RE: What's It Really Like on the Streets?

Its good times and bad times. There are times when you become so frustrated that you want to get on the hood of the car with the loudspeaker and scream. There are times when someone says 'thank you' for the most mundane act and you start to tear up. There is absolutely nothing like Policing.

My partner and best friend from my drug unit days relayed this story. While in Field Training, she went to a house fire where several small children died; an Arson. She recalls her FTO ( a really good guy) telling her if she started crying when the FD brought the children out, he would hit her in her mouth. Why did he say something so seemingly cold? Because if she started crying, he would start too....and there was no time for crying, they had work to do.

Me? I had the displeasure of holding the hand of a fellow Officer as he begged me not to let him die. He died.

You will see the various ways people will kill others and themselves. They will kill other people to include at times your friends, your fellow Police. It will be nasty and it will be bloody. It will hurt your heart.

You will also see the best of people, all heart and soul. Brave citizens as well as your fellow street warrior Police who would risk their very lives to save others. People who stand against all odds. People who are worth more than their weight in gold.

I have watched citizens chase burglars, not succumb to intimidation by violent criminals, and help the Police solve crimes. I witnessed some citizens cut-off a vehicle I was chasing one night. It was not something I recommend as it was too dangerous, but they did it anyway. They ran the car I was after into a dead end street. Yes, the citizens did it.

I have been witness to Officers running into burning houses (another thing I do not recommend) to save screaming children. They did it anyway and I went right along with them as I couldn't let my Officers go alone.

One fact, you WILL see it all. Just when you think you have seen it all, something else comes along. I pray, for you new Officers, that your good times outweigh the bad. Policing is the most fun a person can have and be paid for. :)

Some of you will be blessed with the honor of being a Leader of Police, as I have been. I hope that you find the will to go through hell if need be to ensure your Officers, your fellow street warriors, go home safely. Do not think of them as your subordinates, they are your fellow Officers who you have the honor of leading.

- Lt Hollman (ret Dec '06) Baltimore City, State of Maryland.

Last edited @ 6/6/2007 8:05 PM

RE: What's It Really Like on the Streets?

I enforce the laws and rules of society. Not every issue is "cut and dried", so I use good common sense and discretion in creating resolutions to a myriad of situations.

I am well trained, and continue my training in an effort to better serve the society I am sworn to protect. Trained formally on a continual basis, my true experience and training comes from years of experience in "real world" scenarios.

I have seen humans at their very best. Conversely, I have seen human suffering and indignities beyond most people's wildest imagination. No longer naive, I have come to accept that humans are the most cunning and brutal animal upon the Earth. I balance this knowledge against cynicism, and continue to serve.

I have heard every excuse and justification for poor behavior. It is amazing what some people expect me to believe. Even when confronted with the truth, and evidence supporting the truth, the lies continue. After I interpret all the information, I must make a decision.

I make decisions that some people do not like. I have come to accept the fact that I will not please everyone. I will make the best decision based upon the facts that I am able to gather. If you do not like my decisions, be responsible and accountable to the degree that I am not forced to make decisions for you.

I work in a very stressful environment. Calls for service come steadily. When people call, I respond. Every call generates a report that I must type. People call me for every imaginable issue, as if I am possessed with all the answers. Promotions and raises come rarely. Office "politics" are frustrating. I work extra jobs to supplement my income. I worry about the decisions I have made, although I did my best.

I have been spit on, smelled blood infused with alcohol as it seeped into my clothing, been splashed with vomit, seen people urinate and defecate upon themselves, been assaulted by fists, knives, sticks, and guns. I have been most tolerant. I have seen infants, teens, and adults maimed, abused, and killed in a variety of ways. I have maintained my composure, because someone has to maintain control. I have developed unique methods of dealing with stress.

I have taken the life of a fellow human in order to preserve my own. I will go home to my children at the end of my shift. I will prevail.

I have images ingrained upon my memory that are horrific. Periodically, I get a faint whiff of burned or decaying human flesh that comes from my subconscious as a grim reminder. I have seen, heard, and smelled things that are beyond imagination or explanation. I continue to serve.

I don't care if you don't pay your fine. I don't care if you are convicted for the crime that I arrested you for. I don't take it personal. I have done my job in an objective manner. I don't care if you are Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, or pink with purple polka dots... I couldn't tell before I pulled you over, or YOU brought it up.

Every day is different, and although the situations are repetitive, each has a different twist because I deal with people. Every person is unique. I love my job, and can see myself doing nothing else.

I am a veteran police officer, and I am at your service.

-Ken Aka-Anonymous in the squad room