Tag: How-To Guides: Page 13

Patrol

Goal-Oriented Training

Setting up your goals properly makes coming up with the training elements very easy. Your training goal should be a statement of intent. If you are not defining your goals and therefore working toward them, you are merely treading water when you could be swimming.

May 19, 2011

Careers

The Bling Factor: Jewelry on Patrol

Most departments have a policy or regulation regarding jewelry. The boilerplate verbiage could include a limit of one wristwatch, one bracelet, and one necklace that's not visible to the public. One ring per hand is standard. Earrings are usually allowed for females, and policies may now also cover male officers.

May 8, 2011

Women in Law Enforcement

Facebook: An Officer's User Guide

Many of my fellow law enforcement officers are also Facebook users and some hold steadfast that they will never use it. Many officers are against putting any information out on the Web, and I respect that choice. If you do choose to use a social site, I would like to encourage you to consider the following suggestions to avoid trouble.

April 13, 2011

Patrol

Mastering Stress Management

As officers we ignore stress and drive on as if it were part of a crusade. Whether we choose to accept it or not, it's our responsibility as individuals to handle it. Most of us sleep very little, eat like crap, and continuously ride an emotionally and adrenaline-filled roller coaster.

March 21, 2011

Careers

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.

March 20, 2011

Women in Law Enforcement

How Combat Breathing Saved My Life

Combat breathing was developed as a tactical survival skill in helping police and military personnel rapidly regain control of their breath, thereby gaining control of their body during critical situations.

March 8, 2011

Patrol

A Training Solution for Searching Female Suspects

Female searches can be problematic for cops of both genders. Male officers are hamstrung by an inability to conduct such pat-downs, and female officers by their male counterparts' need to bring them to the scene to do the job.

February 23, 2011

Patrol

Workplace Communication: Closing the Generation Gap

For the first time in history, we have four generations working side by side in the modern workplace. They consist of Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials (also known as Generation Y or Nexters). With four different groups working together, there is bound to be a collision between each other's set of values.

February 16, 2011

Weapons

How To Determine a Basic LE Combat Load

During my law enforcement career, I found it no real burden or inconvenience to carry one or two spare magazines or one or two extra speed loaders. One trick I learned is to invert double-magazine pouches to make them fit in a way that flatters your body and protrudes less.

February 8, 2011

Special Units

How To Handle Audio Exclusion

The tools needed for simulating diminished hearing during training are basic: ear plugs and range ear muffs. These are effective for creating scenarios involving temporary hearing loss due to gun shots or other explosive sounds.

February 6, 2011

Careers

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.

January 24, 2011

Vehicles

Driving In Nasty Weather

Weather is a hazard that must be managed by law enforcement officers, especially when driving patrol vehicles. Lt. Keith Wilson, who oversees the Michigan State Police's Precision Driving Unit, provided a few suggestions, so officer safety will be top of mind when operating your vehicle in nasty weather.

December 28, 2010