Things I know after 18 months

[Trooper3882]

I know that Crown vics are not made to go off road!
I know that drunks don't always go with the program!
I know that cops are not perfect!
I know that 95% of the public are good, we deal with the other 5%.
I know that ABS starts at about 50 mph during a u-turn :mad:
I know that I should give a little more respect to my FTO knowing he has done this for over 15 years.
I know that injured people in vehicle crashes are not always nice!
I know that people like to complain about you just because they can!
I know that dirt bags hide dope in every hole :D they can find.
I know that being down many many reports is not a good feeling.
I know that a great search after an arrest is a life saver.
I know that after you place a customer in handcuffs they get real tight if you don't double lock them. :cool:
I know that hot coffee hurts when not in the cup :o
I know that deer,horse and cows die after being struck by a commercial truck.
I know that in this job you never know everything, but are expected to.
I know that being in court sucks.
I know that people lie in court.
I know that in a small town if you do your job your a bad guy.
I know that I really enjoy this job and every day is a new challenge. :D

Please feel free to share your " I knows"

[Northerner]

I know that people lie in court.

... and out of court... a lot :)

I know that burning bodies is the second-most disgusting smell on earth.

I know that most of our "customers" behaviour can't be explained through logic and common sense.

I know that I can always do better than yesterday.

I know that having so many years of service doesn't necessarily make someone a good cop.

[Wile E. Coyote]

I know that burning bodies is the second-most disgusting smell on earth.Not a smell you can easily forget. Do I dare ask what number one is?

I know that having so many years of service doesn't necessarily make someone a good cop.Amen. Or supervisor...

[Northerner]

Do I dare ask what number one is?

For me personally? Decaying bodies.

[RabbitMPD]

I KNOW that I am going home tonight.

[Wile E. Coyote]

I'll buy that. It's number 2 for me only because you can get the smell out of your head easier. The thought of what a burning person went through while dying gets me.

Rotting flesh is nasty, especially on a person who's still alive. Had one porker at least 400 pounds; his rolls of fat were so big there was mold under them.

[Bigg Dogg]

For me personally? Decaying bodies.


I second that.Especially in mid summer!!YUCK!!

[RabbitMPD]

I second that.Especially in mid summer!!YUCK!!
Gotta love the mobile homes during a heat wave. Yum yum.

[NC Marine]

Crown Vics are not made to go off roads. Amen. That happened to me Monday night. It had rained that day so the ground was soggy. I was driving and my FTO clicked on the radar and clocked a Dodge Ram 59 in a 45. He said lets turn around on him. Excitedly I hit the brakes and went to the shoulder in the grassy part to turn around. Unfortunately my car got stuck. The more I pressed the gas the more stuck we got. Fortunately my FTO advised me to stop and put it in first gear, and we eventually eased out and drove to the car wash. I know the man in that dodge got a good laugh and a relief in his rear view mirror! Lesson learned.

[Trooper3882]

Crown Vics are not made to go off roads. Amen. That happened to me Monday night. It had rained that day so the ground was soggy. I was driving and my FTO clicked on the radar and clocked a Dodge Ram 59 in a 45. He said lets turn around on him. Excitedly I hit the brakes and went to the shoulder in the grassy part to turn around. Unfortunately my car got stuck. The more I pressed the gas the more stuck we got. Fortunately my FTO advised me to stop and put it in first gear, and we eventually eased out and drove to the car wash. I know the man in that dodge got a good laugh and a relief in his rear view mirror! Lesson learned.

I did just about the same. Checked a tractor trailer at like 65-70, started a u-turn about 50-mph on a two lane highway when ABS activated. I drove along the shoulder and got out and stopped to driver. He got a good laugh as did I. And my Sgt cause it was on tape. :o

[Trooper3882]

I KNOW that I am going home tonight.



Good one! :D

[mac266]

7-11 has the best sandwiches

7-11 has the best coffee

Dirtbags make false complaints -- digital voice recorders are our friend

Watch their hands

[Bigugly]

Don't pull over a speeder and try to be funny by telling him he is flying low and you hope he has his pilot's license. He might pull it out.

