]

Caps lock....Turn it off. Thank you :)

[6233108]

Don't take a big stinkin turd 15 minutes before or 15 minutes after the shift change. Nothing worse then a stanking azz locker room. Give people a chance to get out of the locker room. Thanks

[Curt581]

1. When you get assigned to a car by yourself, your very first stop should be to a hardware store to get a spare key made. Even then, always leave a window open at least two inches during a stop. I don't care if it's a torrential downpour. You WILL lock yourself out at least once.

2. Buy yourself a cheap nylon 3 ft dog leash, and keep it in your squad bag. Besides the obvious, it can also be used to hobble a kicking prisoner. Cinch it around his ankles, and close the loose end in the car door.

3. Buy a bag of chewy dog treats in the resealable bag. Great for coaxing a pitbull out of the house you need to get into. If your agency uses their own dogs, use the treats to get friendly with the dog you work with most often. If his handler ever gets hurt, you'll be able to take control of Landshark so the EMTs can help the handler. You also have the leash, right?

4. I always carry two flashlights. A big ol' Maglight in my squad bag and a smaller rechargeable on my belt. If you've ever dropped one, and popped a bulb, or forgotten to charge one, you know what I mean.

5. Get a spare set of cuffs. AND get two flexcuffs, and keep 'em coiled up in your hat. Some time, some where, you'll be very glad you did.

6. Someone mentioned checking squad tires. Don't forget the spare. Make sure you actually have one. Don't trust the goof that runs the car on the shift before yours.

7. Check the backseat of your squad before you leave the station, and everytime you take someone out. You'll be surprised how much dope you find.

8. Pretty girls have gotten breaks all their lives, so tag 'em. Same goes for any woman who shows you extra cleavage. You better write em, and note it on the buff copy. Those are an IA complaint brewing, claiming you oogled them. I give ugly chicks a pass. Never, ever let tears influence you. Unless it's a 50 year old truckdriver with a potbelly who's blubbering. He gets a pass just for the embarasssment.

9. Wear your body armor every single day. No matter what, no matter how hot or uncomfortable it gets, or if the other guys tease you. The day you you don't wear it could be the day you need it.

10. Always be nice, until it's time to get physical. Then be nice again. Don't let it get personal. After the fight's over, you'll be surprised at how many bad guys will say "I know, you're just doing your job".

11. When you're doing a high speed run, like a hot call or a pursuit, always hang the radio mike up after transmitting. Don't drop it in your lap, it WILL end up on the floor sliding around under your feet. If you're real lucky, it won't wedge under the brake pedal when you try to stop. Also, if you stop calling-in during that pursuit, you're gonna have some 'splaining to do, Lucy.

12. Police work is an extremely complex job, with an unbelievable number of unpredictable variables. Understand that you're gonna make mistakes. Alot of 'em. There's no getting around it. It's going to take you about eighteen months before you start to feel comfortable enough that you can handle most anything that comes your way.

13. There's been talk in this forum about who you really pay attention to when you're a rookie. You can learn something from everyone you work with, even if it's just what NOT to do. Listen to the things that make sense, and disregard the rest.

14. Some guys will argue this, but the truth is... your first two years aren't the ones in which you should worry. The most dangerous time in a police officer's career is between his third and seventh years. That's when we get cocky. We think we know alot more than we actually do. We get slipshod with tactics and get loose with SOP.

I'll post more as I think of 'em

[Curt581]

Here's another one:

Never, never, ever trust ANY member of the news media if you want to stay out of the trick bag. I don't care if you were best buds in grade school, or you're dating her sister. Never tell a reporter anything except: "Sorry, I'm not allowed to release information, you'll have to talk to our Public Information Officer".

If you assume that each and every one of them will twist around anything you say, not matter how insignificant, just for the fun of raking you over the coals, you won't be far off the mark.

[sflcop]

8. Pretty girls have gotten breaks all their lives, so tag 'em. Same goes for any woman who shows you extra cleavage. You better write em, and note it on the buff copy. Those are an IA complaint brewing, claiming you oogled them. I give ugly chicks a pass. Never, ever let tears influence you. Unless it's a 50 year old truckdriver with a potbelly who's blubbering. He gets a pass just for the embarasssment.

Totally correct. I never let anyone go because they are cute, flirtty, show T&A etc. I took a stripper to jail for DUI a couple of months ago for that reason. I was not going to have it said that I called her a cab based on her being a stripper and hot. The ugly girls are more likely to get a break.

[Bart]

Originally posted by sflcop
The ugly girls are more likely to get a break.

i'll drink to that. :D

[kenpokev]

13. There's been talk in this forum about who you really pay attention to when you're a rookie. You can learn something from everyone you work with, even if it's just what NOT to do.

Excellent Point!

I'm only a couple weeks on the job and have noted who I should pay attention to and who is just doing a job. I have a lot of experience prior to coming into LE, so I understand many of the dynamics of the work environment.

Emulate those experienced officers that pursue excellence in their conduct. You can't go wrong doing that.

Cheers

KK

[glencannon]

Traffic, traffic, traffic. Doesn't mean you have to cite anyone or everyone, it's just that so many times you can take a simple traffic stop and dig until you come up with something really good.

If you have an inkling that someone may complain about you, cite-do not give them a break. In the minds of those that investigate the complaints, the fact that you did not enforce the infraction merely lends creedence to the citizen's complaint.

[cleetus0219]

-Even if you're a transfer from another department, you don't know everything. Don't act like it.

-If your boss tells you how to do something, even though you already know how to do it, don't tell him - 'It's ok, I know what I'm doing.' A simple , 'Ok' is all that's needed.

-Different bosses have different rules regarding MV stops, reports, DV forms, etc. It's a bad idea to tell your boss, 'Well the OTHER shift does it this way...'

It seems like most of the new guys that we get at my place come onto the job REALLY cocky. They try to project an image that they can handle themselves, but go about it the wrong way. It's important to have self-confidence, but there's a fine line between that and being cocky.

-Your bosses aren't going to trust your judgement right out of the chute. Be prepared to be Monday morning quarterbacked on a regular basis- even though you may have been 100% right.

[NJswatguy]

Be nice to everyone you meet, but have a plan to kill them if you have to.

[Scout15]

Just got finished with a ten week FTO program and now I'm in the land of darkness. Not much happened during FTO which was conducted on the 7am-3pm shift. I ask and ask and ask a lot of questions to my fellow officers and supervisors, but the bottom line there is still a lot I am still unsure of such as paperwork and a how to handle certain calls procedural wise and so on. The only solution to this I know is just repetition. In the meantime, my anxiety level seems to be going through the roof, instead of looking forward to go work I dread it, due to the lack of experience. Just looking for advice from others who have had similar feelings...........Bottom line How long before i feel I have my feet underneath me? Thanks Guys.

[PC August]

Originally posted by Scout15
In the meantime, my anxiety level seems to be going through the roof, instead of looking forward to go work I dread it, due to the lack of experience. Just looking for advice from others who have had similar feelings...........Bottom line How long before i feel I have my feet underneath me? Thanks Guys.

Oh hell, I guess I went through those feelings at the start too. There's no exact time when it all comes together, you'll just gradually feel more confident. The more calls you do, the more vehicles you stop, eventually it'll start to feel more natural.

In the meantime, keep asking questions of your fellow officers. They're not likely to mind, especially the younger guys who remember what it's like to be in your shoes.

And trust your judgement. The guys who hired and trained you showed faith in it, so should you.

[eyerish101]

2 things i tell the new boots # 1 dont get wet # 2 dont go hungry

[Rjagger]

Germs can kill you or ruin your life. Washing your hands multiple times a day is a good idea, wearing gloves when you touch a person or any of their fluid is a better one. A growing problem today is TB. It is spread by the air. Once you have been exposed to it you are always positive.

[BayCityBrawler]

the supreme court has said that you can hold a person for as long as it takes to verify the appropriate information, (that is if they were stopped legally in the first place)name, DOB, and so forth. So if FCIC is down at the time I run somebody, they're not leaving untill it gets back up and I can verify that their license is good and that they have no warrents. Also its a good idea anytime anyone dosnt present a picture ID and just verbally gives you there information to obtain there social security number as well, because alot of criminals can fake an alias, but not alot can fake the accurate social security number to go with it (assuming the alias given is an actual person somewhere, and if they say they dont remember , which alot actually give you a fake one, just bluff them with something else which they probably couldnt give acturatly!

[NJswatguy]

... also never cold!

[virgilthetiger]

Originally posted by Rjagger
Germs can kill you or ruin your life. Washing your hands multiple times a day is a good idea, wearing gloves when you touch a person or any of their fluid is a better one. A growing problem today is TB. It is spread by the air. Once you have been exposed to it you are always positive.

FYI,

you can buy small bottles of hand sanitizers. it is a 50% ethanol solution in a gel. it will kill the normal germs and is being used more and more in hosipitals. mine is made by Purell.

Also, you should get a disposable N95 mask and carry that in your gear bag.


Virgil

[Texas 1911]

When on the radio always use your normal tone in your speech! It helps when you call out on traffic or anything and your fellow officers can tell that there is a concerned/excited tone in your voice they will know that something may be up and can start your way. It has come in handy for me several times.

Be Safe!

[Texas 1911]

When on the radio always use your normal tone in your speech! It helps when you call out on traffic or anything and your fellow officers can tell that there is a concerned/excited tone in your voice they will know that something may be up and can start your way. It has come in handy for me several times.

Be Safe!

[Garbage Man]

Originally posted by Scout15
Just got finished with a ten week FTO program and now I'm in the land of darkness. Not much happened during FTO which was conducted on the 7am-3pm shift. I ask and ask and ask a lot of questions to my fellow officers and supervisors, but the bottom line there is still a lot I am still unsure of such as paperwork and a how to handle certain calls procedural wise and so on. The only solution to this I know is just repetition. In the meantime, my anxiety level seems to be going through the roof, instead of looking forward to go work I dread it, due to the lack of experience. Just looking for advice from others who have had similar feelings...........Bottom line How long before i feel I have my feet underneath me? Thanks Guys.

My thing was dueces. I didn't do enough of them of them in training and did not feel confident in my FST technique. So I avoided them like the plague. I still wince thinking about how many duis I kissed off. I even kissed off a dui of a dui defense lawyer! (Stupid!) Then I get into a pursuit and for some reason the only units t8 are sgts, all 6 of em. So at the terminous of my pursuit, guess what, the guys dueced. And I am surrounded by 6 SGts! I did it fine and made the hook but my stress level was going through the roof. Today I've been around long enough to know the SGTs had no idea how to do a dui arrest either.

My point is that your anxiety is based on doubts of your abilities. Make a b-line for everything you are uncomfortable with. Soon you will enjoy doing it because you will be proficient.

