Back-up Units

[SARCOP]

Ok, guys, I want your advice on something.
I am a new cop, date of commision is Sep.99. My agency works on a contract basis with neighborhoods, placing deputies in subdivisions around the county and we have district and radar units to answer calls not occuring inside our contracts (similar to a zone defense in basketball) I work a small, quiet contract where nothing really goes on, mostly alarms and juvenile/loud noise disturbances. However, I am surrounded by four major thouroughfares and five larger contracts that get much more "excitement" so, very frequently I answer as a back up unit to other officers. Now, What I prefer from a back-up is very simple, be quiet, let me do my investigation, and make sure I don't get jumped. Now, I've noticed other officers show up on my scene, start asking questions, touching things, threating suspects, and (the big one) start writing tickets/trying to file/effecting arrests with only half of the story. So, taking into consideration that I am the new guy, I'm asking the old hats to come forward and give up their opinions, What do you prefer/expect out of the unit that shows up on your scene, at your request (not named, just "roll me another unit") to back you up? I think I'm there to watch his a** so he can do his job, while staying out of his way. Thanks a lot, and be safe.

[KenM]

When I call for a back-up I expect him to watch my back. I don't expect him to get in the way and unless I ask specifically for more it's my scene. I make the decision to arrest/cite/whatever and it would P!$$ me off if they did otherwise. If I'm doing the back-up that is exactly what I do unless I'm asked for more or I see the guy is going to screw something up royally.

Probably time you made your point to them---but do it tactfully and out of earshot of anyone else. They may have done what they did for a reason. May be as simple as the length of time you've been on the job and you haven't "proven" yourself to them. This comes in time. Took me about 3 years before ALL the "old guys" accepted me.

[Niteshift]

Personalities are what they are ken. Some guys are take charge types, others will just quietly watch your back and assist you. As time goes by, they will get a feel for how you work and how you prefer to do things and will honor that.

I run into that a little, since we back the sheriff's office and vice versa on a regular basis. Even as a supervisor, with a lot more time in this than a lot of the deputies, I let them do their thing their way. This makes them comfortable enough to ask my advice or run something by me if they think it's a "dumb" question before they ask their sgt.

You may have to lay down the rules. I'd just explain that this is how I do it and if this is my call, we'll use my playbook.

[Roman]

That's a major no-no in my agency. Unless the contact officer is majorly screwing up or the whole situation is completely out of control, a cover unit's responsibility is just that, to cover. If you are first on the scene, it's your caper. As a rookie, perhaps you are not taking enough command of the situation. Start delegating as soon as guys arrive.... I know its hard to boss around guys who are your father's age, but if you let everyone know off the bat that this is your scene, and you are in charge, they're less likely to disrespect you.

[7@NGHS]

All of the above have said it all. It is your "territory", you are in charge. Unless the supervisor arrives on the scene and takes over you control it, delegate, ask questions if needed. Earn the respect of others by letting then know you know what you are doing. Stay safe!

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Eddie

[Tackleberry]

I agree with the above posts, by all means these guys mean well and probably because you are a little new at this are stepping on your toes until they know what your like and about. I also agree with what was said about taking charge of the situation when back-up does arrive, this does not mean ordering people but tactfully asking officers what you would like them to do, most will go right along with YOUR program without a fuss. Guys that are at this for years and years are some times guilty of stepping on newer guys toes and really don't mean to **** you off. Like I said kinda bring it up to them one on one in a respectful manner and they will get the point, in time your newness and personality will wear off and they will know how you roll. Good Luck!


Tac

[radar]

This subject could be written a book on. Two cases come to mind when an officer without a lot of HOT experience checked in with a trooper out in the boonies calling for backup. One is now a training film I have shown where the Georgia deputy almost got both of them killed not securing his prisoner while the trooper was struggling with his. The other I will not mention location, it was recent and both officers in a similar situation were unfortunately killed.

[Zim]

I think everyone has hit it right on the nose with their replys. Take charge, run the scene and if your stuck on something ask for advice. Everyone will feel a lot more comfortable with you when they know that you know what you are doing and are willing to ask advice and learn when you come across something you haven't done much. Just give them some time.

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Fail To Plan, Plan To Fail