[slamdunc]

I know that Murphy's Law was really written for, and about cops.

[Northerner]

I know that if I don't get a breathalyzer result it's usually not because the breathalyzer is not working...

[rugermk2]

let me preface this comment by saying that I realize I am incredibly inexperienced, openly admit that I am not ready to go solo, and have no problem asking for help when I need it (which is often)

I have learned:

That another officer's insecurity is directly proportionate to the frequency he chooses to make fun of the rookie for not knowing something.

The officers I respect the most are the ones who pull me aside when they see me make a stupid mistake and discuss with me my mistake and how I could have acted so as not to put myself in danger next time rather than those who stand around with other "old salts" and poke fun at the rookie. I know this is part of the fun for everyone, but c'mon we're not in jr. high school anymore.

I am fully aware that it takes me longer to find an address, a policy, or legal code than an officer who has been on the street for years. Because of this, I spend hours of my off-time studying city maps, dept policies, and state laws.

I know I can't pick my supervisor, but some people (me) learn better by positive reinforcement, not by someone looking over your shoulder waiting for you to screw up so they can ding you on your eval. I know I need to learn to work under stress, but this can cause a nervous rookie to miss a turn he wouldn't have otherwise.

What don't kill me only makes me stronger. . . .

I know this is a rant, but thought I'd rather write it on here then discuss it with the people who have a direct influence over whether I pass my current training. For now, I'm in kiss-up mode. Later will be my turn to evaluate. I will be honest, not vindictive.

[MPD-A9]

Crown Vics are not made to go off roads. Amen. That happened to me Monday night. It had rained that day so the ground was soggy. I was driving and my FTO clicked on the radar and clocked a Dodge Ram 59 in a 45. He said lets turn around on him. Excitedly I hit the brakes and went to the shoulder in the grassy part to turn around. Unfortunately my car got stuck. The more I pressed the gas the more stuck we got. Fortunately my FTO advised me to stop and put it in first gear, and we eventually eased out and drove to the car wash. I know the man in that dodge got a good laugh and a relief in his rear view mirror! Lesson learned.


I got stuck one night. Had mudd all over my car. The temp was well below freezing, and I had to take the car to a car wash. Got all of the mudd off, but had a lot of ice on the car.

[Trooper3882]

let me preface this comment by saying that I realize I am incredibly inexperienced, openly admit that I am not ready to go solo, and have no problem asking for help when I need it (which is often)

I have learned:

That another officer's insecurity is directly proportionate to the frequency he chooses to make fun of the rookie for not knowing something.

The officers I respect the most are the ones who pull me aside when they see me make a stupid mistake and discuss with me my mistake and how I could have acted so as not to put myself in danger next time rather than those who stand around with other "old salts" and poke fun at the rookie. I know this is part of the fun for everyone, but c'mon we're not in jr. high school anymore.

I am fully aware that it takes me longer to find an address, a policy, or legal code than an officer who has been on the street for years. Because of this, I spend hours of my off-time studying city maps, dept policies, and state laws.

I know I can't pick my supervisor, but some people (me) learn better by positive reinforcement, not by someone looking over your shoulder waiting for you to screw up so they can ding you on your eval. I know I need to learn to work under stress, but this can cause a nervous rookie to miss a turn he wouldn't have otherwise.

What don't kill me only makes me stronger. . . .

I know this is a rant, but thought I'd rather write it on here then discuss it with the people who have a direct influence over whether I pass my current training. For now, I'm in kiss-up mode. Later will be my turn to evaluate. I will be honest, not vindictive.

Sounds like to me you are going in the right direction...good luck and stay safe...