Another tip. Do not go to SGTS! They will mark you down for not knowing what you are doing. Beside half the time they wont know your answer anyway. Find a slick sleave who has no axe to grind and will treat to you fairly. Also make very close friends of all support staff persons, to include report writers and records clerks. they know more than anyone else about many of the procedures. The records clerks can make or break you. "DO I send this incomplete report to the SGT or put a friendly note in his mailbox?" Think flowers and candy and tell them its for putting up with your inevitable rookie mistakes.

[Gunky]

Know your patrol zone. Know your landmarks, know your streets, know your intersections and know where you are at all times. When TSHTF, this could be the difference between getting help when your need it and hearing the responding units asking dispatch the 10-9 the location because you can't get to the radio.

Know how to talk to people. Diplomacy is the ability to say nice doggie while you're looking for a big stick. There is absolutely, positively NO NEED to talk to people like they're trash. You can still arrest someone or take any other enforcement action and still maintain that person's dignity. This could pay dividends later down the road as that person will remember the way you treated them.

Ask questions. I'll forgive someone quicker for asking me a technical or getting my opinion than I will if they go out half cocked and make a bad move (unlawful search, arrest, etc.)

Office politics. Remember that the toe you step on today may be connected to the *** you kiss tomorrow. You may not like someone...it WILL happen...but, remember that you have to work together so just keep away and watch yourself around that person. There's no sense in giving them ammo against you. You're in just as much danger around your peers as you are on the streets.

Train. Read laws and updates. Get legal opinions. Get to know your prosecutors, defense attorneys (even run cases by them to get an idea of what you have) and if you have one, a department legal advisor. Rub on them any chance you get especially with the tougher cases to make sure you've got a good one.

Report writing. Learn articulation, get a spell checker and don't use $2.00 words if you don't know how to use them. You will be known by your reports and charging documents.

Health. Work out, find a hobby, stay clean and eat right.

You don't have to work on being Mr. Olympia, just get active and maintain some semblence of strength, flexibility and endurance.

Escape work by finding an outlet for your energy. Your mind, your body and your friends will thank you.

I know I'm talking to adults, but personal hygeine is a must. First, you're dealing with the public and they don't need to smell your stinky ***. Second, germs. I'm fanatical about my hands. I'll wash them 3-4 times per shift and after every arrest or particularly nasty call.

It will be hard, especially on nights, to eat right. Stay away from fast food. The cholesterol over the years will kill you. Keep healthy snacks in the car when you can't get to real food, but do everything you can to get out of the car and sit down for a meal. It's good for the mind and digestion.

STAY HYDRATED!!! Keep a bottle of water with you at all times!!!!!

There are more forthcoming, but I have to get ready for work now.

[jimk]

Train, train and have fun..:D

[slim202cop]

*taking notes*

Best thread I ever read on this board.

[Dave2886]

Originally posted by InSane1
NEVER ASK YOUR FTO...."WHY?":mad:
22 that...if your FTO is unwilling to explain why a certain thing is done a certain way, get a new FTO. If you understand the why of it, you're more likely to remember the who, what, when, where and how of it. Obviously, save the questions for an appropriate time, i.e. NOT in front of the suspect, or other officers.

[Dave2886]

This has been touched on briefly, but it bears repeating: If you have a question, never hesitate to ask--but don't ask your sergeant first. He doesn't want to be talking to your rookie *** all night about whether you can cite someone for having an expired license in another state. That's what your senior officers are for. Ask them, if they don't know, they'll know who will. Trust me, there is nothing more irritating than hearing someone saying "Hey sarge, can you drop to conference?" and then hearing that person ask the sergeant some stupid question that you could have answered in 2 seconds. Also, if you follow this advice, your sergeant will notice it that you rarely need guidance from him, and will decide that you have your sh*t together a whole lot quicker than if you're bugging him 6 times a night.

[Dave2886]

If you're goingt to sit somewhere, always park with your back to a wall, or at least a fence with razor wire, or something where you know you don't have to worry about your 6.

Make sure anyone approaching you has to approach from a direction where you will see them coming.

Whatever you're doing while you're parked there, never become so engrossed in it that you don't remain aware of your surroundings. An officer was just killed in a Target parking lot recently, and I don't know this for sure, but I'd bet that either he was parked in such a way that he never saw his attacker coming, or he was so engrossed in the wreck report he was doing that he never looked up. Whatever the reason, he never got his gun out of his holster.

If you're on 3rd shift, NEVER sleep alone--ALWAYS have an officer with you who is awake. Sleeping alone not only leaves you completely vulnerable to attack, but it leaves you wide open for pranks. (my favorite is jacking up the rear of the car just enough to get the tires off the ground, so when sleepyhead decides to pack it in for the night, he can't figure out why the hell his car ain't going anywhere! Wait till he calls for a wrecker, and let the good times roll!)

When I'm sitting somewhere and someone walks/drives up to my car, I've always either got my gun out and just below where they can see it, or at I've least got my holster unsnapped and a hand on the grip--Once you see what they want, you can do as you see fit, but always be very suspiscious of a walk/drive-up.

Do not let a drive-up pull so close to you that you can't open your door and get out if you need to.

It's also a good idea to throw it in drive as soon as you see them approaching, that way if all hell breaks loose, you can just step on the gas as you're shooting, and not have to stop shooting to throw it in drive. (Can you tell I work in the hood?:p)

Also, speaking of sitting, a good little drill you can do when you're not doing anything else is the What If game. It's just what it sounds like: you think of scenarios and think about what you will do if and when you encounter that scenario. You'd be suprised how much it will help you react much quicker and eliminate hesitation when the time comes. Never stop doing this--I promise you, you will never run out of scenarios if you've got even just a little imagination.

One last thing, if your car is equipped with an MVR system, review your tapes whenever you can. Specifically, watch your traffic stops and critique your tactics. This will help you spot any bad habits you may be developing and correct them. It will also help reenforce the things you're doing right. You'll be suprised at how many little things you may have missed at the time, that you'll see when you watch the tapes...(dope thrown out a passenger window when you were busy writing a ticket, etc.)

[Vodicka4343]

I dont know if anyone post this one.

"the video camera can be your best friend"
had someone accuse me of pulling a gun on him and he was just sitting in his truck doing nothing. When it came down to the video camera showed that I didn't even touch my gun.

[Curt581]

This thread deserves resurrection... so... For the benefit of our newest members...

BUMP

[jorkassyd]

Thanks Curt. Hadn't seen this thread before you're bump. Good looking out.

[kidicarus13]

Old post deleted

[Delta784]

I don't have time to read through this entire thread, so excuse me if this has been posted already.

Rookies....DON'T ACT LIKE A BURNED-OUT VETERAN BEFORE YOUR FREAKIN' PROBATION IS EVEN OVER!!!!!

Unless you have AT LEAST 3 years on the job with the same agency, you have zero credibility to bitch about the PD, the public, etc. Nothing aggravates veteran cops more than "20-year rookies".

[Curt581]

"Stop and ask yourself if what you're about to do is reasonable under the circumstances".

Keep an open mind to other solutions to a problem. Making an arrest is not always the 'best' option.

***********

This one happened about two weeks ago, about 3:00 AM. It's about 10 degrees outside, with a below-zero wind chill. I was sent to back up Sqd 450 and Sqd 451 with a belligerent male loitering in the main lobby of Children's Hospital, part of a major medical complex. C.H. security stated that the man was not patient, and was refusing to leave.

450 and 451 are good guys, but they're young, each with about a year or so on the job. When I get there, the man is standing in the foyer obviously ****ed, in a defensive stance. He's big, dressed like a street bum with multiple layers of dirty clothes and carrying a plastic bag. My partners have already threatened him with arrest, and are getting ready to go "hands-on". Security tells me that the lobby entrance is closed, and they want the man out, but he's refusing to go outside.

I start talking to the guy. He tells me that he just got discharged from the emergency room in the next building for a minor injury he got at work. He says he was brought to the hospital in an ambulance, and has no way to get home except to walk. The buses aren't running this early. He says that it's too cold to walk home, so he's going to wait in the lobby where it's warm. I get a good ID on the guy, Dispatch says 'no wants'. I ask him where he lives. He gives me an address about three/four miles away. I ask him if he's gonna fight with us if we try to remove him. He says, "Yup. I ain't walking home, it's too damn cold. Go ahead, try to take me to Jail. At least I won't freeze to death".

Option #1: Drag him outside. He'll be right back after we leave, and we'll just get called back. We're gonna have to get him out of the area.

Option #2: Arrest him for trespassing. At best, a civil citation. If he fights, we add a charge of Resisting/Obstructing. If we hurt him or aggravate his existing injury as a result of using force, then we have to get him medically cleared before the Jail will accept him... at the same E.R. he was just released from. Then we've got to transport him to Jail, driving right past his given address on the way. We've got to do all the Use of Force paperwork, on top of the arrest report. All that writing means we'll be tied up for any other calls that come in. Top it all off with the fact that most DA's I know won't want to issue a charge that's largely based on our escalation of the situation.

Option #3: Drive him home and be done with it. Yeah, we'll look like we gave-in to him being a knob, but so what?

He wasn't being disruptive or violent until he was confronted, he was just standing in the foyer. He didn't want anything unreasonable, he was just being a jerk about it. Would fighting with him be worth it? I don't think so... the poor guy is just trying to stay warm, something I couldn't blame him for.

Enough. Make a decision. I told him, "C'mon, I'll give you a ride home". I cuffed him (explaining the rules for squad car rides), patted him down, and put him in the car. The drive took me all of 10 minutes. The only paperwork I did was a daybook entry and logged a conveyance with Dispatch. During the ride, I found out that he was a decent guy. He's a full-time laborer in an industrial job, which accounted for his dirty clothes. He said he got mad because he felt that he was being treated disrespectfully. When I dropped him off, he actually apologized for being an *********, and thanked me for treating him decently.

Lesson learned: Sometimes, the best thing to do is swallow your pride, stop being hard-nosed, and follow the path of least resistance.

[PeteBroccolo]

Congrats, Curt581 - not only was it a great, and proper, way to handle the situation, and one that I and other guys/gals I work with have done before, it would be a situation that you could quote with pride and honour as an example of how you fit within our one of our Core Competencies for the purpose of applying for a promotion!

We ARE Peace Officers, after all!

[TheMP5guy]

"the video camera can be your best friend"
had someone accuse me of pulling a gun on him and he was just sitting in his truck doing nothing. When it came down to the video camera showed that I didn't even touch my gun. [/B][/QUOTE]

With that in mind, the camera is also your worst enemy, so be aware of your surrondings.

[PygMe]

If you ask a question to a suspect and the first word that comes out of his mouth is ,"huh" you can rest assured that the next word will be a lie.

[ltroller]

I took this thread, jammed it all together, edited it, took out the garbage, and created a Word file. It's all in one place. Now what do I do with it? It is too large to attach here (110k and runs to 19-20 pages).

Anyone know a moderator? Maybe a thread with only one message (read-only)?

Is it even worth it?

