Iam a Rookie whos just scared!!

[gaboy260]

I recently started as a road deputy at a small county in south Georiga. The dept is small with about 4 deputies per shift covering one of the laegest counties in area of georgia. Iam gonna be what you call a dirt-road deputy. My fears are when I finish riding with my FTOs and have to work this county by myself. Backups are usually 15 to 20 minutes away. There are some people at this dept who I dont trust with a coffe maker much less than with a gun and my backup. Is this normal, will I ever shake this fear.

[deputy x 2]

It's not fear...it's the uncertainty. You will become more comfortable with time. DO NOT EVER rely on someone else. Confidence will also sink in with time.

Be smart, use your head and officer safety skills.

[Guitar Cop]

I recently started as a road deputy at a small county in south Georiga. The dept is small with about 4 deputies per shift covering one of the laegest counties in area of georgia. Iam gonna be what you call a dirt-road deputy. My fears are when I finish riding with my FTOs and have to work this county by myself. Backups are usually 15 to 20 minutes away. There are some people at this dept who I dont trust with a coffe maker much less than with a gun and my backup. Is this normal, will I ever shake this fear.

If yuo are scared, you should try to get an assignment with DARE, Youth Services or Internal Affairs. That is what most scared cops do

[Bushum]

That's real helpful. Why don't you keep the "funny guy" act to the off duty forums?

gaboy- just ignore him, he is a troll with no life who thinks he's funny.

[Guitar Cop]

That's real helpful. Why don't you keep the "funny guy" act to the off duty forums?

gaboy- just ignore him, he is a troll with no life who thinks he's funny.


I was serious

I forgot to include the traffic bureau

[Bushum]

I know you've never been scared.

*waiting for an original whitty comeback about how you weigh 400 lbs. ect.*

Your act is boring :rolleyes:

[Guitar Cop]

I know you've never been scared.

*waiting for an original whitty comeback about how you weigh 400 lbs. ect.*

Your act is boring :rolleyes:


Put me on ignore

[Prangler]

Overlooking Guitar Cop because he has NO CLUE WHAT THE HELL HE IS TALKING ABOUT!

So, I will agree with the above statement of you are just nervous and uncertain. Confidance will come with time. While you are on FTO and even when you are off...ASK ANY AND ALL questions that come to mind. If you are still overly nervous at the end of FTO, see if you can not go on for another week or so.

I think you will be fun...it is just rookie jitters, you will get it, but you will be fine. If your backup is far away, train hard, stay in shape, and learn verbal judo to keep you safe. Now, if they can work a coffee maker or not, they are who you count on...them and other small agency department...it may take a few minutes for them to get there but they are coming and they will help you, just like you would them.

[Guitar Cop]

Overlooking Guitar Cop because he has NO CLUE WHAT THE HELL HE IS TALKING ABOUT!

So, I will agree with the above statement of you are just nervous and uncertain. Confidance will come with time. While you are on FTO and even when you are off...ASK ANY AND ALL questions that come to mind. If you are still overly nervous at the end of FTO, see if you can not go on for another week or so.

I think you will be fun...it is just rookie jitters, you will get it, but you will be fine. If your backup is far away, train hard, stay in shape, and learn verbal judo to keep you safe. Now, if they can work a coffee maker or not, they are who you count on...them and other small agency department...it may take a few minutes for them to get there but they are coming and they will help you, just like you would them.

YOU tell this guy to work on his "VERBAL JUDO" and you havethe guts to tell me that I have no idea what I am talking about?????????

I have been a cop longer than you have been alive. I have never been a very good cop...below average as a matter of fact...and getting worse.

But I know a bunch of really good cops and NONE of them would ever utter the words "verbal judo" without expecting everyone else to laugh at them

[SHERIFF]

There are some people at this dept who I dont trust with a coffe maker much less than with a gun.....

