Careers: Page 10

Don't Go Around Hungry

A good question: What's in your carry bag? More and more officers are now carrying healthy alternatives to vending machine grazing fodder. I recommend carrying one or two energy bars or meal-replacement bars in the bag to carry you through.

You Can't Play Catch-Up

Professional behavior is desired and demanded at all times. Every move you make is under scrutiny. If you act like a thug, you'll jeopardize all you've worked for?

New-Hire Benefits: Read the Fine Print

Many agencies are changing their benefits due to the economy. Some are even changing benefit packages for future hires, so if a cop tells you about how good his or her benefits may be for them, it could well be far different for you.

Do I Look Like a Tour Guide?

Help tourists by telling them which areas are safe for parking and walking. Identify areas where they need to lock their doors, roll up the window and drive with a purpose. Of course, they may ask about accommodations, restaurants and the usual tourist spots. Be prepared for a walk-in medical center question.

The ultimate 'scenic route,' Route 66. Image via Postcard Farm (Flickr).

Are You Willing To SPEAK UP?

Add S.P.E.A.K. U.P. to your acronym list, and you'll improve your chances for a successful law enforcement career. These are the fundamentals.

Overtime Survival Kit

If you have an issued car, keep a small bag in the trunk. If your department utilizes a car fleet, then keep this in your privately owned vehicle trunk or in your locker. This won't take up much space, but will make life a little more livable.

Special Events Duty

Working special or extra duty events can be a learning platform for your career. To advance, you'll need exposure to several different types of law enforcement events to give you a broad experience base. This will help with promotions, transfers to special units or selection to events staffed by more experienced officers.

Firearm Safety for the Home Front

Whether you have a safe and secure place, utilize gun locks, safe boxes or hidden compartments, you must have the family meeting. You need to tell each and every dweller with you the rules and allow no compromise.

Interview Failures and Faults

Show the energy and drive you have to become their officer selection. Interview boards don't understand the "I will give you an honest day's work for an honest day's pay" work ethic. They want energy, motivation and somebody who is clamoring for the position.

Do You Have Court Today?

Working on rotating schedules and the balancing act of life is a juggling act. Add in court, range, training, kid's soccer game and birthdays, and it gets complicated. Get a system and stick to it.

Image via Flickr.com (stirwise).

Wearing a High-Visibility Vest May Save Your Life

I know what it's like to have to get out and work a traffic accident; it only takes a few seconds to don this vest. There are still some officers who resist wearing the vest and try to trump up the circumstances to exempt themselves. You're only endangering yourself by doing this.

5.11 Tactical offers its Breakaway High-Vis Vest for law officers working motorways.

The Bikini Car Wash Incident—A Chief's Perspective

Bottom line: Think about what you are doing? Give it a reality check and see how you can defend your actions or presence to your boss if something should occur. If you can't come up with at least three good reasons, stay home.

Bikinicarwash Web 1

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