[rusty1428]

SGT Dave thank you for all of the advice. I worked for a smalll department and the training i recieved well it was average at best. The point you made of having a life outside of law enforcement, well i was fired because i was not a cop 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I really do appreciate the advice from yourself and all of the other vets out there. Again thank you and keep them coming

rusty1428

[Caprice66]

I copied and pasted all of this info in a word file..:D .

Great posts all!!

[Luke]

Best thread I've read, Thanks guys!

[Delta784]

I can't believe I forgot this one;

Wear latex gloves.
Many of the people you will come in contact with on this job are walking Petri dishes. Sometimes covered in their own blood, they are a veritable potpourri of communicable diseases like Hepatitis, HIV, TB, etc. You may feel foolish wearing purple gloves that Barney the Dinosaur would be proud of, but they will save you from bringing something home that you really don

[chrlys4thangel]

NEVER.....date a dispatcher

**** em off, and you will be the first to be dispatched to that runaway juvie when its miller time....

remember...."dont **** where you eat"

[hanuman]

So many great tips on this thread!

Some more -

*When you are brand new, call a senior cop before you call the Sarge. The Sgt's gonna remember if you're that retard that's always calling him to the scene for nonsense.

*Know what you've got. You have a man in cuffs, the boss rolls up, he's gonna ask, "what'cha got?" better be prepared to tell him.

*Always have an answer (story as old-timers will tell you).

*Always know where you are. When the **** hit's the fan, you can't say "excuse me, where are we again? let me just call for back-up"

*Tactics, tactics, tactics. Always think tactics. Blade your body, watch hands, keep your back from stairways (so you don't get pushed down them), keep your gun hand free and unemcumbered, always look up, stay off the damn cell phone while handling jobs (and keep them on vibrate),practice keeping your hands relaxed and in front of you (interview stance), and stay alert, etc.

*Back up your fellow officers. Always! don't be lazy, that simple car-stop can go from routine to hell in a heartbeat. You even simply driving by might be the one thing that changes that mopes mind from doing something stupid to the cop that pulled him over.

*Always outnumber the badguys - it's not meant to be a fair fight, we win period.

*Keep everything in perspective - Don't scream over the air that you need help, when you're chasing a stupid kid who ran from you for having a joint. People could get hurt responding. Let him go, you'll catch him tomorrow.

*Try not to trivialize - that BS job you're handling may seem like the end of the world to that complainant/victim. You don't have to hold their hand, but you do have to be professional. Treat every job like it was your mother making the complaint.

*Dot your i's and cross your t's, your paperwork is a reflection of you. Be proud of your work, don't take shortcuts, you'll regret it, if that shortcut results in the dismissal of a case against your perp.

*If you'll lucky enough to work with a steady partner, put together certain code words so you'll both be on the same page, for example in NYC, Criminal Trespass is a common offense in Housing. Perps are on to this, so I might say to my partner I feel like having Chicken Tenders for dinner tonight to indicate this guys "under". Also, if your partner has a different firearm then you, go to the range with him and shoot each other's firearm so you'll be familiar with each other's just in case something happens and you'll have to use his - you never know.

[irishlad2nv]

Originally posted by chrlys4thangel
NEVER.....date a dispatcher

**** em off, and you will be the first to be dispatched to that runaway juvie when its miller time....

remember...."dont **** where you eat"

been there done that...lol great advice there..lol

[setexas]

Originally posted by irishlad2nv
been there done that...lol great advice there..lol

Or a jailer, or a secretary, or anyone else who works with you. That includes county commissioner's daughters. Stick with nurses and teachers! Love those ER nurses:)

Also, every department large or small has a snitch or brown noser. You will find out who it is because they are always trying to have lunch with the Sgt. or Lt.

Don't tell this person anything. They are only looking out for themselves.

[Dave2886]

This mainly applies to people who work in larger departments, but if someone is chasing someone, either on foot or in a car, or if they're fighting one, or any other ACTUAL emergency, and they're calling for help, DON'T tie up the radio just to say that you're enroute. One person can say they're on the way, just so the officer that called for help at least knows people heard him, but everyone else should stay the hell off the radio and just go. If you need to get on the radio for something important, that's different, but when everyone is getting on the air just to say they're heading that way, it ties up the radio so that the officer who is actually calling for help can't get on if he needs to. In a foot chase especially, the only thing you should hear is the guy running the suspect calling out his locations, direction of travel and the suspect description. Everyone else needs to stay off the air and go where they need to go. Especially in a department or a district with lots of officers in a relatively small area, everyone knows you're enroute--there's absolutely no reason you need to announce it to everyone, just go!

Sorry for the rant, but this just happened last night. We've got an officer in a foot chase, trying to call out his location, and everyone keeps getting on the radio to say they're headed that way. :mad: The guy in the chase tried to get out twice to say they had changed directions, but couldn't because of all the unnecessary radio traffic. This stuff goes in waves--It'll be addressed at roll call tonight, and it probably won't happen for a while, but then people will forget, and it'll start to happen again. :mad: Don't be the guy who gets someone hurt because they couldn't get on the radio when they needed to!

[Curt581]

Originally posted by Dave2886
DON'T tie up the radio just to say that you're enroute. One person can say they're on the way, just so the officer that called for help at least knows people heard him, but everyone else should stay the hell off the radio and just go.
All I can say is...

Amen, brother!

[kid6725]

Originally posted by Curt581
All I can say is...

Amen, brother!

ill second that

[td3201]

Originally posted by Jim
[b]"2. They lied to you during training.
Most of what you learned in during training will need to be forgotten...."
NO WAY!! Forget ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that you learned during training! What you learned in training will be used to hang you out to dry if something goes bad.

I would have to agree with this. You can always go back and prove that you were trained to do things that way. Your *** is clear that way. I am still in training so I am a rookie but heard this from my Sgt.

Great stuff here guys, thank you!

[code3_K9]

Something I picked up around the way... Something called the "true 1%ers"

See I figure that theres only about 1% of true victims. Rarely is there a true victimless crime. Atleast were I come from anyways.

Sad but true... I dont know about the other large dept. around the country, but down here, most of the crimes that happen, happen for a reason... And every now and again, we'll get a true 1%er.

Not really a rule for the rookies, just something to think about. I just remember how much eaiser it was to deal with things, once I was told about this little tid-bit of info...

As for the unwritten rules;

as said before, you do whatever it takes to go home at the end of your watch...

Stay safe guys!!!

[easy-e1]

This mainly applies to people who work in larger departments, but if someone is chasing someone, either on foot or in a car, or if they're fighting one, or any other ACTUAL emergency, and they're calling for help, DON'T tie up the radio just to say that you're enroute. One person can say they're on the way, just so the officer that called for help at least knows people heard him, but everyone else should stay the hell off the radio and just go. If you need to get on the radio for something important, that's different, but when everyone is getting on the air just to say they're heading that way, it ties up the radio so that the officer who is actually calling for help can't get on if he needs to. In a foot chase especially, the only thing you should hear is the guy running the suspect calling out his locations, direction of travel and the suspect description. Everyone else needs to stay off the air and go where they need to go. Especially in a department or a district with lots of officers in a relatively small area, everyone knows you're enroute--there's absolutely no reason you need to announce it to everyone, just go!

Sorry for the rant, but this just happened last night. We've got an officer in a foot chase, trying to call out his location, and everyone keeps getting on the radio to say they're headed that way. :mad: The guy in the chase tried to get out twice to say they had changed directions, but couldn't because of all the unnecessary radio traffic. This stuff goes in waves--It'll be addressed at roll call tonight, and it probably won't happen for a while, but then people will forget, and it'll start to happen again. :mad: Don't be the guy who gets someone hurt because they couldn't get on the radio when they needed to!
You musta been talking about Pittsburgh PD, happened ALL THE TIME :mad:
Cop in fight needs the radio to be clear. Just go and if you are on a department that 'limits' how many people go code 3 to a call, the rules always dont aplly to Officer needs help. Get there and get there NOW.

Major rules for rookie- DONT EVER HIT A GUY WHO IS CUFFED. UNless he grabs you by the ballls then expect to be videotaped.
That cop in Inglewood got how many millions??? Too much lost rep though.

[Caprice66]

[QUOTE=Delta784]I can't believe I forgot this one;

Wear latex gloves.
Many of the people you will come in contact with on this job are walking Petri dishes. Sometimes covered in their own blood, they are a veritable potpourri of communicable diseases like Hepatitis, HIV, TB, etc. You may feel foolish wearing purple gloves that Barney the Dinosaur would be proud of, but they will save you from bringing something home that you really don

[Dave2886]

Easy,
Naw, I was actually talking about Charlotte, but I've got a feeling that stuff happens all over. At least, probably in the larger cities.

[Mraughh]

[QUOTE=Delta784]I can't believe I forgot this one;

Wear latex gloves.
Many of the people you will come in contact with on this job are walking Petri dishes. Sometimes covered in their own blood, they are a veritable potpourri of communicable diseases like Hepatitis, HIV, TB, etc. You may feel foolish wearing purple gloves that Barney the Dinosaur would be proud of, but they will save you from bringing something home that you really don

[J--WS6]

Rules of Law Enforcement;

1. Dont get wet
2. Dont get cold
3. Dont get hungry

And an extra tip for those assigned to 3rd shift...

The coffee doesnt work.

[Caprice66]

Rules of Law Enforcement;

1. Dont get wet
2. Dont get cold
3. Dont get hungry

And an extra tip for those assigned to 3rd shift...

The coffee doesnt work.

ROCKSTAR energy drink, 16oz, lol. Works well. :D

[MacLeod]

Before you leave the office, check your kit, your radio, cuffs and if its expandable your stick. You don't want any of these things to fail when you need them.

I'm sure I don't need to tell you crazy yanks to keep your weapon clean ;)

Mac

[NPD21]

I Just Got Out Of F.t.o Four Months Ago, Best Advice I Can Give Is When You Hit The Road On Your Own-shut Up, Take Your Calls, And Only Ask For Help When You Need It, You Dont Want To Get Known As The Unit That Cried Wolf; Dont Be Afraid To Ask For Back Up And Dont Create Work For The Old Soldiers-basically Just Pull Your Weight And You Will Be Fine

[sgttom]

I remember being told:


Do what I tell you NOT what I do...

[Delta784]

Oh....don't forget your gun.

Once MA instituted a law that required all firearms to be either trigger-locked or in a secure, locked place, I put my service pistol in a secure lock box on my bureau every night.

A few times afterwards, I got to work, realized I didn't have my gun, and had to turn around to go home and get it.

I didn't catch too much **** for that. :rolleyes:

[COBRA90GT]

...Major rules for rookie- DONT EVER HIT A GUY WHO IS CUFFED...


Agreed. Once the cuffs go on, the fight is over...

[ltroller]

Agreed. Once the cuffs go on, the fight is over...

I disagree. Handcuffs are a temporary security measure only. Some of the worst scuffles I've been in extended long past the point where the cuffs were on. it didn't take too many of those to convince me that I needed to carry shackles and a hobble.

As for the tip that you shouldn't hit someone in cuffs, how about this instead...