[vsp1242]

I know my vest works!!!
I know a .357 Sig round will go through a windshield....the bad guy....and his seat
I know that having your blue lights and siren on DOESN'T mean people will move outta the left lane
I know being an FTO can be real Fun or Really suck
I know good shift partners make your day easier
I know that when I NEED back-up MURPHY has them the farthest possible point from me

[Monster56]

Crown Vics are not made to go off roads. Amen. That happened to me Monday night. It had rained that day so the ground was soggy. I was driving and my FTO clicked on the radar and clocked a Dodge Ram 59 in a 45. He said lets turn around on him. Excitedly I hit the brakes and went to the shoulder in the grassy part to turn around. Unfortunately my car got stuck. The more I pressed the gas the more stuck we got. Fortunately my FTO advised me to stop and put it in first gear, and we eventually eased out and drove to the car wash. I know the man in that dodge got a good laugh and a relief in his rear view mirror! Lesson learned.


I was w/ my FTO when we were working the interstate. My FTO was riding shotgun. My Sgt. was on the north bound side in the grass. I was told to pull up beside him to talk. So when we started to leave I was told to go along parallelto the interstate and drive up the hill. :eek:

About half way up the crown vic started to get stuck. I reversed back down to get a better running start. Stuck again. I was sweating bullets knowing not only did I have a FTO w/ me, I also had the entire world on the interstate and my Sgt. watching me! They also saw me get out of the driver's seat and my FTO got out and drove me up the hill. :eek:

That was the most embarrassing moment... so far.

[rugermk2]

Sounds like to me you are going in the right direction...good luck and stay safe...


Thanks for the encouragement. I'm not usually a whiner, but I guess I was just blowing off some steam. I know they're trying to make me the best officer I can be by seeing how I work under stress.
Again, thanks,

Brandon

[CG1811]

Good post,

I know that this is just a pay check and I will go home every night to my wife and little girl.

I know that when I have 18 years of experience I will still be a novice.

I know that everybody lies. Defendants, Witnesses, and Family Members will lie no matter what.

I know that informants are criminals that have not got in trouble yet.

I know that I have a sense of humor.

I know that in down time I need to continue to mentally rehearse scenarios.

I know that the USAs and Prosecutors may appear to sabotage my cases have only the best of intentions.

I know that we rarely have "real cop work" at the federal level and that I should have went local.

I know that despite the best planned enforcement activity everything goes unscripted.

I know that if I knew I was going to be in firefight, I would have done things differently.

I know that Al Shemoniah and the cooks at ********.com will never surpass their ignorance.

I know that there is nothing more dangerous that a traffice stop and that I have the greatest respect for all patrolmen.

I know that aside from being a father, I have the greatest job and only other cops will understand.


Stay safe.

M

[Redders]

I now know that after a mild winter so far by nebraska terms -12 F with wind chills of -35 F really suck to work an accident in.........Damn you people and your stupidity!!! GO HOME!!!

[explorerscout83]

I know when you stop the city clerk for DUI, you will have a complaint filed against you for harassment.

[pumpkin]

I know that politics trump qualifications, ability, and what's right.

I know that sometimes you gotta go elsewhere to find a department that will appreciate a good officer.

And I know that sometimes people get stuck doing things they don't want to do because of politics.

End of whine and rant...

[maf4235]

I know that arresting 35 juveniles from a party when you are the only unit on is not a good idea (3 days out of the academy)....
I know that forgetting your vest at home and going back for it is worth being 5 mintues late for roll call.....
I know that having the worlds best partner made everday in patrol working with him a godsend....
I know that insults come often and compliments don't (especially on a midnight shift)
I know that, inevitablly, people will snicker everytime they see me go into or come out of my local Dunkin Donuts Shop....

[Northerner]

I know that if you get a disturbance call at a party at the local nursing school you have a much better time if your backup is NOT married and DOES NOT try to pull you out of the hands of, oh, 15 really drunk female students because he is scared to death... :D

[John McClane]

i know that talking on the phone, typing on the MDC, drinking coffee and trying to drive all at the same time is not a good idea......

i know people expect me to be a youth counselor and marraige counselor even though i dont have kids and have never been married.....

i know that people want me to unf*ck something in 5 minutes thats been f*cked for years......

i know at 140mph a crown vic shakes.....

i know every place in my city that gives us discounts or freebees.....

i know an 18 hour shift on 3 hours sleep sucks.....

i know that being down cold paper doesnt stop me from trying to find dope...

i know i have the best job in the world.....

