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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petecoolcattt

over 3 years ago

652 Comments

Learn your basics 1st. Like any trade you only master it once you've got bloodied up a few times - unforunately in our game that quite often is the difference between life and death.
Jonas

over 3 years ago

38360 Comments

Even the seemingly silly ones, like put your car in park, may save your life one day!
NorthernCop

over 3 years ago

132 Comments

Good list and I agree, stay away from the old farts in retirement mode. Show them respect but don't do what they do it will get you killed!
Anonymous

over 3 years ago

Also don't let burned out cops or the "Retired On Patrol" cops destroy your enthusiasm for the job. You may not can save the world but you can make a big difference in someone's for good or for bad reasons! Always keep the faith that what you are doing DOES make a difference! "Those in life who were loved by you and helped by you will remember you, so carve your name on hearts and not on marble." - C.H. Spurgeon
darsavmo

over 3 years ago

10772 Comments

We all need to remember and practice all these tips, not just the rookies. I do remember not putting my car in park and needless to say my cruiser rolled into a parked car. Quite embarrassing...
chrisnite

over 3 years ago

12 Comments

The thing I try to stress the most with our rookies is patience. Don't believe the first thing that you hear and rush to put someone in cuffs. A patient and thorough investigation will lead to a good arrest. A good arrest beats a quick arrest every day. And it damn sure beats having to apologize for treating someone like a dirtbag based on a statement you later find out was bogus. Shockingly, the first person you talk to is not always telling the truth. Take the time to reach the best conclusion you can. At least you can back up your decision with logic and reason at that point. It still won't always save your butt, but it sure helps.
PaulGreen

over 3 years ago

482 Comments

Makes a lot of sense to me. I actually need to be reminded every day of these rules. Here's one. Don't lock yourself out of your patrol unit.
tbailes182

over 3 years ago

542 Comments

And a side note, Put Your Car in Park, seems like common sense but is actually a very good point. I'm sure most of you read about the officer that was recently killed when his patrol car rolled into him pinning him between a tree and his car and killed him. Another one of those common sense things that we may sometimes forget and could cost us dearly.
tbailes182

over 3 years ago

542 Comments

I think this column isn't just for rookies. Granted I've only been on the road 2 years and am still learning a great deal every day. Good refresher.
Migs

over 3 years ago

1276 Comments

Great tips! Most of them are common sense which can save your life.
catm2005

over 3 years ago

564 Comments

put the car in park!!! lol.. ive missed that step a time or two!
BSPD88

over 3 years ago

2112 Comments

Good reminders !
buck63

over 3 years ago

324 Comments

These are great tips and are great reminders to the veteran officer as well!!
whitechocolate

over 3 years ago

666 Comments

great tips
JB4Justice

over 3 years ago

156 Comments

to reggieh34,
I have concidered becoming a police officer many times, but every time something was standing in the way, and if there is one thing I have learned, things happen for a reason, I would say that everyone is not meant to be a law enforcment officer, and if it is forced and you don't have the personality or nature for doing the whole job one might want to steer toward another area of L.E. like corrections, dispatch, security or reglitory. I'm not saying that you, but for me I believe 100% that Laws are meant to keep us and others safe, it may be that some departments stress enforcement stronger in some areas than others, but that is just the nature and the evolution of that department or area of the country. In whatever area of L.E. one finds him/herself working in (in my case it has been in the area of corrections and security) or whatever police or sheriff's department, they find out what is expected and accepted as S.O.P. (standard opperating procedure) and do thier best to abide by that agencies rules. I would say pay attention to your FTO, and ask lots of questions, they only dumb questions are the ones you don't ask.

I enjoyed all the comments and this website, God bless and keep us all safe, and keep up the great work!