"Don't hit someone who doesn't need to be hit, but those who need to be hit need to be hit HARD. Right NOW."

Don't let the fact that someone is in handcuffs lull you into a false sense of security. How many of you guys have ever had someone slip the cuffs? It really sucks when they do that then drive away in your car. (Two other officers, NOT me.... thank god.)

FIRST you control, THEN you cuff. Handcuffs are a means to maintain control, not establish it. Follow that up with securing him as best you can (usually in a cage car), transporting to a secure facility (jail), and MONITORING all along the way.

1. Control
2. Cuff
3. Secure
4. Transport
5. Monitor

In that order every time.

[glades250]

Remember that its OK to be scared or have a fear. It keeps ya sharp and alert!! Just don't tell the guys ya ****ed yours pants :D

[COBRA90GT]

...I disagree...


I was referring to taking liberties on someone who is in custody (big no-no).

[Curt581]

Time once again to bump this one back to the top. You youngsters should read this one from page one... and take notes.

*BUMP*

:D

[realluke]

[QUOTE=SGT Dave]1. Go Home At The End Of Your Shift-

That's the first rule of law enforcement-that you go home at the end of your shift.
Officer Jim Malone (Sean Connery)
The Untouchables (1987)

Enough said. However, I

[That Guy]

Not sure if its my dept. or a generation thing like some people think, but I

[Wyatt Earp]

NEVER trust anyone from Internal Affairs/Professional Standards. ALWAYS have a union rep. with you in any interrogation. Stand up for your rights and make sure THEY follow the rules.

[Chiram]

*bump to the top*

[lawdog1971]

[QUOTE=That Guy]1. When you get into FTO MAKE AN EFFORT. I find that too many new guys just lolly-gag around waiting to be told what to do. I understand it

[Caprice66]

"You guys. You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? Larry!"

"Lollygaggers?"

"Lollygaggers!"

Sorry...had to be said.


I'm not a cop so sorry for the post, but I have to say it. It does not surprise me, I have seen what is hired and what is making it into the "final pick up the draft" sort of speak. Common sense is lacking. Stuff like the "oral board", people train to get the answers right, mmmmmmmmmm, that really makes for good on the spot common sense. Making the physical before the interviewing process, and booting some of the guys that could have been good cops but are a little low the physical side. Being that there is a six-month academy to train. These are just a few things I have seen. This really seems like basic stuff to me. Just my two cents that I had to share.

[Runs w/scissors]

This thread is awesome, and I really appreciate y'all taking the time to help out those of us who are rookies or soon-to-be rookies.

If no one minds, I'm going to condense this thread, make copies and give it to my academy class towards the end (September).

Thanks again for all the great advice. :)

[x5150x]

I'll be a rookie until I retire...never stop learning.

[Caprice66]

I'll be a rookie until I retire...never stop learning.

I like that qoute x5150x, and again thanks all for the good advice, I as well have copy and pasted it all.

[mac266]

This rookie has been eating this thread up since it started. Keep them coming; I'm an information sponge right now.

[DaveinUtah]

I have read this whole thread and plan on doing it again. Thanks to everyone for the GREAT advice. I honestly think this advice might make me seem a little less like a rookie when I start in a month or so.

[Dave2886]

I have read this whole thread and plan on doing it again. Thanks to everyone for the GREAT advice. I honestly think this advice might make me seem a little less like a rookie when I start in a month or so.
I hate to break it to you, but as much great information is in here, reading it ain't gonna keep you from being a rookie! :p The funny part is, the crack-heads, drunks, dopers and hookers walking the streets can usually smell a rookie just as well as your fellow officers can...the only cure for it is time. But, by all means, keep reading this thread, because it really is full of things you need to know.

[NPD21]

BEST THREAD EVER!!!!

Thanks so much to all the contributors to this thread, this should be mandatory reading material in any F.T.O.

[OfcDave]

Well, I'm new to this whole officer.com thing but let me just say...... Thank you for spending the time to type all of those great tips.

I am in the Police Acadamy! I was a explore for 4 years. I am all to excited to start my life long dream job.

While I am not a a LEO yet, I would like to tell a story that just happened to a friend of mine..................

He was on the 3rd shift, it was one of those no call, for some really weird out of this world reason, dead nights that happen 2 times a year when your lucky! He wanted to be able to put some sort of activity down on his report so he decided to stop a man on a bike with no light and just run his name and verb. warn him.........

Well, the man was really polite and he stated that he didn't have his ID on him but that it was a valid state ID. When my officer friend ran his name, it came back with a picture that was sure as he!! not his. So, now with his copper sence going off, he informed him that lieing to a police officer was a crime and with that the man took off on his bike................. So back in his squad car and the chase is on...........

When he was able to make the man wreck......... The fight was on...........

Now, for what ever reason, my friend gave out the wrong address ( by 4 streets)! Now I know all of you are thinking that that is why you should know where you're at! AT ALL TIMES!!! He has be a cop in that same 2 mile square for over 5 years. For some unexplainable reason he had a brain fart and thought he was 4 streets over....

The fight lasted 4min and 29sec befor back up located him. He broke his ring finger by punching the man in the back of the head! When he realised that he wasn't winning and back up wasn't there for what ever reason, he broke the mans arm........... then cuffed him! (The man had 7 warrents. No wonder he fought!)

Now the only reason that I wrote this whole story was because of what he said to me.................

Even with his obvious mistake of the wrong address........

Back up would have been able to find him really easy if he simply had had his siren on!!!!

( he had never bothered to turn it on because it was 3:30am and the man was on a bike, so why wake everyone up )

Moral: In any chase leave your siren on till you fellow officer can watch the perp while you turn it off!

[SinePari]

The fight lasted 4min and 29sec befor back up located him!

Some of our patrol areas away from the city, we are about 20 miles apart from each other, with either no or part-time local PDs out in the sticks. I was on a stop on the big road and another Trooper called for back up at a domestic gone bad at the other end of our area. Doing over 100mph it still took me about 15 minutes to get there.

[OfcDave]

Was it still a hot situation? or was it code 4, befor you got there? JC

[SinePari]

Was it still a hot situation? or was it code 4, befor you got there? JC

No big deal, really. It was a transient apartment complex, you know, the one that looks like a motel, but people live there permanently? Drunk guy in room #3 bitching about whore/crackhead/neighbor in room #5, blah blah blah.

When we go out there we always bring our banjos...

[ltroller]

BUMP.

C'mon guys, there are rookies that are anxiously awaiting the pearls of your wisdom...

For those who are interested, I have taken this thread and condensed it into a Word document.

If you'd like me to email it to you, drop me a PM. (Warning, it goes longer than 30 pages...)

[pkagel]

I just sent in a request to make this thread sticky, this is the best thread on the Rookie forum ever.

PK

[lawdog1971]

I'll be a rookie until I retire...never stop learning.

I always say...the older I get, the more I realize how little I know.

[crushcrime248]

Unless I missed it, I think we have forgotten one VERY important piece of advise. This is not just for the rookies, I have seen a lot of veterans make this mistake

[Sigma40]

Remember you are out there to protect life and property - but its your life first !

[ChiefChaz]

Respect the old schoolers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are still here for a reason!!!

[x5150x]

I have the benefit of being a Firefighter in addition to my LE job. My instructor once told me, "Risk alot to save alot; risk little to save little".

I think it applies to LE work as well.

[MsMilhouse]

I'm still Sub-rookie but...

1. +1 rule. If you find one weapon always assume there is another and
2. Pee every chance you get, because you never know when your going to get tied up on a really loooooong call.

[crabbycancer]

Forget 'examination gloves,' the typically white latex ones that go up to your wrist. They are great for fingerprinting or onsence evidence collection, but when it comes to medical calls, they are garbage and tear easily. I would *highly* recommend the use of 'surgeon's gloves,' which are much thicker latex and go about three inches past your wrists (usually in different colors like green or blue). I've never had one break on me yet and when your victim is pumping out blood, the extra couple of inches of protection is worth its weight in gold; especially when you find out from the medic, hospital, or coroner, that your victim was infected with X, Y, or Z. Ask your locale firehouse or hospital if you can scam a box while on duty.

And regardless of what kind of gloves you carry, inspect them every month for tears or rips. Remember that sweat/sunlight/heat starts to break down the material too. Find out if they need to replace before you're stuck in a key-clutch moment. :eek:

Also it might be a good idea to carry some disinfectant wipes on you, just incase you do have an exposure and a sink/soap isn't handy.

[MIKEMIKE]

don't know if its been said yet but look sharp this goes for the vets too. all it takes is getting that fro shaved off every 2 weeks and don't use a bottle of cologne a day. rode with another officer the other day and i smelled like oldspice for freaking week. great thread guys.oh and shine your damn shoes. :)

[pkagel]

bump........

[KapsFB]

Learn how to spell and use proper grammar. No one expects you to be a professional english professor, but the word "vagina" is not spelled "v-i-r-g-i-n-i-a".

It's not? :eek:

[surfnski911]

bump......

[SinePari]

If you're new, ACT new. I don't know how many times I've heard "I don't care where you came from, or what you did before", even thought I keep my mouth shut.

In reality, they do care what you did before, but don't beat your chest unless asked to do so.

[pawncop]

Let me add my hard earned $0.02 to this most excellent thread.

1. You need to conduct yourself like you are always on videotape. That means unless it is really, really, neccesary do not use profanity, be as polite as the contact will allow you to be. I can assure you someone is watching, now they all have recorders. If you have to throw down, then do it quickly and be decisive. I recently viewed a video where the officers rolled around and did not take charge for at least five to seven minutes and while they did not do anything totally out of line they did not take control and looked and sounded like the Keystone Kops. It was not pretty.

2. When you write a report, remember your audience. If it's a burglary keep the detective in mind and give him the information you know he will need. Remember your report will be read by attorneys, (our side and theirs) and the defense attorneys are going to be looking for ways to attack your credibility. I do not think the officer who arrested the woman for no seat belt did not think his report would be viewed by the Supreme Court but it was. (See number 3)

3. It's not the call you worry about that will come back to bite you. It's the one that you think is routine, no big deal, and treat it as such. My worst nightmare - an in custody death - was just a plain jane narcotics bust. I thought I was doing good by writing a four (4) page report. With what I know now I would write a twenty four (24) page report. The devil is in the details. I know a lot of officers will tell you keep it short. Keep it simple. The one I heard the most was make it a bikini - cover the essentials but make it brief enough to be interesting. Do not buy into that. Write a complete report with as many details as you can. It may not help with the case you are dealing with for the moment but the information you gather may be important down the line. You will be amazed how many times people from one call will be on another call within a couple of days or even hours apart.

4. As new reserve I learned fairly quickly, do not try to impress folks with how much you know. These people do this every day and it is their living. They will figure out how much you know very quickly, and I assure you do not know nearly as much as they do. I've been doing this for over 26 years now. I think I'm just about getting to the point where I can add a little every so often.