Been there, did that. Every day of my career. Because we had deputies who had to shoot the range 5 to 7 times every year just to achieve a then passing score of 70%. They had no business ever carrying firearms. And this particular fear never goes away when you witness it at the range firsthand year after year. :eek:

[slamdunc]

Learn to rely on yourself and to really appreciate any backup you may get. I am in similar circumstances, in working a large area with little or no backup. The training you have received will prepare you for some situations, but try to be prepared for anything.
The theory of Verbal Judo is okay; you are trying to gain voluntary compliance. Bottom line is you are going to gain compliance, whether it is voluntary or not. Attend any training you think will be beneficial to you; defensive tactics, subject control, etc. Always be alert and do what you have to, in order to maintain control of a situation.
Good luck.

[uberhunde]

There is nothing wrong with fear, it's what you do with it that matters. Remember the training you received? From empty hand to deadly force. These are the things you should continuously train with, although some you will be able to train with more than others. Learn to understand body language, you can practice this with your friends. Once you know how to identify someone's intentions, you can already make the decision what you will do in a situation. I know that sounds much easier than actually acting, but by choosing this profession, you've opted to put yourself in harm's way for the safety of the public. You must never hesitate, once you made a decision, you must act and act quickly and first. Understand your echelon of force and don't hesitate to use the levels appropriately. Remember there is not weapons/defense stronger than the human body, the mechanisms you wear on your gear are only extensions of this. If you believe in what you are doing, nothing will be able to stop you. Just keep in mind, the only way you will be able to serve and protect is to be around yourself.

Semper Fi.

[RBrodowski]

Also remember to pick and choose your battles wisely. When you're outnumbered by 5 to 1 and you don't *have* to be there...then don't. The main goal at the end of each night is to come home safely.

[Redders]

Been there, did that. Every day of my career. Because we had deputies who had to shoot the range 5 to 7 times every year just to achieve a then passing score of 70%. They had no business ever carrying firearms. And this particular fear never goes away when you witness it at the range firsthand year after year. :eek:

I 2nd that sense of "holy crap, this moron is my back up? Good thing he's big enough to use as cover!"

[VSPTAC]

Also remember to pick and choose your battles wisely. When you're outnumbered by 5 to 1 and you don't *have* to be there...then don't. The main goal at the end of each night is to come home safely.
RB hit the nail on the head!! I try to explain this to rooks out of the academy as we work with very little backup. (It took awhile for me to get use to it coming from a city pd, with backup seconds away, to the state!)

Also when you don't get a little scared out there, hang it up...you will get hurt or killed.

[Outshined]

Confidence will grow with time. I have been in a similar situation for 20 + years. Learn how to talk with people in situations that arrise. Take no crap from the beginning. You may have to go at it some, but the word will get around.

I am not a fan of the "verbal judo" course, but that is just me. In my opinion telling someone where the bear ****s in the woods sometimes is the best option.

You don't have to be the toughest kid on the block, they just have to think you are.

And always remember, "There is no dishonor in disengagement."

[1006smith]

Our dept is 984 square miles and I remember covering it by myself (several times) as a reserve back in the early to mid nineties. There was no backup at all. Scared? Hell yes, but don't let anyone see it. Being scared increases your senses and keeps you alive. Others call it "being alert". Now we have 6-7 deputies on the street and I supervise them. Some suggestions:

1. MOST people treated with respect will respond in kind.
2. Never let them see you sweat.
3. Practice ways to stall people until your back up arrives. Verbal judo takes many forms. Getting their names, addresses, and phone numbers so you "know who I am talking too" is a good stalling method.
4. If two men are fighting, let them wear themselves out. Easier to arrest them that way.
5. Never let your guard down.

Try it awhile and if you are still uneasy try another division or department. Not all people are cut out to be patrol deputies. I, for one could not see myself at a police department. City limits are too confining. We have deputies that did not cut patrol but made great civil deputies. I thought one certain patrol deputy was useless when on the streets. A c.i.d. slot opened and he got it. Now he routinely makes one-officer arrests in remote areas of our county.

