Careers: Page 14

Family Preparation for Encounters

Young officers, I know you are trained, sworn, and ready to serve. But if you see something unfolding in front of you and go to intercede, what are the people with you going to do?

Budgets, Needs, and Wants

You need to weigh criticality versus frequency in making this decision. How critical is it for you to have this widget? Will your life and survival depend on it? If not, reconsider.

Pass the Jump Test

Uniform only, what is in your pockets today? Loose change, challenge coin, pocket knife, lip balm…what else? The first step is to quiet down the uniform.

Credit History and Job Applications

In this country, we call it a credit history or credit score. I tend to refer to it as your credit reputation, because that is what prospective employers are reading into your credit history.

Service is Your Job

You go to work and catch calls for service. But where are those blazing shoot-outs with terrorists? Well, this is police work and reality. Don't let the inaction disillusion you.

No Cutting Corners…Please!

Police officers can be their own worst enemy. Do us all a favor and do not take the easy way out; it just makes for more work in the long run. There are several shortcut traps out there. Your FTO should tell you about them, but just in case….

Fatherly Advice

The other day, one of my readers e-mailed me a tough question. The young officer stated that he was a faithful reader seeking some sage advice. He wanted my insights on how to balance "the job" with his pending fatherhood. This made me do some soul searching.

First Day Jitters and Survival

Whoever created the analogy of butterflies in your stomach to represent the uncertainties of the first day missed the mark. Recalling my rookie days─now having had a few─the feeling to me is more like buzzards circling in your gut.

Don't Make Me Lie for You

Go ahead and have a good time, but recall that cops do bring with them guns, edged weapons, and egos…this can be a volatile mix. Cool heads need to prevail.

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.

Background Investigations and Secrets

If you have lived a tawdry past, then you should know that some astute investigator will find out during your background investigation. If you think that you have any disqualifiers in your past, do yourself a favor and do some research.

Understanding Hiring Cycles

I fielded a call the other day from a young lad who was preparing to end his tour of service with the military. He wanted to enter law enforcement nearly instantaneously. Hold on; it is not that simple.

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