[Redders]

I know that if you get a disturbance call at a party at the local nursing school you have a much better time if your backup is NOT married and DOES NOT try to pull you out of the hands of, oh, 15 really drunk female students because he is scared to death... :D

LMAO You suck.........Gawdddddddd

[hounddog]

After 18 months you feel "safe" cuz you have an idea of what you are doing. I wrote this on another thread, but don't let your guard down. Even for something as simple as a speeder. It could be your last mistake.

[ohio205er]

Great thread!!!!

[Trooper3882]

I know that arresting 35 juveniles from a party when you are the only unit on is not a good idea (3 days out of the academy)....
I know that forgetting your vest at home and going back for it is worth being 5 mintues late for roll call.....
I know that having the worlds best partner made everday in patrol working with him a godsend....
I know that insults come often and compliments don't (especially on a midnight shift)
I know that, inevitablly, people will snicker everytime they see me go into or come out of my local Dunkin Donuts Shop....


OMG, now that is funny..... :D Nice work

[vicmackey]

I know that when I lock my gun in the sally port locker I will remember to retrieve it before I go pull over the next vehicle.
(This also applies for setting it on top of the toilet when taking a dump)

I know that no matter how fast the crack head running from me is he will eventually look back and fall down. More so if I am screaming that I'm gonna kick his ***.

I know that woman will attempt to kick you where you don't want to be kicked.

I know that everyone I am about to arrest is a close long time personal friend of the Sheriff.

I know that I should not spray my mace into a strong wind. (Or into another officer)
I also know which officers will spray it at me.

I know which of my backup officers are probaby somewhere sleeping.

I know that the quiet guy is more dangerous than the one who is acting tough.

I know that I can speak to a gang member one on one and have a good conversation...however if he is with his boys that same guy will be an *******.

I know that I will probably always have dreams that my gun will not fire when I need it.

Most of all, I know that my daughter is more important than anything I could ever do in a uniform.

[tacleberry]

I know that Tasers and OC dont always work.

I know that the stopping distance for a Crown Vic at 100 MPH is always greater than the distance from you to the bad guy in a pursuit.

I know that motorcycles go faster than police cars. and will usually do so in rushhour traffic.

I know that for every bad guy I arrest there are five citizens who want to know why I only arrested one guy.

I know that working in a small town means that back up is sometimes 20 minutes or more away.

I know that autopsys are disgusting.

I know that the amount of equipment on a duty belt is directly proportionate to the number of years you have been a cop.

I know that a drunk will always wait until he is in the back seat to throw up ( or urinate)

I know that blood is hard to get out of uniforms.

I know that there is no better job in the world and I cant imaging not doing it.

Can you believe they actually PAY us to do this?

-stay safe

[Fasteddie]

I have learned that what I first see (or hear) is the truth...you have to dig a litle deeper for answers.

I have learned (the hard way) not to discount or ignore the small, yet vital pieces of information that I may have to dig for.

I have learned that a smile and a handshake will go a long way.

Finally, I have learned that every call, every encounter is opportunity. Opportunity to train, reinforce what I have learned, to generate goodwill, and train some more. Opportunity to become better myself for the future.

Stay Safe!

209

[CincyCop]

I know now that many of the customers that I arrest could work but choose not to and rely on SSI (Social Security Income). I have had many customers snicker when I get to the portion of the 527 (arrest report) that inquires about employer information and they state they don't work and laugh about it. I ask what's so funny and they reply that they have beat the system and get a check from the government. Really ticks me off since those are MY tax dollars and YOUR tax dollars hard at work. :mad:

I also know now that arresting a customer and taking them to jail does not teach them a lesson. When I shoplifted a piece of Bazooka bubble gum at the age of 4 and my Mom spanked me with Hot Wheels track (dang, that smarts!) as a result...I learned my lesson. I have arrested countless customers that keep doing crimes over and over again and they really don't seem to care. :mad:

I have a lot to learn as a rookie...

Stay safe and watch your six!

[Quopper]

These are only after 6 months...

I know NOT to shake the hand of a mental person...

I know which officers I want to cover me, and which I don't...

