Police Magazine

William Harvey

Chief

William "Bill" Harvey is the Chief of the Ephrata (Pa.) Police Department. Prior to this he was the Chief of the Lebanon City (Pa.) Police Department for more than six years. Harvey retired from the Savannah (Ga.) Police Department where he worked assignments in training, patrol, and CID. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps and has a BA in criminology from St. Leo University and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute of the University of Louisville (103rd AOC). Harvey has more than 25 years of experience working with recruits, rookies, and FTOs. He serves on the advisory boards of POLICE Magazine, POLICE RECRUIT Magazine, TREXPO, and the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA).

Inside the Badge •by William Harvey•August 17, 2010

How to Get Along In a Department

It is a common rookie mistake to think just because you're now a copper with the uniform and shield, you're special. Don't ever fool yourself; the department's staff is what keeps you rolling.

Inside the Badge •by William Harvey•November 30, 2009

Carrying the Load

Today, we have a litany of specialized police tools and instruments issued. I always laugh when a new product comes out and wonder if the holster manufacturers are tooling up for the new nicky neat police gadget. Does it come in basketweave?

Inside the Badge •by William Harvey•February 20, 2009

Don't Push It

Take time to learn on the lesser calls, for the same investigative skills will develop. Then when you find yourself on a call of more consequence, you'll have a strong grasp of the necessary skills.

Inside the Badge •by William Harvey•January 13, 2009

Understand the Rules of Applications

The other day I was discussing the civil service hiring process with my executive assistant, Michelle. She has some noteworthy advice for applicants that all too often they do not heed. Let's see what Michelle has to offer to you.

Inside the Badge •by William Harvey•September 5, 2008

Tactical Verbalization

You should be thinking to yourself as you approach any call for perceived dangers. For example, when I park the patrol car I should not park directly in front of the building. You should take critical microseconds to gain a tactical advantage that places you in an advantageous position to observe and respond.

Inside the Badge •by William Harvey•July 12, 2007

Accepting Department-Issued Equipment

Recently a reader contacted me about a personal dilemma. He told me his department issues a certain make and caliber of pistol and he doesn't like it. He further stated he did not like the holster, in addition to a laundry list of other items he was issued. What could he do now as his agency's newest rookie?

Inside the Badge •by William Harvey•June 20, 2007

Learning to Speak Like a Cop

One of the most daunting tasks a recruit must undertake is learning and mastering the various languages that are spoken in policeland. How many languages does a cop speak? Quite a few; definitely more than two, to my mind.

Inside the Badge •by William Harvey•June 1, 2007

First Impressions Count

You have waited for the announcement that your local agency is hiring officers. Then you see it in the newspaper. You cannot wait to make that application to become a cop! So you want to run down immediately to apply. Your enthusiasm is appreciated, but don't let it end your career before it starts. Stop, read the announcement carefully, and comply with what it directs you to do.

Inside the Badge •by William Harvey•May 9, 2007

The FTO’s Role in Your Training

When you look at another officer’s uniform and see an FTO pin, what thoughts come into your mind? Sure you know that FTO is an abbreviation for “field training officer.” But just what does that mean?

Articles•by William Harvey•May 1, 2001

Duct Tape Your Troubles Away

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