Avoid the Top 10 Rookie Mistakes

106 Comments

After riding with your FTO for a few weeks you’ll be cut loose on your own. In larger departments you may have a partner, but usually you will be riding solo.

Here are some tips to get a solid footing in your new career.

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northgalaxy1

about 3 years ago

88 Comments

Absolutely- putting the car in park AND setting the brake if on an incline reduces the risk of embarrassing and hazardous situations.
Tcop77

about 3 years ago

48 Comments

Definitely wear your seat belt. I've run across numerous officers who refused to wear a seat belt because they wanted a quick exit if ambushed or for a foot chase.......C'MON man...get serious. Chances are far greater that you'll get into an accident Vs. an ambush. Is a foot chase really worth you getting needlessly killed in a 10-50?
Also DO KNOW where you are at all times. It takes a different mind-set to engrave this, but you'll catch on eventually.
Had an FTO years ago that would drill me every few minutes on this......and it wasn't a good thing when I didn't know. Now I drill all those who ride with me.
Tcop77

about 3 years ago

48 Comments

Most new officers are guilty of not doing this, at least from what I've seen.
8. Listen to and respect officers who have been on the street longer than you have. They have the street smarts you need to learn.
My first few years on the streets I listened more than I talked. These rookies fresh out of the academy (these days) know everything ........and only listen while going through their FTO programs.
Rayburn_II

over 3 years ago

2 Comments

haha about to finish up fto but that was the worst day having to catch up with my car after i got out of it haha
craig0088

over 3 years ago

72 Comments

I am guilty of number 4. I have driven too fast to a call and almost made things worse. Thankfully my Sgt. helped me remove my head from my rear while en-route to the call.
TreeHugger719

over 3 years ago

464 Comments

#1 is hillarious!!! I did that less then a year ago....and unfortunately have the pics to prove it!!! The call to the Chief started out like this....Chief I have good news and bad news, which would you like first...??
ptlsnyder

over 3 years ago

54 Comments

I wished i had this list about 10 years ago!!! lol
bat001

over 3 years ago

82 Comments

Most of that sounds like common sense. I grad the Academy in April and start FTO end of May.. I'll probably end up doing half of those...
Ryan515

over 3 years ago

90 Comments

I am guilty of number 1, hey it was my first car chase! lol
los008

over 3 years ago

480 Comments

Good list!
policeryan

over 3 years ago

852 Comments

the last ones my favorite lol
metot

over 3 years ago

2176 Comments

very informative
LenSnow

over 3 years ago

58 Comments

Good article, and great comments. Looks like #1 is pretty popular, even for citizens..lol My father was a lawyer for many years. I met many great people through him. LEO's, judges, and city officials. I think everyone should act as if they're on camera. most times we are.
CTDouthit

over 3 years ago

68 Comments

good list and a good review for all of us!!
smatthews

over 3 years ago

160 Comments

good list ,use common sense and you will get through it...