Don't despair. Options are out there if patrol is not your bag.

[BrickCop]

Guitar- I don't believe gaboy260 was referring to the "curl up in the fetal position" type of fear. ;)

I respect your time on the job and for admitting that you're not the cop you once were. Is it possible that your cynical attitude is clouding your better judgment on this topic?

Fear is actually very useful in that it hones your senses and keeps you alert. I'd rather have a sense of fear than to walk nonchalontly into every situation.

As was wisely pointed out, if you ever experience an absence of fear on the job you should hang it up.

[Raptor5191]

In my experience "verbal judo", when used properly, can help diffuse situations. I have gotten many irate folks to calm down and go along with the program when using it.

However, as a patrol guy you MUST know when and HOW to crank up the physical skills and put the bad guys down. You have to do it without trepidation and with agressiveness. Speed and decisiveness are key when going into physical force.

[10-31Mike]

I recently started as a road deputy at a small county in south Georiga. The dept is small with about 4 deputies per shift covering one of the laegest counties in area of georgia. Iam gonna be what you call a dirt-road deputy. My fears are when I finish riding with my FTOs and have to work this county by myself. Backups are usually 15 to 20 minutes away. There are some people at this dept who I dont trust with a coffe maker much less than with a gun and my backup. Is this normal, will I ever shake this fear.

Thats why you get a gun.

In my limited experience.. eventually you'll just get too tired of dealing with the same idiots day after day and will start trying to get them going so you can break them down, it will keep you amused.

I've found when outnumbered and alone if I pick the "big man" and make fun of him that his "homies" will laugh their butts off at his expense. This usually kills some time until everybody else can finish up at 7-11. Then just start putting handcuffs on everyone.

I've also found that even the most retarded people on the department are just as good as the most gung-ho supercops when dealing with stupid criminals. The criminals see one badge and one gun they might play tough, they see 2 or 3 then they shut up and say yes Officer. They don't (usually) know that the other guy is a moron.

It's pretty much a bluffing game. If you think you're losing, remove your gun from it's holster and point it at them, unless they've completely lost there marbles (in which case use it) then you're good untill backup arrives.

If that doesn't work, use the car, drive away, and come back with reinforcements.

[SRT936]

...
However, as a patrol guy you MUST know when and HOW to crank up the physical skills and put the bad guys down. You have to do it without trepidation and with agreesiveness. Speed and decisiveness are key when going into physical force.

Couldn't have said it better myself. I too work in a large county with limited backup. Talking does wonders, but know when talking needs to end. The best defense is a quick and ready offense.

[coolgoil]

This might sound dumb.. sorry if it does.. But can someone define verbal judo to me?

[Bing_Oh]

This might sound dumb.. sorry if it does.. But can someone define verbal judo to me?
Wooshaw! I 'preciate that, but...

If the above phrases don't ring a bell, you havn't seen Verbal Judo. It's a seminar/video that teaches how to defuse and control situations verbally. You'll probably see it in the academy of during some early training...it's quite common.

[Raptor5191]

Wooshaw! I 'preciate that, but...

If the above phrases don't ring a bell, you havn't seen Verbal Judo. It's a seminar/video that teaches how to defuse and control situations verbally. You'll probably see it in the academy of during some early training...it's quite common.

Hehehe....no kidding, right? "I 'preciate that...."

How about" Hi, I am officer ____ from _______ Police Department. The reason I am stopping you today is that you _________. Is there any legal reason or justification for that? No? OK, no problem. In that case, I will need your license and proof of insurance, and I will be right back with you."

I tell you, that contact speech works like a charm more often than not.

[Raptor5191]

This might sound dumb.. sorry if it does.. But can someone define verbal judo to me?


