Careers: Page 9

Financial Planning: Think Twice Before You Spend

Watching younger officers entering long-term financial obligations such as homes, credit or vehicles worries me greatly. Research the stability of your job during the next two to three budget cycles before you ink any contracts.

Photo: Flickr (bitzcelt).

Maintain Your Gear, It Could Save Your Life

I've seen handguns that have not been cleaned and cared for. I've seen holsters with cobwebs and dust lines, telling me the weapon hasn't been removed in months.

Training Your Other Backup

I know you thought that when you came on the job that you would be cared for by the department. Yes, but not solely. Some departments have plans and shelters for families of first responders. What I recommend is a family drill. Have them prepare to evacuate in two hours or less.

Photo: Flickr.com (NKPhillips).

Waiting for Your Time

Time-in-service requirements have long been around; they started in the military. If you're working in a grade — let's say patrol officer — you'll have to serve a suitable time period in the pay grade or assignment before you can be promoted or transferred. This allows you to gather valuable experience or what I call exposure.

Photo via Flickr.com (Ko:(char*)hook).

Off-Duty Carry: What Kind of Cop Are You?

Where and when to carry off-duty is a debate between cops that has gone back and forth for generations. I know what I've done and will continue to do. Let's review the three kinds of cops so you can pick the category that suits you best.

How do you approach off-duty carry? Typically, there are three mindsets among officers.

An Officer's Most Potent Weapon

Do you believe the maxim that the pen is mightier than the sword? I do. Even though most departments use a work station and software to prepare reports, writing ability is honored among those in the criminal justice profession.

Image via Flickr (pigpogm).

NYPD's Aviation Unit

The NYPD's aviation unit deploys its high-tech tools and operates as a regional resource to provide mutual aid to smaller surrounding agencies.

The NYPD deploys a twin-engine Bell 412 for search and rescue missions. Photo courtesy of NYPD.

Purchase Wisely

Always consider comfort and safety. If you have comfortable and happy feet, you will walk around the building and find that burglary or catch the perp that's trying to run. If you can see comfortably, you'll fatigue less and maybe save your precious sight.

Pol Duty Boot Line 1

Off-Duty Carry and Preparedness

Nearly every company and cop shop has a messenger shoulder-type gear bag available today in a variety of sizes and carry styles. Some of these bags reek "cop," so get a sports team's logo or some designer logo, and put it on the outside of the bag for public view.

5.11 Tactical produces the COVRT 18, as an option for officers looking to avoid identification. Photo courtesy of 5.11 Tactical.

How To Avoid Failing the FTO Program

Passing the FTO program isn't difficult, if you accept that this is another learning station in life. Bring your best and apply all you know, and you'll pass with flying colors.

Avoid Fried Chicken on the Steering Wheel

Patrol car fleet survival is simple: Think decontamination at all times. Before you start a shift, clean all contact points on the car with disinfecting wipes.

Photo via Flickr (Elephant Gun Studios).

Traffic Control 101

Most academies show a presentation and tell you your Field Training Officer (FTO) will properly instruct you. The reality is your FTO will wheel into a crash scene, check for injuries, and tell you to handle traffic. Here lies the problem — no real instruction, and please be mindful of your hand gestures.

Image via Flickr (Fabio Mascarenhas).

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