I know which officers are the "pets" of the department and why...

I know that my age helps me more in this job, than my education does...

I know that females are the worst to write tickets to...

I know that DRUNK females will fight EVERY time...

I know that no matter how hard I try not to look like a girl on the job, it doesn't help...

I know I am NOT as strong as my male counterparts, but I am just as aggressive...

I know drugs are transported in cars during the day, and not just at night...

I know everything I do is dangerous and could be deadly...

I know going home at the end of the night is more important than making the arrest...

[skmoss186]

I know that I remember how much hot wheels tracks smart too!! :eek: Thanks for the reminder!

[COASTIE01]

I know that a notification is one of the worst calls you can get and will ruin your day

[Crex4242]

... and out of court... a lot :)

I know that burning bodies is the second-most disgusting smell on earth.

I know that most of our "customers" behaviour can't be explained through logic and common sense.

I know that I can always do better than yesterday.

I know that having so many years of service doesn't necessarily make someone a good cop.


I know that the ME office with 11 bodies opened up will cause you nose to never forget that smell. lol

[28Traffic]

let me preface this comment by saying that I realize I am incredibly inexperienced, openly admit that I am not ready to go solo, and have no problem asking for help when I need it (which is often)

Hang in there, FTO can be a bear. If you leave your current Department and go to another one, it's a bear the second time too :D .

After 2 measley years as a young Officer...
Law Enforcement Politics suck. No elaboration necessary.
Your zone partner's attitude and style can ruin or make your day.
Dog calls are annoying.
The grass is greener...in some aspects.
It's not a good idea to forget that you're ALWAYS being watched.
Drunk women are the worst.
The report you sluff because you're tired/it's end of watch/sick of dealing with the same dirtbag/is the one you will have to explain at trial.
What you say in the Office will not stay in the Office.
Jurys love fingerprints.
It's hard not to laugh when the "Defendant" is being described as an All-American boy next door.
People..for some reason, love to get out of their vehicle on traffic stops.
It's no suprise to write, "Unemployed" on custody sheets.
People don't care if they're stabbed, but throw a fit if their dog gets bit.
I cannot reason with a drunk.
Today's victim is tomorrow's suspect.
Defective people drive defective vehicles.
Everybody lies.
Tasers really **** people off.
Suspended Driver's license is a synonym (sp) for "Dope in car."
Walking into the gym after a patrol shift (usually extended by paperwork) is very difficult.
Hot chics cry when stopped.
Old people drive worse than drunks.
Finding dope is alot of fun.
The paperwork and evidence isn't.
If you're DUI car, patrol will wait until 10 minutes before quitting time to find a drunk (or three).
A sense of humor is a necessity.

[VAsteve20]

Well i havnt been on the road for 18months... but i have learned over the past 3+weeks that juveniles think the police cant do anything to them. ive seen some bazaar stuff, and im sure there is plenty more to come.
awesome thread.

[CinciCobra]

Here is one my recruits take a while to get down:

Look where you are going, not where you are at. And look at least two blocks up from where you if possible. They always wonder how we (FTO's / Guys w/ a few years on) can spot things going on ....... that is the answer young ones!

[Medici]

Things I have learned at one year on the job:
1. Politics suck
2. Coming out of school does not make you a genius or a "super-cop"
3. Have patience with drunks when doing the Implied Consent portion of a DWI stop/test. Thier conviction and 2006 forfeited Hummer might depend on it.
4. Pick your battles. If you can't win, don't bother.
5. When you are working alone, stay on the down low. Take your calls, don't try to initiate one.
6. Be able to accept criticism in all forms.
7. Trust your senior officers when they give you advice.
8. No matter what color an officer/deputy/trooper wears - we are all on the same team. Most of the officers/deputies/troopers seem to forget this.
9. Be willing to take calls for the senior guys - they will appreciate it and you need the experience.
10. Don't let other officer pawn their BS calls/reports on you.
11. Your supervisor can't always be trusted or looked to for guidance.
12. Your job is to make the Chief of Police look good.
13. When offered education or schooling take it. If you don't show interest you will not be offered opportunities again.
14. Not every person deserves a $208.00 speeding ticket.
15. A digital voice recorder can either help you or bury you.
16. Confidence is good, over-confidence is not. Don't try to impress me with your education or what you think you know.
17. Age, common sense and maturity level is what makes a good cop.
18. Know who those officers or non-officers are who socialize with the Chief outside of work - keep your mouth shut when you are around them.
19. Everything you do - at work or outside of work, is monitored and scrutinized by the public. We live in a glass bubble and everyone is watching. Don't do anything stupid because people will call the Chief and complain about something you did outside of work. When you worked at Taco Bell did someone call your manager when you did something outside of work? As a police officer, they will.
20. Write detailed reports.

