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Become a Cop >> Browse Articles >> 10 Steps to Joining the Force
Step 10: Hit the Streets
80 Comments
You’ve finally been cut loose and your FTO is no longer breathing down your back. But you’re still a rookie. Here are some tips that will help you get through your first year:
• Ways to Avoid the Top 10 rookie mistakes
• What to expect your first few weeks
Ways to Avoid the Top 10 rookie mistakes
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FutureTNcop
almost 5 years ago
266 Comments
Hi. I'm only 16. I'll be 17 in September 2008. My dad is user "resortcop". He's a LEO here in Cumberland County TN. I'm not just considering joining law enforcement. Its decided and has been for a long time. I've studied the field pretty thouroughly and asked my dad so many questions about police work that its not even funny. This is a good article in my young opinion. I think that #'s 2,3, and 8 are particularly important because they address the issue of what to say, how to say it, and when to just keep your mouth shut. The mouth is the body part that gets an individual into the most trouble especially as an officer. In reference to # 2, so many officers have the attitude that they have to be hard on people and that they have to throw the book at everyone for everything all the time. I'm not one that thinks you should let the public do whatever they want, but in some situations, just because you can make an arrest or just because you can write a citation is no sign that you have to. I hope that when I get my chance to go 10-8 and get on the road, I remember the principles that my dad has taught me and that I'm not more concerned with running every innocent citizen that I come into contact with through NCIC and local warrants than I am protecting people. One of the lessons my dad's tried to teach me is that you should communicate in as few words as possible. That can be related to law enforcement aswell. Its kind of ironic that I just said that after typing a whole book haha. One thing we've talked about is how many officers' radio talking issues including giving dispatch way too much unnesseccary information. Its better to just tell them that you are 10-8, give the proper disposition code and hush after possible elaborating some IF neccessary.
Bcurtis
about 5 years ago
2 Comments
Don't be so harsh on Bunk, Listen I know I made mistakes in my past that I still regret today. But I'd like to have people know that, that is not who I am today. I don't drink nor do I do drugs. I'd like to join the Department in my area as well. Not just to serve my community, but for a lot of reasons. I want to prove myself as a good person. That I have honor for my country, Build a solid fondation and future for my family. My reasons go on. I believe it's never to late to turn your life around. I stole things when I was young, I did use marijuana 5-10 times when I was young, no other drug substances. When I was 19 I was convicted of minor allowing, and in 02 I got a DUI, though if given the chance on a lie detector test I can prove I was innocent for that situation. I took the blame for my older brother. Since then I have not been in any trouble with the law. And I can only hope I will be given the opportunity to serve my community in local law enforcement.
cheercopxoxo
about 5 years ago
6 Comments
do u have to major in anything specific in order to be a cop?
JamesHarvey
about 5 years ago
2 Comments
if bunk truly has turned around, he may make a good under cover cop. it happens
rockerman
about 5 years ago
18 Comments
i am 22 and would like to become a cop in order to protect and serve the good folks that i love , i feel like i've seen enough of drug abuse in my area and would like to help the good fight
mmarchesi
about 5 years ago
2678 Comments
Hey Bunk, good luck. If you truly were a drug dealing thug, you probably already ruined any chances of being a cop... However; there is always Mall Security. Or better yet, keep being a thug and I'm sure you'll have all the Police contact that you'll ever want.
Atif
about 5 years ago
4 Comments
i am 21 and want to be a cop as soon as i can to help others:)
Atif
about 5 years ago
4 Comments
want to be a cop so i can help other........
Anonymous
about 5 years ago
WOW!! I'm never seem to be unimpressed by some of the post I see here. Some real winners posted in this one...
Great article though!!
Anonymous
about 5 years ago
Bunk, some pedigree! You left out "not too bright".
jterland
about 5 years ago
430 Comments
WHAT!!!! Bunk, you really gotta find some other website
10X
about 5 years ago
366 Comments
Wow Bunk...I'm impressed by how much you have accomplished by the tender age of 19. Don't stop now..try PRISON. (It's not just a career,criminal, it's an ADVENTURE!)
KSP494
about 5 years ago
318 Comments
bunk040...............YOU ARE AN IDIOT.....LUCKILY WE'RE AMUSED BY IT.
hbg522
about 5 years ago
7006 Comments
bunk040 take some advice.....leave the site. do yourself and us a favor and hit the road. we dont want you here. you dont belong here. your a waste of space on here. beat it!
reno040
about 5 years ago
2 Comments
Im 19. I used to be a thug, drug-dealer, just all around criminal but now Im planning on becoming a cop.