Here ya go:

http://verbaljudo.org/verbaljudolawenforcement.html

[coolgoil]

Thank you so much for the link and information. I will certainly read the whole site because I am like a sponge with any new information..

"Verbal Judo teaches a philosophy of how to look creatively at conflict and use specific strategies and tactics to find peaceful resolutions."

It is a wonder why there are so many divorces in law enforcement when you could have the judo under your belt.. :rolleyes:

[Rapax]

If yuo are scared, you should try to get an assignment with DARE, Youth Services or Internal Affairs. That is what most scared cops do

Thats' Funny I don't care who you are! :D

The guy who started the thread cant' keep his lies straight...not a cop anyway.

[VSP_Troop]

I recently started as a road deputy at a small county in south Georiga. The dept is small with about 4 deputies per shift covering one of the laegest counties in area of georgia. Iam gonna be what you call a dirt-road deputy. My fears are when I finish riding with my FTOs and have to work this county by myself. Backups are usually 15 to 20 minutes away. There are some people at this dept who I dont trust with a coffe maker much less than with a gun and my backup. Is this normal, will I ever shake this fear.

Depending on where I am in my patrol area, its not uncommon for backup to be 30-45 minutes away. Could be over an hour in the winter time. Just think tactics at all times and watch your ***.

[208]

"The guy who started the thread cant' keep his lies straight...not a cop anyway."

Go to GAYBOYs profile and just look at his posts, he's full of it. GAYBOY you should go and be a security guard 3rd shift at a museum, that would be more your speed. Although im not sure if they would feel comfortable even issuing you a flashlight.

[208]

Depending on where I am in my patrol area, its not uncommon for backup to be 30-45 minutes away. Could be over an hour in the winter time. Just think tactics at all times and watch your ***.

Yeah thats for sure...Ive heard you VSP guyes have it rough up there, low pay and old equipment. Its like being the lone ranger up there. Stay safe VSP Troop.

[TGM]

I have about 15-20 deputies working in my district with me, and due to traffic and size of the district I could still wait for 10-15 minutes for backup, even when they are running code.

The best advise I can give you is that you MUST mentally prepare yourself for the fight... and there will be one. You MUST always have in your head that you will NEVER give up. You WILL fight to the death. That attitude can mean the difference between life and death if the worst ever happens.

Remember what they taught you in the academy - When making an arrest, use only the force necessary to effect the arrest, no more.

When the "arrest" turns into a "fight" - you are no longer "effecting an arrest", you are defending yourself in a fight. This is the only time you meet force with massively greater force. WE DO NOT LOSE FIGHTS.

[VSP_Troop]

Yeah thats for sure...Ive heard you VSP guyes have it rough up there, low pay and old equipment. Its like being the lone ranger up there. Stay safe VSP Troop.

Its not as bad as it used to be from what I hear. Equipment is actually good although we are short on cruisers. MA blows us away as far as pay goes. Base here is about 35k out of the academy. We don't get the OT MA State Police get and since I am from MA, I constantly compare the two.

[ofcp2]

I was serious

I forgot to include the traffic bureau I agree if you are scared get a desk job,its ok to be safe no time to be scared. I am cross trained LEO/ Firefighter.

[swinans]

im in the same situation when it comes to assisting units ETA of about 5-10 minutes....yes it worries me but im not scared i say its being human...i rely on my training and street smarts, if something dont feel right its probably NOT right, get another unit heading your way before you even go back up to the car after the initial contact..remember time is on your side...you control the situation..dont rush it ..WAIT..good luck and be safe

[Bighead]

YOU tell this guy to work on his "VERBAL JUDO" and you havethe guts to tell me that I have no idea what I am talking about?????????

But I know a bunch of really good cops and NONE of them would ever utter the words "verbal judo" without expecting everyone else to laugh at them

If they were confident in their ability, and half as good as you say, they wouldn't care if someone laughed at them.

