Blog - Recruit

If there ever was a true fear of young officers, I think I know it. No, it is not the gun-wielding psychopath. Nor is it your patrol car spinning out of control over a cliff. Deep down, it is the fear of failure.

You have completed the written test, physical agility test, and background investigation with flying colors. Now comes along the next hurdle toward your goal of becoming a law enforcement officer, the interview.

You may have thought I was writing about Transit Authority cops. This week's column is actually about cops who move to follow work or whenever their conditions change. I want my readers to make proper choices and hopefully avoid some pitfalls.

I recently received a question from a department's Field Training Officer program coordinator. His department just hired several new officers. Great, except these are not academy-fresh officers; these are veteran officers from other departments. What now?

Names do not make you a cop. If you mature and conduct yourself as a seasoned officer, the title "rookie" will eventually disappear from around you.

Join organizations that pique your interest and become actively involved to gain the greatest benefits.

I've seen numerous glaring errors on job applications. Just one clouds the best applicants' chances and it is time for this madness to end.

Once you start your career make certain that you document and maintain your training records. It sounds boring, but bear with me and I will tell you how it can save you money as well.

You are a rookie and sometimes you think it is best to stay quiet. You may have been told or maybe it was implied that you should sit down, shut up, and don't touch anything. This could be the worst advice of all. Sometimes it is best to speak up.

To me, FTO stands for "Fine Tuning Officer," not "Fun Time Officer." If you are a recruit who thinks this is a chance for a good time, go to the local amusement park instead. FTO work is hard work; get used to it now.