5. Remember that this is people business. The more details you can recall about people, their families, what they drive, where they work, who they hang with, where they hang, will be so vital in your every day contacts. One of the officers I partnered with was amazing with his ability to remember these kinds of details. I recall we got a general broadcast of a gas drive off and it involved a green Pontiac driven by a B/M with a H/F. He knew where there were three green Pontiacs in our district and told me that sounds like *********** he supposed to have a new girlfriend and he'd be good for it. We drove to the residence (loose definition of the shack) and beat ********* home. A small example and minor offense but took care of it by knowing his district.

6. This is related to #5. Work your district. I had a really good partner I really enjoyed working with but he became a dope hound. I finally convinced him one night to just work the district. In that one evening we cleared four (4) warrants, an unlawfully carrying a weapon and unlawful possession of firearm by a felon. It was one the best nights we ever had. We talked about how we felt we had really made our city a bit safer. But if we had been chasing dope we would not have been where we needed to be.

I have been blessed over my years to have great officers as my partners. I learned so much from each of them and have added a little that I have figured out on my own. Now I am in CID working pawn shop detail and helping out with lower level investigations trying to free up our detectives to be able to handle the more important cases. I manage to clear several cases and continue to make my city a little safer.

Best of luck to all our new rookies. I will reinforce rule number !

YOU GO HOME AT THE END OF YOUR SHIFT.

[trpr2b]

bumping back to the top

[mobrien316]

A good report will save your career. A bad report, or no report at all, may end it prematurely. Document the incidents you respond to accurately and completely - if you leave something out it makes it easy for someone else to insert some piece of fiction into the hole.

If the call you are on has you wondering, "Do I need to do a report on this?" then the answer is always YES!

[OffDuty]

And ALWAYS be up front about what happened in the report. If you had to punch a dude to get the arrest, great. Be honest & say it took six closed fist strikes to the left cheek to get the arrestee to comply to allow handcuffing.

Glossing over it or saying you struck the dude once or twice will bite you in the azz & probably have your dept hanging you out to dry, as well as opening yourself up to being sued.

I have a few more to add, but I gotta tend to the crying baby... more to come!

[stalker3]

Always wear your seat belt. So many people will freak out if you don't wear your vest, but unfortunately don't have the same reaction if you don't wear your seat belt. You probably will be in a squad accident more times than you will be shot. You gain nothing by not wearing one. I can put the squad in park, take my seat belt off, turn the siren off, turn the car off, take the key out, get out, lock the door, close the door, pocket the key, and catch the bad guy EVERY TIME, even after ten years.

Someone said that you shouldn't be afraid to ask your sergeant. I say don't be afraid to ask your peers first, and you definately don't want the reputation of needing to ask a supervisor everything.

Don't let the prospect of a citizen complaint keep you from doing your job. If you're right, don't worry. Some people just love to complain. My father (a retired police officer) once told me, "Show me a copper with no complaints and I'll show you a copper who doesn't do his job." On that note, not all complaints are preventable, but some are.

Presence is the first step in the use of force. Keep your uniform squared away, look like you are in good physical shape, and relax. The art of persuasion works wonders. If things start getting bad, make it look like you not only have no problems kicking some ***, but that you want or need to. It usually ends there, but if not, your reputation will keep him or his friends from fighting you the next time.

If you do have to thump someone, when you are done, always ask in a calm manner, "Are you okay, man?", even though you don't care. That's a way of telling him that the fight is over, and it was just all business. It is important that you sound genuine. Don't be a sore winner afterwards. This helps with the complaint thing (from bad guys or witnesses).

NO SANDBAGGING. Cops who don't pull their own weight and get over screw the guys that sit around them at roll call. If you have a squad area, take care of it, and don't make other people do it for you.

Most people are good people, but some aren't so good. It will always be that way.

Have fun.

[Ballen0351]

I have been a FTO for a few years now and the number 1 problem I have seen with new guys out of the Academy is a respect issue.

REMEMBER Your the new guy WE have already been there and done that your trying to be one of US we dont need to be one of you. Im not trying to say were any better people then you but were better Cops. Not that you wont get better.

I recall a rookie I had last year we walked in the squad room to help the out going squad because they made a few arrests just before our squad came on. My Rookie was standing in the door way just watching when an officer on the other squad asked him to start printing some of the prisioners. I came so close to knocking my Rookie out when he said "Your not my FTO you do it, I dont have to." I snatched his *** up and pushed him down the hall to the Roll Call room and went APE **** on his *** I did not hit him but I wanted to, the next day he went to the LT and asked for a new FTO. After LT got my side of the story his request was denied.

[Redders]

You could technically say I'm still a rook years of service wise (2.5), but then we are all rook's till we retire. For having done this job for sometime now though I have to say that alot of the newer guys on the street need to get over the touchy feely heemy sleemy stuff that some instructors teach you. There are appropriate times to be civil and respectful with people and then there are times that you need to step on peoples necks to get their attention. The more you do this the more you will get the feel for when this is appropriate.

Use your common sense, listen to your FTO. The biggest thing is back each other up and be there for the other guys. It's kinda like being hazed in. The older guys and your FTO will start to trust you more when you show them you can be counted on. If you getting to the end of your FTO and you wonder why no one wants to hang out with you or get to know you better it's probably because you've done something to break the "blue trust". I would suggest doing something to get that back.

One other thing.......If you have to use force on somebody while in FTO, do it fast, do it hard, do it once. Your FTO/older dudes will respect somebody that can take care of business verse some punk weenie that needs their hand held to write a citation for speeding.

[ltroller]

One other thing.......If you have to use force on somebody while in FTO, do it fast, do it hard, do it once. Your FTO/older dudes will respect somebody that can take care of business verse some punk weenie that needs their hand held to write a citation for speeding.

That applies at ALL times, not just in your FTO program... and you forgot "do it NOW, do it fast, do it hard, do it once." Hesitation can kill.

[amp2112]

Just got finished with a ten week FTO program and now I'm in the land of darkness. Not much happened during FTO which was conducted on the 7am-3pm shift. I ask and ask and ask a lot of questions to my fellow officers and supervisors, but the bottom line there is still a lot I am still unsure of such as paperwork and a how to handle certain calls procedural wise and so on. The only solution to this I know is just repetition. In the meantime, my anxiety level seems to be going through the roof, instead of looking forward to go work I dread it, due to the lack of experience. Just looking for advice from others who have had similar feelings...........Bottom line How long before i feel I have my feet underneath me? Thanks Guys.

Confidence comes slowly. That feeling of not having your feet underneath you is actually keeping you aware/alive. i am reletivivley new to the job and have had the same feelings. A partner makes goes a long way in relieving the anxiety. Try to remember whats right and whats wrong. Your the police. Identify the victim, the offender. and the crime. Arrest the the person who committed the crime. It sounds too simple but it's the frame of mind I try to stay in.

[Ballen0351]

It will all come with time just because your off FTO nobody should expect you to know everything. Just remember to ask questions. Get the cell phone # to someone you can ask ?s to so you dont bother your supervisor all the time. Thats the best way to get by. If your supervisor is any good you will probaly see him show up to some calls he thinks you may have trouble on and help you through.

[Rally]

Good job Sgt. Dave. Rule #1 is a must, and everyone should not get in your car unless you believe rule 1. I want to mention rule #9. I also learned this the hard way. I was on a burglary alarm call, and had a gut feeling it was the real thing but didn't follow it. I didn't search the building properly, and my sgt found the broken window. ALWAYS ALWAYS trust your gut feeling!!!!

[FCSD2162]

I don't know if they've already been addressed, but just a couple things:

1.) Before you leave the house for work, check the chamber of your firearm and ensure there's a round in there; even if you are certain no one else has touched it. Like was previously mentioned: Murphy does ride alongs.

2.) Remember, two is one and one is none. Always have at least two flashlights, two pairs of cuffs, two radio batteries because when you need that particular piece of equipment most, it will crap out on you.

3.) Be aware of where your radio mic is. It's really embarassing when your meeting with another officer and having a discussion that doesn't need to get aired, but accidentally does.

4.) Always ensure you patrol car has enough fuel.

5.) Practice, practice, practice. Because the bad guys sure are. They study your holsters and probably know how to get your firearm out quicker than you do.

6.) If your agency doesn't supply a back-up gun, GET ONE ON YOUR OWN if that's allowed.

7.) Leave home at home and leave work at work.

8.) When you make a traffic stop, don't just give a tag number thinking your dispatcher will get all the pertinent info. from the return. Give a vehicle description. What if that tag doesn't belong on that car? When the driver gets though shooting you, I'd like to be able to at least be looking for the right type of vehicle.

9.) For the love of God, please take all the crap that jingles out of your pockets. I don't want to clear a building with a guy that has $15.00 worth of pennies in his pocket and something resembling a janitor's key ring hanging off his belt.

10.) Remember that EVERYONE, from then ten year old girl to the 80 year old in a wheelchair, can possess the ability to KILL you.

[trooperden]

in order to enforce the law you must know and understand the law. Read, read,read and reread the criminal and traffic codes. When people ask questions you will leave a good impression in a quick and accurate response.

when in doubt PUNT, first make sure you have grounds for the stop or contact. never attempt to twist the law into your favor. I always figured that the violator would Plead Not Guilty therefore I didn't want to look like an idiot in the court room

not everyone NEEDS to get arrested in order to come to a good resolution to the call or infraction, COMMON SENSE PREVAILS sometimes a verbal warning will be the answer

you not only have to be right you must look right, impression by the public is important

you control the situtation NEVER let the situtation control you

Best way to keep the monkey off your back is to quit feeding it

stay in shape your life and others working with you depend upon it :cool:

[kttref]

That was a whole hell of a lot of advice, but every point excellent, and I've taken it all to heart. Thank you all :)

[TXCop55]

also, don,t drive through a mud puddle on his side of the car while his window is down.

[Omega4]

I used this as a training reminder for my watch section when I was an MP. It is sarcastic, a vague attempt at humor, but each point here is valid in it's own way. I have no idea where this orginated from.

RULES OF GUNFIGHTING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
1. Bring a gun. Preferably, bring at least two guns. Bring all of your friends who have guns.
2. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
3. Only hits count. The only thing worse than a miss is a slow miss.
4. If your shooting stance is good, you're probably not moving fast enough nor using cover correctly.
5. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral and diagonal movement are preferred.)
6. If you can choose what to bring to a gunfight, bring a long gun and a friend with a long gun.
7. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
8. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating, reloading, and running.
9. Accuracy is relative: most combat shooting standards will be more dependent on "pucker factor" than the inherent accuracy of the gun.
10. Use a gun that works EVERY TIME. "All skill is in vain when an Angel ****es in the flintlock of your musket."
11. Someday someone may kill you with your own gun, but they should have to beat you to death with it because it is empty.
12. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
13. Have a plan.
14. Have a back-up plan, because the first one won't work.
15. Use cover or concealment as much as possible. The visible target should be in FRONT of your gun.
16. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
17. Don't drop your guard.
18. Always tactical load and threat scan 360 degrees.
19. Watch their hands. Hands kill. (In God we trust. Everyone else, keep your hands where I can see them).
20. Decide to be aggressive ENOUGH, quickly ENOUGH.
21. The faster you finish the fight, the less shot you will get.
22. Be polite. Be professional. But have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
23. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
24. Your number one Option for Personal Security is a lifelong commitment to avoidance, deterrence, and de-escalation.
25. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun, the caliber of which does not start with a "4."