For your information "Verbal Judo" is a book, and an excellent one. It is recommended by the authors of "Street Survival", another book printed by the Caliber Press.

[jwm1981]

[QUOTE=gaboy260]I recently started as a road deputy at a small county in south Georiga. The dept is small with about 4 deputies per shift covering one of the laegest counties in area of georgia.



Okay for one...how do you work for a small county...yet it is one of the largest in the state? I dont trust you. I think that IF you are a cop...you seriously need to reconsider. Thank you that is all.

[Slattery]

@@@How about" Hi, I am officer ____ from _______ Police Department. The reason I am stopping you today is that you _________. Is there any legal reason or justification for that? No? OK, no problem. In that case, I will need your license and proof of insurance, and I will be right back with you."

I tell you, that contact speech works like a charm more often than not.@@@

I was taught this when I joined here in Melbourne, Australia 7 years ago and I use it everyday. Works like a charm. Even when they start argueing I stick to it and leave.

[EDWARD96]

I recently started as a road deputy at a small county in south Georiga. The dept is small with about 4 deputies per shift covering one of the laegest counties in area of georgia. Iam gonna be what you call a dirt-road deputy. My fears are when I finish riding with my FTOs and have to work this county by myself. Backups are usually 15 to 20 minutes away. There are some people at this dept who I dont trust with a coffe maker much less than with a gun and my backup. Is this normal, will I ever shake this fear.

Ok, At first I thought you just posted this to stir people up but if you are being sincere…I had this same discussion with one of our new guys the other day. He was afraid to walk through public housing (the hill, the hood, whatever) by himself. He thought that there was something wrong with him because it did not seem to bother anyone else. I told him that I had been in law enforcement for 13 years, run fire and EMS calls for our local Vol. Fire Dept. for 20 years (yea, I’m an old guy). Never in all that time have I ever, went into a burning building, worked on an injured person or took a patrol call, that I was not scared. This really seemed to surprise him by the way. Being scared is a good thing; it keeps you alive (as several people have already pointed out). Being scared makes you cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s. Being scared is often call officer intuition or a “gut feeling.” I also told him if you ever run across anyone who tells you he’s not scared, he’s either a liar or a fool. Either way you need to get far away from him. Like others have pointed out once you get time under your belt and gain confidence you will clam down some. It’s being new and not knowing what to do that makes you nervous. As others have point out, find an officer that seems to know what he is doing and watch and learn. ASK QUESTIONS that is one of the biggest mistakes new guys make, they think it makes them look new. Well guess what, you are new so don’t sweat it. Most good officers will be glad to answer your questions, and respect you for asking. It shows a willingness to learn and if you are willing to learn most officers are happy to help.
Most of all don’t listen to these “blowhards” that tell you, “By God I ain’t scared to law somebody.” They are full of s*** don’t buy into that crap. Listen to the stuff most of the officers on hear are telling you its good advice. And no you don’t need a desk job that’s horse crap. If you are so scared you can’t get out of your car or can’t move at all or run away from a fight that’s different. But I don’t think that’s what you’re talking about, you’re just unsure of what to do. Stick with your training, simple things work the best. Follow the advice of the guys here and your fellow officers and you will be fine. :)

[elchorizo]

