Joined: November 30 2004
Location: North Charleston
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Topic: What is the Best Advice for a Rookie Posted: February 04 2007 at 1:02pm
Like most officers who have been in law enforcement for sometime, 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 ask everyone for a few lessons the rookies should take to heart.
Palmetto Cops is looking for photos, videos and scans of patches for use on the web site. PM me if you have an item we may use. ~ Thanks!
Joined: January 22 2005
Location: Goose Creek
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Posted: February 04 2007 at 5:07pm
God provided you with TWO ears and ONE mouth so listen twice as much than you speak. Learning is a daily requirement in this profession and you will never know it all. Be human and treat others the same way. Most important, LOVE your family and LIKE your job.
Edited by Dave Soderberg - February 04 2007 at 5:08pm
Desire sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible.
Joined: December 06 2005
Location: Irmo
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Posted: February 05 2007 at 8:00am
You will fail if you try to get everyone to like you, but you must get them to respect you. And you must earn that respect every single day in every thing you do, being fair and consistent. The public holds you to a higher standard; dress and act to that standard on and off duty. Never forget that regardless of color, religion or heritage, every person puts their pants on one leg at at time and bleeds red blood; nothing better and nothing worse. Treat each person equally until they give you an indication that they don't deserve it. And never stop asking why. All advice I live by that I received in 1972 from a recruiting Sergeant.
Joined: January 05 2005
Location: United States
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Posted: February 05 2007 at 11:15am
Two things that I have to offer:
There is that little feeling/voice that you get when you are about to do something or are doing something that says…Hey you, wait a minute, it this a good idea?Listen to this and before you do something think about how it will play out on JIVE 5 NEWS, what the Chief or Sheriff will say and how your Mom would react to it.This has worked for me so far.
Second, look at the other officers around you and how they present themselves.See what good and bad characteristics/traits they have.It their style works for you try and use the good decisions or ideas and learn from their bad practices.I would much rather learn from someone else’s mistakes than my own.There is no one SUPER COP.I learn from every officer at my agency, no mater their rank or time in service.
The wicked flee when no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Joined: January 24 2006
Location: Hartsville
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Posted: February 05 2007 at 11:57am
My FTO shared this one with me.
You will screw up. It is inevitable. I have done it and so has everyone you work with. When you do screw up, don't try to hide it. Have integrity after you make a mistake and you will gain the respect of your peers. Try to escape the consequences with lies or blame and it could cost you everything.
Do not get involved in the blame game. Taking credit and laying blame are for lesser men, we just take responsibility for what we have done, good or bad.
Joined: January 27 2006
Location: Hartsville
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Posted: February 05 2007 at 10:43pm
Years ago, on the first day of K-9 school, the instructor was giving advice on how
to be a successful handler. Of course there were many tips, but the one
I've always remembered holds true for all Police, and while I'm not in K-9
anymore, I still think about it everyday.
BE A GOOD COP.
That encompasses a lot, including much of what is posted above.
Fairness and honesty, not only when dealing with civilians, but when
dealing with co-workers. A good reputation goes a long way when dealing with both.
Doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do, even if it sucks.
That also means doing the right thing, even if no one is looking.
Joined: September 28 2005
Location: Bethera
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Posted: February 06 2007 at 1:21pm
My advice to a rookie officer? Don't go into L.E. Open your own business, go into real estate or something else where YOU are your own boss. Don't work for the man if you don't have to.
But if you must be a cop.........
1. Don't go to work for North Charleston PD
2. No matter which agency you choose, jump ship FAST at the first sign of a $hitty administration. It's the administration you work for that will either make or break your career and your happiness.
3. Conduct yourself in your daily activities as tho someone is videotaping your every move, because 9 times out of 10, they probably are. People just LOVE to catch a cop doing something wrong. Don't let it be you.
4. Don't take $hit from supervisors who are trying to f--k you over. 5. Get used to being $hit on by the public, $hit on by your department and being broke/poor 24/7 due to the low pay you will receive for such a difficult job.
6. Don't drink and drive off duty and get caught. But then again, if you work for NCPD, you'll get away with it.
7. Don't screw ride-alongs in drive thru car washes.
8. Don't f--k with your own prescriptions before you take them to the pharmacy to get them filled. ..., because it's a federal offense...but then again if you work for NCPD, you can do it and get away with it.
9. Don't hitch hike to work if your cruiser breaks down and don't pawn off your body armor vest and/or service weapon if you need some quick cash.
And last but not least:
DON'T BE A '"MEMO MAKER"'!
"Suspect is a black male, approximately 6'/180 lbs. dark pants white shirt....."
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What is the Best Advice for a Rookie
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