[Brooklyn10-63]

I don't know if this is posted because I'm reading this forum in small groups but anyway....

Keep Vicks Vapor Rub in your bag to rub under your nose responding to DOA's that have "baked" for a while in their own juices. As rookies, we always draw the short straw and have to go in first to open a window. Having that will save your lunch from coming back to visit. :eek:

The only problem with this is you'll never be able to use it for its original purpose ever again. :D

[VACOP1]

I work for a Federal Agency, the VA. I had a gentleman, loteriting in our pharmacy waiting room. I began to question him, because he seemed out of place and was kinnda trying to hide from site. He told me was waiting for his aunt who was in the ED. I got his aunt's name had a check run to see if she was there, and quess what she was not. I had the check run again, she still was not there, this whole time he is adamant that she is there. Well I took him to the ED and checked in person, still not there. I had the aunt's name run through our system to see if she is a vet, she's not even in the system. Well I charged him, with what I could. His background check, came back negative so I could not get him on anything better.

[VACOP1]

[QUOTE]Enough said. However, I

[VACOP1]

ONE thing I learned and was ingranded in to our heads is:
Try and always keep things out of your weapons hand, that way its easier to get to your gun.
Cuff, check, double lock ,re-check also behind the back.

[VACOP1]

[QUOTE]However, I personally do not keep my notes after the report has been written. In fact, I don't know an officer that does.

For one, once you use your notes to write the report, there really is no need to keep the notes. They have served their purpose. Plus I go through an entire notepad at least every shift or two. I can't imagine keeping all those notes AND having to find a place to store them.[/QUOTE
I am not going to get into a pi@@ing match, but there is a Supreme Court case in reference to your note/notebook has to do with Rosario Notes.

[Brooklyn10-63]

I agree w/ VACOP. Always keep your notes and anything else you have (pictures even if from your cellphone) for at least five years after you leave the Department for which you work (the statute of limitations on your work as a LEO). Reports have a way of missing or being altered at convenient times when your Department needs to cover its ***** and you are being hung out to dry for something the press or civilians thinks you may or may not have done wrong during the Monday Morning Quarterback session. Your notes may be the only thing that saves your butt. Look out for you because your Department won't.

[MP_HANDLER]

to the rookies out there. when i yell "dog off leash" stop running or my dog will target you. dont try out run the dog to the subject

[Staubb00]

Dave2886 that is so true. all they do is step on each other while whoever is out there is trying to yell locations. (See page six about talking during a chase)

[KalCop]

God Gave You 2 Ears And One Mouth....listen Twice As Much As You Speak...

[Platinum]

I don't know what number we're on but one more good rule is:
They dictate what WE do...when they stop fighting so do you!

Also don't forget what you learned in the academy just build on it...yes it's in static time but that builds muscle memory...it's just a base...a starting ground with out it you wouldn't beable to make it through field training! And Be careful which oldtimers you listen to ...there could be a reason they're still in patrol, and it's not always the reason they give you!!!

These rules are Great! Good Idea!!! :)

[BOUST]

Remember this...

There will always be a firearm present at every call you go to. Two if your partner is there with you.

[Rookiecop]

Ok everyone Im going to start the acadamy in Jan. I have been hired and start work on monday the 31st.(personal till the acadamy) When I get out of the acadamy I was going to keep a tape recorder in my pocket or maybe in the car with a wireless mic. I was riding with a friend of mine and he made a stop a someone's house on a call. He was as nice as he could be and showed no signs of disrespect by any means. Later that day he called me and said "was I rude to that guy" I told him no not at all. He then stated the guy called and complained? I was floored. Thats why I want to use a voice recorder on my shift any ideas? Thanks for your time. everyone and stay safe.

[e-man]

to the rookies out there. when i yell "dog off leash" stop running or my dog will target you. dont try out run the dog to the subject
Oh you just brought up some FOND memories, OF the other guys who kept running. :D :D Expecially the newer guys who think that Iam cool and the old guys {5 yrs or more} never really did THIS kind of police work.

A rule of police work, more like a word of advice- DOnt think your a special cop who does stuff that the older guys havent done. We've all done it, we've all seen it, we just dont have to do it as much and glad to have the rookies around...NOt all veterans are like that BUT most rookies have that Poop dont smell attitude. ITs good to have that tough guy swagger on the street but not in the locker room.


NUMBER 1 {probably been said 100 itmes} ALWAYS GO HOME AFTER EACH SHIFT.....

[crabbycancer]

- if you find yourself lost on a vehicle or foot pursuit, consider telling the dispatcher to run a tag or two that's parked in a driveway. If they both come up with the same street name, odds are you're "back on the map."

- when crossing a major intersection, make sure you watch out for that second or third lane of traffic. As their vision may be partially obscurred by the other stopped traffic, remember haste makes waste and pull out slowly.

- don't get tunnel vision on some of these hot calls--rapes, shootings, stabbings, home invasion robberies, etc. Make sure you clear the area before going in and rendering aid.

- if you can spare the extra room, consider carrying an old blanket or sheet. perfect for fatal car or ped accidents that are in public view. not to mention to prevent someone from going into shock, especially since it is getting colder in most of the US.

- also on my last two fatal MV accidents, the senior guy on the traffic squad took a piece of paper and taped it to the registration plate on the decedent's vehicle. thought it was very strange until I saw the three news helicopters hovering overhead, all with their long range cameras pointed downward. that way the next of kin won't immediately recognize the family member's car on channel 7.

[Old Dog]

Someone way back up the line there said "Never Lie".

I'll repeat that: "Never Lie". Anyone who asks you to lie is not your friend. They are gambling your career in a hope to save theirs.

You may find yourself in a situation where you will be asked, demanded or just expected to lie, don't do it. Suck it up and take the high road.

There have been times when telling the truth has caused a hardship for an officer. There are times when an officer has had to change departments but in my opinion but that's better than lying.

Never Lie. Embarrassment and humiliation fade as the days go by, but ending your career dishonorably will follow you the rest of your life.

Old Dog

[SOLID BLUE]

I have to say some awsome points out there. I'm not a rookie but I think I learned a couple new things from all the listings. Here's a couple more, if you think it's important,hell if you think it's not important write it down anyway. I have gone to court and lost because I thought it was not important. As time goes by don't stop learning, it's better to be a 5 year man who got better each year, rather than a 20 year man who has done their first year 20 times. Pick good role models and take a little bit style from all of them and then add your own way to it. Do not copy people, what works for them may not work for you. the single biggest thing that I can tell anyone, is two simple words, "COMMON SENSE" this is your best friend, better than academy, FTO or whatever else. When your dealing with a call, listen to everything and then make a decision. But I cannot stress enough good common sense is your best friend. Also remeber to laugh! Their will be things that 3 hours after the call you wil shake your head and laugh about, don't stop laughing, it's a good way to get rid of some stress. don't be afraid to ask for help. Hope this helps Stay Safe everyone!

[bkema]

Here's the link for the full version of this "rookie advice sheet".

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CABasicPolice/files/

scroll down the the file "rookie tips"

[sdb29]

Here's a couple more:

Pick up the mic. If you're finishing up a call and you hear another car dispatched to a garbage call in your area, pick up the mic and tell the dispatcher that you're about to clear and you'll take the other call.

Know your area. Know the landmarks, businesses,and trouble spots in your area, as well as the surrounding ones. If an officer yells for help on the air and all he can get out is "Help-Triangle Park" Know where Triangle Park is without having to wait for a dispatcher to tell you.
Unless your Department has policy on this if you can hear some cop yelling for help on the radio, you go. No matter how far away they are. You leave your minor call, the station, the coffee shop, and you go. You keep going until someone on scene waves off any more help. If you're alone and getting the s*** kicked out of you, the sound of sirens are the greatest sound in the world.

Except in emergencies or crimes in progress, don't routinely ask for cross streets for calls. Get a street guide and look for the adress yourself. It's the old "Give a person a fish vs teach a person to fish" lesson. The complainant on the stolen bike report can wait an extra five minutes.

Learn the obscure streets. During quiet times drive around and learn the ins and outs of your area. That little dirt road that looks like a driveway into a garage may actually be a shortcut that can save you from having to drive five miles out of your way sometime, or can cut 90 seconds off a response to an "officer needs help call. 90 seconds could be the difference between a brother/sister officer going home alive or not one night.

Learn the traffic patterns in your area. What seems like the shortest route from one place to another may actually be the longest because of a long traffic light or, at certain times of the day school traffic or traffic leaving a cinema, factory, etc.

Know how the street numbers run in your city/town. In mine the higher numbers are on the West end of streets running East and West, and the North end of streets running North and South. Even numbers are on the South and East side of the street, and odd are North and West sides. However, there's always going to be a goofy street or two which is an exception to the rules. Know these streets as well.

Keeping the above in mind, learn some landmarks. When I came on in my city, an apartment house at 198 State St was a house of horrors. We were there 3 times a shift. But knowing how the streets ran, if I got a call to 151 State St I knew that 151 was several blocks south of 198, and could find it easily.

At night, the darkness and quiet are your friends. Every criminal in your area knows what kind of car you drive. Most police cars have big fans and high capacity altenators which makes a distinctive sound. The crooks know what you sound like. When you get within a few blocks of a crime in progress, slow down so the fan isn't spinning so fast and making that loud wooshing noise. Shut off the siren and the flashing/rotating lights. The crooks also know what your headlight/front parking lights look like. Shut your headlights off if you can do it safely. Don't pull up in front of the adress, but dump the car a half a block or so away and walk the rest of the way.

"Routine" calls can turn to poop real quick as well. When going on a "routine call" always remember that while you may be going to the first floor to take a larceny report, the guy on the second floor may be an EDP who thinks you're coming for him. Stay alert. Let me repeat that: Stay Alert. You may have been to crazy old lady McGillicutty's house 12 times in the last month because she hears noises in the wall, but tonight could be the night she tries to stab you in the eye with a knitting needle. When going to a "routine" call at night, always leave the parking lights on on your cruiser. If you can do it safely, always park a foot or two away from the curb so your parking lights are visible; If the EDP from the second floor does come down and start to fight your help cars will spot your general location quicker if you park like this. Never park in a driveway or other confined space. Over twenty years ago two cops in Riverside, CA were going to a "routine" call and parked in the driveway of an adress. Assassins were waiting with automatic weapons and killed them both.

Purchase and read "Street Survival, Tactics for Armed Encounters" by Calibre Press. The book is over twenty years old but a lot of the tactics are still sound.