Ok, At first I thought you just posted this to stir people up but if you are being sincere…I had this same discussion with one of our new guys the other day. He was afraid to walk through public housing (the hill, the hood, whatever) by himself. He thought that there was something wrong with him because it did not seem to bother anyone else. I told him that I had been in law enforcement for 13 years, run fire and EMS calls for our local Vol. Fire Dept. for 20 years (yea, I’m an old guy). Never in all that time have I ever, went into a burning building, worked on an injured person or took a patrol call, that I was not scared. This really seemed to surprise him by the way. Being scared is a good thing; it keeps you alive (as several people have already pointed out). Being scared makes you cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s. Being scared is often call officer intuition or a “gut feeling.” I also told him if you ever run across anyone who tells you he’s not scared, he’s either a liar or a fool. Either way you need to get far away from him. Like others have pointed out once you get time under your belt and gain confidence you will clam down some. It’s being new and not knowing what to do that makes you nervous. As others have point out, find an officer that seems to know what he is doing and watch and learn. ASK QUESTIONS that is one of the biggest mistakes new guys make, they think it makes them look new. Well guess what, you are new so don’t sweat it. Most good officers will be glad to answer your questions, and respect you for asking. It shows a willingness to learn and if you are willing to learn most officers are happy to help.
Most of all don’t listen to these “blowhards” that tell you, “By God I ain’t scared to law somebody.” They are full of s*** don’t buy into that crap. Listen to the stuff most of the officers on hear are telling you its good advice. And no you don’t need a desk job that’s horse crap. If you are so scared you can’t get out of your car or can’t move at all or run away from a fight that’s different. But I don’t think that’s what you’re talking about, you’re just unsure of what to do. Stick with your training, simple things work the best. Follow the advice of the guys here and your fellow officers and you will be fine. :)
While gaboy's claim as being affiliated with law enforcement seems very doubtful, I assume trying to read over the narrative in one of his IRs would be a chore, he did bring up a good point which brought some good responses. My first domestic call found me rushing to the door and hollering POLICE in the deepest voice I could muster, while backup, one of the shift sros, was still a few minutes out. That wasn't the only time training flew out the window. It would have been great to have someone give me advice like this a few years ago.

[D.o.D cop]

Ok, I'm not a sworn officer.....YET, but was told by the PD of choice that I am being hired, and some how ventured onto this thread. Hoopefully you guys don't mind.

But what I do have to say, is after doing several ride alongs, and doing my current job (allthough I do some LE work, it's on a military instalation, and generally a safer and more compliant populace), I am nervous about going on patrols and dealing with the general public and puting the habius grabus on folks.
I know this is a job that is dangerous, and at the same time I know it's a job where you have the authority to take away peoples civil rights, and I take that seriously.

From all the advice given on this thread, I have learned much from you gus already. I believe the advice given in this thread will help me in my soon to be LE career ventures, and would like to thank all of you older veterans for giving hard learned advice, and also for what you do, risk, and give up on a daily basis!


Cheers!

[friedom77]

try to think tactically all the time. on or off duty look around at where the best spots for cover are from all directions. research some mma schools. find a range and try to shoot a box of ammo at least once a month (pistol/shotgun). if your car radio is equipped with frequencies that other agencies can hear, learn who can hear you and where they are. be good to cops that you stop because you'll never know when you'll need some help on the side of the road. STAY IN SHAPE!! keep a sharp uniform. perps recognize that a sloppy uniform usually means he's just not intersted in stomping someone's ***. learn how to talk to people and recognize when something is about to escalate. some of these old bastards on here have seen a lot of things and have posted them. read up on that crap. situations tend to be similar all over. good luck and change that name.

[CruiserClass]

If they were confident in their ability, and half as good as you say, they wouldn't care if someone laughed at them.

For your information "Verbal Judo" is a book, and an excellent one. It is recommended by the authors of "Street Survival", another book printed by the Caliber Press.

I've read both and second Bighead's input. Verbal Judo depends a lot on the instructor you learn from and how open you are to it. If you think its crap, never give it a chance, and don't really want to learn it...it is junk. If you have a good instructor, enough time and practice to REALLY UNDERSTAND the concepts (as opposed to a four hour block at academy or just reading the book on your own), have an open mind, and a willingness to try it...it is a super tool to have. Does it work everytime? No, but what tool does?

I had the pleasure of learning from an instructor who was trained by the originator of the system and learning in a university setting. I've used it prior to getting my sworn position with great success, both as a 911 dispatcher and working ID check/vehicle search points for military bases overseas.