[Crex4242]

Things I have learned at one year on the job:
1. Politics suck
2. Coming out of school does not make you a genius or a "super-cop"
3. Have patience with drunks when doing the Implied Consent portion of a DWI stop/test. Thier conviction and 2006 forfeited Hummer might depend on it.
4. Pick your battles. If you can't win, don't bother.
5. When you are working alone, stay on the down low. Take your calls, don't try to initiate one.
6. Be able to accept criticism in all forms.
7. Trust your senior officers when they give you advice.
8. No matter what color an officer/deputy/trooper wears - we are all on the same team. Most of the officers/deputies/troopers seem to forget this.
9. Be willing to take calls for the senior guys - they will appreciate it and you need the experience.
10. Don't let other officer pawn their BS calls/reports on you.
11. Your supervisor can't always be trusted or looked to for guidance.
12. Your job is to make the Chief of Police look good.
13. When offered education or schooling take it. If you don't show interest you will not be offered opportunities again.
14. Not every person deserves a $208.00 speeding ticket.
15. A digital voice recorder can either help you or bury you.
16. Confidence is good, over-confidence is not. Don't try to impress me with your education or what you think you know.
17. Age, common sense and maturity level is what makes a good cop.
18. Know who those officers or non-officers are who socialize with the Chief outside of work - keep your mouth shut when you are around them.
19. Everything you do - at work or outside of work, is monitored and scrutinized by the public. We live in a glass bubble and everyone is watching. Don't do anything stupid because people will call the Chief and complain about something you did outside of work. When you worked at Taco Bell did someone call your manager when you did something outside of work? As a police officer, they will.
20. Write detailed reports.


How true each and everyone of these are and all of us should take a moment to read them. Great post

[miked6]

I know that Crown vics are not made to go off road!
I know that drunks don't always go with the program!
I know that cops are not perfect!
I know that 95% of the public are good, we deal with the other 5%.
I know that ABS starts at about 50 mph during a u-turn :mad:
I know that I should give a little more respect to my FTO knowing he has done this for over 15 years.
I know that injured people in vehicle crashes are not always nice!
I know that people like to complain about you just because they can!
I know that dirt bags hide dope in every hole :D they can find.
I know that being down many many reports is not a good feeling.
I know that a great search after an arrest is a life saver.
I know that after you place a customer in handcuffs they get real tight if you don't double lock them. :cool:
I know that hot coffee hurts when not in the cup :o
I know that deer,horse and cows die after being struck by a commercial truck.
I know that in this job you never know everything, but are expected to.
I know that being in court sucks.
I know that people lie in court.
I know that in a small town if you do your job your a bad guy.
I know that I really enjoy this job and every day is a new challenge. :D

Please feel free to share your " I knows"


Something rookies and veterans alike seldom think about...

Much of the time, we deal with people on their worst and most tramatic day. Not everyone we lock up are bad people many have just made an error in judgement, usually seated in emotional distress. I know I would hate to be judged, for the rest of my life, on my worst day, but rather the summation of my character as a whole. With that said, be safe, always be safe. Don't give up control just to be friendly or courteous, but don't be a dick just because you can.

I try to live by the words James Dalton in Roadhouse "I want you to be nice until it's time to be not to be nice." (Your a liar if you tell me you've never seen or didn't like it!)

[J_Mann]

I know not to leave my cruiser unlocked while in the station or i'll come out start it up and the lights and siren will be activated.