Like earlier posters have said don't have anything that jingles ar creaks when you're walking. Keep the bling to a minimum. Unless your department mandates it, don't wear shiny decorations, awards, marksmanship badges, etc at night. Save that stuff for day shift where normal people will see it. Light reflecting off your "meritorious service" bar might get you a posthumous "medal of valor" if the bad guy is armed and willing to kill you. My department is cool about awards, but we still wear metal badges. I have a "night badge" that I wear only at night that I've sprayed a clear dull finish on to cut down on the glitter.

If you don't know what you're doing, try to look like you do. At a scene of an incident don't stand around with your hands in your pockets. Look busy, look efficient. A big part of this job is theater. And besides, if you're standing around doing nothing a Sergeant will find something for you to do which might not be particularly pleasant.

[Bigg Dogg]

Was it posted that the Rookie always has to buy the Senior guys lunch???And when he is with the FTO,in the FTOs car,the Rook has to wash the car for the FTO!!

[HCSO511]

Was it posted that the Rookie always has to buy the Senior guys lunch???And when he is with the FTO,in the FTOs car,the Rook has to wash the car for the FTO!!


i disagree, a good FTO will lead from the front and teach the new guy how to properly wash the car and how to buy dinner. standing by for rebuttal.

[Bigg Dogg]

i disagree, a good FTO will lead from the front and teach the new guy how to properly wash the car and how to buy dinner. standing by for rebuttal.


And A good Rookie should pump the gas for the FTO!!!Shouldn't they Hcso511!!I think we had a talk about that before!!LOL!!

[HCSO511]

And A good Rookie should pump the gas for the FTO!!!Shouldn't they Hcso511!!I think we had a talk about that before!!LOL!!


again i say the fto should lead from the front and teach the rook the proper way to fuel the car. especially in cold weather. that way the rookie is fresh for the real police work and the fto is out in the nice refreshing cool air.

[Bigg Dogg]

again i say the fto should lead from the front and teach the rook the proper way to fuel the car. especially in cold weather. that way the rookie is fresh for the real police work and the fto is out in the nice refreshing cool air.

You would think after a few months of the FTo showing him,the DENSE rookie would be able to figure out how to pump gas into a 2003 Crown Vic!!JEESH!!!And people wonder why I left there!!!LOL!!

[HCSO511]

it was leave or be ran out of the state. they didnt think society could take anymore pointed head thinking from you. lol

[Bigg Dogg]

Sure it was!!At least i was trying to think!!couldn't say that for a couple of people around there that I shall not mention names!!

[HCSO511]

no please expound on your previous statement. i would love to hear your thoughts on the shortcomings around here. i'm pretty happy but it seems some guys just want to find things to gripe about.

off the topic the east end is heating up again. roull's mcclary's dix copeman and many other followers are getting interesting. guess leflore 406 got charlie jr with a stolen gun and ft smith got in pursuit with them and they used cb's to coordinate thier efforts and evidently had other cars trying to crash out the pursuit cars and trying to bait them away from the chase. sounds like you left o early. #1 has issued a proclamation that vests are to be worn at all times on duty. the story im getting is that they are making a stand to show the law will not control the east end. guess we shall see.

[Bigg Dogg]

Only one way to solve all that!!!!


FILL YOUR HANDS YOU SOBs!!!!

Just bail right amongst em!!

[crabbycancer]

1. Wear your seatbelt; At the very least, when going code3.

2. If a good priority call goes out, in my department per directive, the primary officer who receives the call is suppose to acknowledge and then one or two backup units say they are enroute. Other than that, STAY OFF the radio. Clear air when you are either in a foot pursuit, doing a felony stop, or in a fight is precious.

3. If you are leading a line of cruisers and aren't sure you know the exact route, pull over, turn your lights off, and wave them on.

4. Remember the time you save up (whether sick time, administrative leave, comp time ect) can be cashed in towards your retirement. Any veteran of the street will tell you: use it, sure, but use it wisely.

5. The sooner you are able to trust your instincts, the better you'll sleep at night. Every cop whose been around for a while has a dozen or so scenarios that he/she wants to have back and redo a different way (the drugs they likely missed by not requesting a K9, the suspect they thought was involved after a lookout was placed but didnt stop, the passenger seat you didn't look under during a vehicle search cause you rushed, the one piece of evidence you didn't pick up during a burglary, robbery, rape, etc).

6. As one seasoned Sgt told me, "there is very little on this job that is worth dying for. Burglary in progress goes out and property is taken; that is what insurance is for. Same with the bank robberies, larcenies, or auto thefts. The overturned MVs, in progress rapes, hostage situations, officer involved distress calls: those are when you step it up and earn your money."

7. Start a routine to eliminate stress.

[Cold Zero]

When reading all these pages it shows you can never ever know enough. The more you know the more there is to forget. Some advice i would like to give, sorry for any double posts:

-take bathroom stops whenever you can, nothing worse standing at a car accident site for 2 hours while holding your ****** up for 3;
-in a fight the most agressive one wins, be him;
-were the boss on the streets, no matter what they say at the end of the day what you say happens;
-be open and clear to people. If you want a guy to leave and he doesn

[Dog Off Leash]

Lots of good info on here. Let me see if I can add any.

1. When sitting in your vehicle parked somewhere, try to secure your 6 (as someone already said).

2. Know your firearms. Learn to shoot them well. Take some advanced classes, because most academies don't teach you squat. Don't just carry a gun because it's part of the job - become a Gunfighter. This may save lives some day. This goes back to the #1 rule of Law Enforcement: Come home alive!

3. Carry a back-up gun (BUG). Know how to use it as well as your primary. Lives may depend on this.

4. In reference to #1 & #3, when sitting in a parked vehicle, ensure you have easy access to your BUG. Getting your primary out while sitting can be a real PITA. Example: If you carry your BUG on your ankle, when sitting in a vehicle, cross your ankle over your knee so you can reach your weapon. It'll be easier to draw your BUG than your primary. Also practice drawing it from various positions: Standing, kneeling, on your back, etc. This may save lives - especially yours if Murphy catches you unawares.

5. Wear your freakin' vest!

6. If you have a permanant partner, find out what kind of weapon he/she carries and what duty rounds they use. Go to the local cop shop, buy a few magazines & load them up with his/her brand of duty rounds. Carry them with you (a couple in your car, preferribly where they can be reached, and one on your duty belt - some place you won't grab it if the s*** hits the fan - i.e. not immediately next to your own magazines). This can save lives.

7. Get copies of your patrol car keys. I've locked myself out of my patrol car 3 times. Pop A Lock knew me by first name. That wasn't cool - nor cheap. I finally learned - sometimes I can be kinda dense. :D

Edited to add:
8. In god we trust. Everyone else we run NCIC. Run EVERYONE. Keep your mic secure.

9 When asking about things, act like you already know the answer. If you think someone's done some time in the joint, say to that person "Hey XXX, when's the last time you've been to prison?". Never ask "Have you been to prison?". Make them think YOU ALREADY KNOW. It leads to less BS.

Ok, now some from the K-9 side of the house:

1. Don't pet the dog without permission. This will **** off the handler, and may result in you needing stitches/losing fingers. If you want some K-9 lovin, just ask.

2. Don't come between the dog & the bad guy. It's a lesson that can really really hurt to learn the hard way.

3. If the K-9 handler gives his warning i.e. "Stop or the dog's comming!" (or other cool nifty K-9 handler phrases) - FREEZE. Don't move. Not one inch. Just immediately STOP. The dog will look for movement - you don't want to be the one still moving.

4. Don't try to be cool and stare the dog down. If you must look at the dog, and you're not VERY familiar with it, look at it without meeting its eyes. Look to the side of it, above it, below it, where ever you want, but don't try to stare that dog down.

5. Don't EVER come between the dog & it's handler. Very similiar to #2.

6. Don't give the dog commands. Some dogs take this personally if you're not their daddy/mommy.

7. If you KNOW for a FACT that K-9 is out and about, don't go anywhere if you don't know where the dog is. Use your radio, call someone if you have to, do something - but don't go anywhere until you know where the pooch is at. This may attract unwanted attention, and I think I've pretty well covered what can happen if you do that.

8. If you want to know something about the dogs or K-9 as a whole, then ask. That's the easiest way to learn. Besides, most dog handlers love to talk about their dogs. :D

9. Never ever jokingly punch/strike/slap/etc. a dog handler when the dog is out. The dog doesn't play games. In fact, until you know the dog (and the dog knows you), it's a good idea to give the dog handler about 7 feet of space. 6 feet is the usual leash length, plus add an extra foot or so for good measure. Sometimes dogs get bored and look for people to terrorize. I'm not BSing you either. I have the marks to prove it.

10. If you work around the dogs enough, it's not a question of IF you get bit, but WHEN. Should you get bit, do NOT freak out. Yes, it will hurt. Yes, you may bleed. If you freak out, the dog will fight even more, and thus you will hurt and bleed more. See my #12 for further.

11. You may have a dog that's an a**hole on your shift. Ask the handler, he/she will know & tell you. Said K-9 may nudge you, stick its nose in your crotch, maybe nip your pants or your hand to try and get a reaction out of you - looking for you to flip out or move in a quick, jerky motion - basically just like a bad guy and the stigmas they're trained for. DO NOT REACT. Don't even recognize the dog's presence. Ignore it, and while remaining calm, alert the handler to your problem.

12. Understand that these dogs are highly trained, highly motivated furry little Law Enforcement buddies. Yes, highly motivated - they love what they do. However, despite what you may think, they won't differentiate between the "good guys" and the "bad guys". See rules #1-#11 for further info. They are like firearms: the moment you lose respect for what they can do is the moment you get hurt. K-9's can cause an incredible ammount of damage in a very small ammount of time. Some of this damage can be permanant. Their jaws can snap bones, and their teeth can puncture quite deeply. When they bite they will thrash back & forth, causing even more tissue damage and the more you fight with them, the more you will hurt. A good buddy of mine nearly lost the majority of the muscles in his left forearm - and he's a dog handler, who knows what to do around these dogs. Accidents happen, he got lax, and he paid the price. Do not be afraid, but follow the rules, and respect what they can do.

Here is a pic of what a police K-9 can do. This is of a suspect's arm after a K-9 attacked him, and the bite was about 2 seconds long.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/ofcjim40/arm.jpg

The dogs are great tools, but realize that they're not robots. They think on their own, and have feelings about certain things. Hang out with the K-9 guys and observe how they act around them. Learn from them. Play by the rules, be observant of your environment (your location in regards to the dog's and handler's), respect what the dog can do - but don't fear them. Eventually the dog, if it's social enough, will warm up to you and life will be good.

13. A dog is like a buddy's wife. Rub them the wrong way in the beginning and you're screwed. Be good, play by the rules, and eventually everything will be cool. Get to know the dogs on your shift. Your life, or others, may depend on it.