To the originator, if your serious I'd say its natural to have some fear anytime you go into an unknown situation, especially one that has the potential to get you injured or worse. Being afraid is immaterial, how you deal with it is what counts.

[Snowprince]

Hehehe....no kidding, right? "I 'preciate that...."

How about" Hi, I am officer ____ from _______ Police Department. The reason I am stopping you today is that you _________. Is there any legal reason or justification for that? No? OK, no problem. In that case, I will need your license and proof of insurance, and I will be right back with you."

I tell you, that contact speech works like a charm more often than not.


LOLOL!!!......how about this 1..."is there anything I can say or do to get your compliance...............WHACK"

[WoodyTCSO]

Our county is about 400 square miles, and we just recently got the 4th guy per shift. we did, and still do answer domestics, fights, shots fired and other type calls alone... granted we know that the other guys are haulin the mail to get to us unless they are on a smiliar call, but even then it may take 20 min or more, depending on where we are. Fear is not a bad thing in this job, and sometimes lack of fear is the worst situation to find yourself in. use the fear as a motivator, and listen to that little voice in the back of your mind that something is not right or you fel uneasy about the situation. just yesterday, one of our guys went to serve a domestic protective order, and the guy barracaded himself in the house with a sks, then walked out on the proch ready to meet his maker. it took a few ( luckly it was within about 15 min from our office) but our guy got plenty of help and all is well. don't think our guy was scared for 15 min, alone at a house with a guy with sks daring him to do something ? well, he was but he was able to think clearly and work through it. It's not about not being scared, it's what you do when your scared that matters. Freeze up and get hurt or die, be able to think act and you'll be fine. as a fto, that's about the first thing i tell new guys. some decide to stay here, some go elsewhere with more backup, either way they learn wether or not this is for them, and if this is where they need to be doing it or not.

[candog]

Take Verbal Judo and....physical fitness will save your life!!

[Bighead]

You'll see a common theme through the more reasonable posts on this forum.

Stay in shape...your life might depend on it.

Keep your skills up...you life might depend on it.

Master your craft, continue to learn & grow...your life might depend on it.

[robobob]

my backup is 12ga. if i need more the mini comes out.Thats why you get a gun.

In my limited experience.. eventually you'll just get too tired of dealing with the same idiots day after day and will start trying to get them going so you can break them down, it will keep you amused.

I've found when outnumbered and alone if I pick the "big man" and make fun of him that his "homies" will laugh their butts off at his expense. This usually kills some time until everybody else can finish up at 7-11. Then just start putting handcuffs on everyone.

I've also found that even the most retarded people on the department are just as good as the most gung-ho supercops when dealing with stupid criminals. The criminals see one badge and one gun they might play tough, they see 2 or 3 then they shut up and say yes Officer. They don't (usually) know that the other guy is a moron.

It's pretty much a bluffing game. If you think you're losing, remove your gun from it's holster and point it at them, unless they've completely lost there marbles (in which case use it) then you're good untill backup arrives.

If that doesn't work, use the car, drive away, and come back with reinforcements.

[nrneuha]

I recently started as a road deputy at a small county in south Georiga. The dept is small with about 4 deputies per shift covering one of the laegest counties in area of georgia. Iam gonna be what you call a dirt-road deputy. My fears are when I finish riding with my FTOs and have to work this county by myself. Backups are usually 15 to 20 minutes away. There are some people at this dept who I dont trust with a coffe maker much less than with a gun and my backup. Is this normal, will I ever shake this fear.

Yes you will shake it, unless you aren't cut out for the job. I am in the same situation, except I am a City cop and my county backup is usually 15-20 away. Small town. I had the same jitters at first, but it tends to make you that much more cautious. Just learn that you need to pick your battles, don't get into a fist fight with a bunch of drunks out in the desert by yourself, make sure you have the backup when you need it, if the situation feels hinky, it probably is. Trust your gut.