Be safe all
Phil

[NYPDjock]

That there are unwritten rules that rookies should know. ;)

[P036]

Cover Your Beat/ Cover Your Zone/ Cover Your Boys/ Go Home Safe!
Use Common Sence If It Does Not Feel Right It Is Not.
Dont Give Into The Game Some Ftos Play The Job Is Not Like Fto Even A Veteran Officer Would Feel Out Of Place If The Supervisor Was Sitting Next To Him All Shift. Does Not Mean Blow Them Off!
Do Things The Same Everytime It Keeps You From Forgeting The Little Things.
Control Your Attitude.
Integerty It Is The Only Difference Between You And The Scum!

[Cold Zero]

The way you type is so irritating i stopped reading your posts. 14 year olds type like that. Knock it off PLEASE.

[irishcop364]

Watch what your supervisors do and don't do. Take the things that you like about each individuals leadership and put it in the back of your mind. Years down the road you may be the boss and you can put those techniques to good use. Always say good morning to the dispatcher...unless you want to get skipped over for your meals and personals...Be Safe Out There.

[Deanqps]

Just noticed the wash your hands part. Depending on the department, but carry a small bottle of vodka with you as well. I'm definately NOT encouraging drinking on the job, but vodka of course is near pure alcohol. We are spat at a lot of times in our line of duty(grubs) and helps if the area is near your mouth or other smaller wounded areas and water isn't available immediately, a little easier than trying to soap it or putting harmful chemicals near you.

[UTCorSGT]

Hmm don't know about vodka, but you can get sanitary wipes that fit in pockets great, or gel sanitizer. You might get some grief over an open container for the vodka.

My advice.

Maximize your advantage. You can do that by asking for help when you need it, or making sure you are not too far inside a danger zone.

Use the equipment you have. Vests, weapons, training, and tactics.

Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

[Hinged]

sdb29 I know a close town that has that address and the whole area is a mess, where are you from what department?.

[HardBall]

Whenever you can, put a physical barricade between you and a suspect.

When you start thinking this way, you will be surprised how many things are available, no matter what the call

On an MV stop, use the right angle created by the hood and the right front tire

In a bar, swing a bar stool between you or stand across the pool table

In a home, use a chair or table...

At headquarters, use a desk

On the street use a garbage pail or mail box

Just remember at some point the guy may try to swing it at you..but distance is always a friend and a physical barrier will help you create and maintain distance

[dogboy907]

just more to add, i apologize if any of it has been repeated but repetition teaches.

-maintain your weapons and tools regularly (firearm, cuffs, baton, etc) i've seen backup cuffs that have been rusted to the point that they won't operate and you don't want to find that out at the wrong moment. do maintenance after you've been in the rain because your gear gets wet, too;
-read the Miranda warning from a card. there are times that stress will cause you to forget things, especially in court while testifying. if you are asked to recite the Miranda warning in court in front of everyone, there's a chance you will forget it if you try to recite it from memory. if you read it from a card, even if you know it, you will not make a costly error;
-i always destroy my notes after i put the information into my report. my notes are my report (but follow your policy and fto's advice);
-never lie in court. if you don't know, say so. it's better to say that you don't know than to make something up. remember, the defense attorneys will regard you as a liar if you lie and you will be exploited. keep your testimony truthful, factual and from your report(s);
-as said before, listen to us K9 handlers when our dog is out of the car working. even though we as humans know you're a good guy, our dogs perceive threats in a different way;
-be mindful of what you post on internet bulletin boards. i know backgrounders that ask perspective employees if they belong to an internet chat group. some departments would not want a rabble-rouser as an officer;
-in-squad cameras can be a double-edged sword. but if you act like you are always being recorded, you will do and say the right thing. bad guys have cameras, too (new cell phones, miniature hand-held cameras are out there);
-lock out rear window controls!!! i had a case where we entered a house with the dog, took person into custody and the felon was "secured" in the rear of a squad. 15 minutes later, we found an empty squad and an open window;
-believe in your training, trust your instincts and act on good faith;
-family first. turn off your scanner and portable radio at home when you're off duty;
-keep lots of rubber gloves in your car and use them;
-do not touch evidence until it is photographed to scale and documented;
-be a good investigator, ask questions even if they seem dumb or repetitious. if the suspect is lying, the story will change again and again (refer to your notes);
-if you write a citation, learn how to sell it to the person. i'll occasionally write a seatbelt violation (or other minor infraction) rather than the speeding ticket and explain that the speed would've been more expensive. then teach the offender about speeding (or why you stopped the person) and what the effects are. chances are, the person will say thanks and drive away with a good experience with his or her contact with law enforcement even though you wrote him or her a ticket. but, ticket those that deserve it;
-maintain your car, it is what keeps you safe at 135 mph;
-mentally prepare yourself each time you go on-shift. as i put on my uniform, i accept the fact that there are people out there that want to hurt me for their own reasons. i accept that it could be the last time i put my uniform on. be aware and alert;
-in and out of your uniform, you represent more than just yourself. you represent all officers, past, present and future. keep your life unsullied.
-above all, know your department policy and follow it;
-i would also suggest getting to an officer survival course as soon as you can.
-don't talk to your fto while on a high speed pursuit unless there's a safety issue about to unfold (ie: approaching vehicle failing to yield, pedestrians, etc).
-take your training seriously. your life or that of someone else's may depend on you and your skills. so don't rush your fto time;
-learn through listening and watching and then doing. a good fto will recognize that you are new and knows that questions are good. it shows that your thought process is working; but, know that there are right questions to ask and those that are not while on fto (ie: asking work-related questions vs. how 'bout them *insert your favorite football team here*?). i don't care about football when i am about to stop a car or while i am enroute to a call;
-don't relate anything you do on the job to "well, i saw this once on *insert favorite TV cop show here*. what you see on TV is bullpoo;
-drink lots of water, eat right and exercise regularly;
-while on a call, your fto is basing his or her decisions on their experience, it's best if you don't question their decisions but rather ask them later in the station to explain why they did what they did.
-people lie, but they deserve a chance to be heard. the truth will eventually come to light despite the lies.

i could go on, but i'll shut up for now and save the rest for your fto. dismissed.
-db907

[Swatfiveoh]

Thanks to everyone who posted.....i am in my first year on the job and of course, am balls to the wall excited about everything......i did however, have some great mentors. The most important thing i can pass from one rookie to another is that just because some old head told you something doesn't mean that it is the best way do do something, im not saying ignore the vets but not all of them are a wealth of wisdom either, some it seems have stayed employed and alive by the sheer grace of God.

Listen.......be thorough in your searches......maintain positive control of the perp........when you touch someone, its strictly buisness, let them know you mean it. and yes.......watch the hands... don't get to caught up in them though because i can tell you head butts hurt.

be safe

[hounddog]

1)Ask questions
Listen to the answers

2)If your not sure about making an arrest-
When in doubt-
Write it out.

You can't go wrong with sending it to the prosecutor.

3)My first chief tried to teach me that ;
Appearances are everything. If you look like you know what you are doing, people will believe you know what you are doing. That goes for a good clean uniform, clean car, organized war bag, organized and clean clip board, and spotless boots.

If you look like you are doubting yourself, then the people will doubt you.

4)And my first Sgt. told me -
Drive with common sense- the call will still be there if you don't go 100. Because none of these (pointing to houses) muther f**kers are on your side.
They will be the first to complain it took you 10 minutes too long to get there, and the first to point you out for speeding. They sure as H*LL aren't worth my life, and I'ld rather they complain about me for driving responsibly, that's easier to defend to the Chief.

[Dale Parker]

lights and siren are a request for the right-of-way. Do people always do what is requested? Is a stop sign violation worth killing a soccer mom anf van load of kids over? A drunk that can't keep between the lines at 45 becomes a weapon of mass destruction at 100+. Ask if the ticket is worth the risk. You'll have another day.

Wear on your person what you are comfortable with to do the job. Leave all the nice extras in a bag. Remember if you aren't wearing it when the **** hits the fan it will probably be left behind.

If you have to hit hit as hard as you can and get it over with.
Never lie.

Treat everyone as nice as they will let you. If they don't want to be treated nice do what you have to do.

Go home at the end of the shift and leave the shift at work.

Be safe

There is no such thing as a second place winner. Fight to win. Fight dirty.

[grumpyjoe]

If you are in uniform and see another officers in plain clothes that you know. Dont rush over to him and start talking like your old friends. He may be working undercover and you just blew it. Wait till he talks to you.

This happened to me one weekend at my off-duty detail. I saw a LEO come in and a look of total shock came over his face. He was with acouple of dirt bags, so I just looked the other way and waited. He never looked my way and they ate and left very quickly. That monday he called me and thanked me for not giving him up. He told me that about 2 hours later they arrested them dealing dope.

Hope that helps.

[1042 Trooper]

A burp is only quality if you can say a complete sentence and......

For an FNG, you could never ask a stupid question. You can only get stupid answers. If your FTO says, "What a stupid question," get a new FTO.

Oh...one more...

Don't take yourself too seriously. 100 years from now no one will know you were even on the job.

[J_Mann]

One lesson learned real quick.

Don't be so eager to get in that cruiser and save the world. It's not going to happen.

[Bobtucker]

A lot of the tips are really good, some . . . Well each to his (oops) or her own. My two cents worth.

If while chasing the bad guy (foot or in a patrol car) and you loose sight of him, TURN RIGHT. Bad guys almost always trun right.

When you hit your first wall, parked car, shopping cart, and there is some minor damage to your patrol car. TELL YOUR BOSS. It's much easier getting an "Oh ****" letter in your file, then someone starting a big assed IA and getting days on the beach instead.

And speaking of IA's. When it happens, and it will happen, whether you screwed up and standup to take you blame, or if it's a B/S IA, either way, after getting your letter, ALWAYS submit a REBUTAL, even if it just says, yeah I did it, but this was my mindset at the time, but in hindsite, yes I made a mistake, or used poor judgement, or whatever sounds nice. Otherwise that "Oh ****" letter is always sitting in your file and there's nothing from you to indicate your side of the story or that you learned from this "bad" experience. BUT don't whine, just state your case, simply as you see it. As a Background Investigator when I reveiw someone's personnel file and see a bunch of IA's where the officer is found at fault, and there is nothing from the officer, I have to assume (Yeah the old joke is there), that EVERYTHING in the IA is true and reflects the views of both the IA Investigator and the involved Officer.

And lastly, if someone is going to fight you, YOU MUST FIGHT TO WIN! COPS DO NOT LOSE A FIGHT! EVERYTHING IS A WEAPON, EVERYTHING CAN BE AN IMPACT WEAPON, EVERYTHING IS A GOOD TARGET WHEN SOMEONE IS FIGHTING YOU, Groin, eyes, throat, EVERYTHING! If they are going to fight you, then if they win, they're going to take your gun and shoot you. You must get the mindset NOW; If someone fights me, they will not NOT WIN, for if they do, I WILL DIE! And the fight is NOT over until they are in handcuffs and in full complaince.

Good Luck, children. Keep wearing the badge, shield, star PROUDLY.