PoliceLink

College and Cops: Springboard Your Success in Law Enforcement

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:47:00 -0700

When I decided to become a cop, I was dismayed to learn that most of the departments I was interested in required me to be twenty one years old to even apply. I was thirteen at the time, so waiting eight more years to realize my dream seemed almost inconceivable. After graduating high school at 18, I decided that if I had to wait three more years to start pursuing a police career I may as well wait it out in college. That was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I continued my education long after I got my badge and gun. Whether you’re just out of high school, you’re looking to change careers, or you’re already a veteran cop looking to get ahead. here are just a few of the reasons why you should pursue a college education to enhance your law enforcement career.

Many agencies now require a college degree. There is a long-standing argument in law enforcement about whether or not a formal education will make you a better cop. There are so many things that factor into your success as a law enforcement professional but a college degree can only enhance your chances of reaching your full potential. Agencies that require you to have a college diploma tend to be more progressive, but even if a degree is not required, having one is probably going to give you an edge over other candidates. If you’re already on the job but looking to get ahead, a degree or an advanced degree may be just the thing that puts you at the top of the promotional list or may provide you with the credentials to move from your current department on to bigger and better things.

Competition is fierce, college gives you an edge. A degree shows potential employers that you have the drive and commitment to pursue and complete a serious goal. You learn how to study properly, conduct research, write papers, process information, and work well with other people. And there are so many degrees and areas of study; you can obtain a basic degree in criminal justice, or study police management, crime scene technology, and even terrorism studies. In fact, most agencies are more interested in the fact that you have a degree than what your field of study is, so pursue courses that truly interest you. I majored in Law Enforcement Administration but I double-minored in English and, believe it or not, Horse Husbandry. All three fields of study have come in handy during my three decades as a cop, a police trainer and an author, and they were all a lot of fun to study. Work hard at your core courses, but also study something, or many things, that you’re passionate or curious about.

College and life experience. Ask any police recruiter what their top five frustrations are and most of them will list a candidate’s “lack of life experience” as one of them. Most young people are living with their parents well into their 20’s and if they haven’t been to college or served in the military, they may lack basic adult experiences that help young people grow and mature. Remember, police departments are hiring candidates that must be able to make million-dollar, life and death decisions -- and if you’ve yet to make it out of your parents’ basement, you may be perceived by a recruiter as immature or unready to carry a gun and a badge. If you’re in a position to leave home to pursue your education, do it! It’s a great experience.
Police Work and Technology. Law enforcement is no different than any other enterprise, we live and die by technology and we’re always looking for experts among our own ranks. A state college, an online university, a technical institute or even your local community college is a great place to become that expert. From investigating computer crimes to setting up an intelligence database for your agency, making computer sciences a part of your undergraduate or advanced degree is a great way to make you more marketable and more promotable. If you’re already a cop (or a dispatcher or other civilian employee) working at an agency that is having a hard time making the transition into the 21st century technologically, take some classes and be that change agent!

Networking, internships, and relationships. Most of us make contacts and develop friendships in college that last a lifetime, both personally and professionally. If you’re just out of high school, college may seem like an endless opportunity to socialize and have fun, but be smart about it. Holding your fraternity’s record for freshman year “minor in possession” citations is not going to impress your police recruiter, but the organizing their annual Special Olympics fundraiser just might. Get involved in student government, volunteer organizations, and seek out like-minded people who are serious about their education and their future. If an internship is part of your graduation requirement, work hard, do more than is expected, and treat it like your job, not just another way to earn credits. If you’re a full time cop going back to school, networking can be a bit more difficult, but take advantage of study groups and online forums not only to help you learn the material, but to widen your inner circle.

In these tough economic times, going after that diploma can sometimes seem too expensive and too time-consuming. This is where your “winning mindset” comes in. Look hard for grants, scholarships, financial aid and programs developed especially for working adults with limited free time. If you can’t take classes full time, taking even one class each semester, online or on campus, will add up faster than you think and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to earning that degree. Good luck!

APB: Earning Your Degree Really Pays Off

Florida Tech University — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:24:00 -0700

You can accelerate your career in law enforcement by having a degree from a reputable university, as well as being good at your job. Nowadays many jurisdictions require college education as a prerequisite to hiring for most law enforcement positions. Not only does a good education improve your skills and talents, but it also enhances the likelihood you’ll get that next promotion and salary increase.

According to the International City-County Management Association’s annual Police and Fire Personnel, Salaries, and Expenditures Survey, average U.S. salaries for sworn full-time positions as of January 2008 are as follows:

*What Path Do You Want to Take?*
Whether you seek a promotion in your department or want a new position in a federal agency, the right degree choice can pave the way to your dream position. Many law enforcement agencies have established minimum educational requirements for promotion. The higher up the chain of command you’d like to be, the more education you’ll probably need to get there.

*Choosing the Right Degree Program For You*
As an officer, you may want to earn a degree in an area that aligns with law enforcement like social work, psychology or management. For those looking to be in the executive suite, earning a degree, especially a master’s degree, in an area like business administration is especially important. If you prefer to seek a position in cyber crime and computers, go for computer-based degree programs. For most Federal law enforcement agencies, you’re required to hold a bachelor’s degree or related work experience, preferably both. For example, the educational requirements necessary for consideration as an FBI agent include being a degree holder with a major in such areas as accounting, information technology, or computer science.

*A Degree From a Credible University Is a MUST*
When earning your degree, you have to be sure it’s not from a diploma mill or non-accredited institution. Choose a world-renowned, top-ranked university like Florida Tech. By earning your degree from regionally accredited Florida Tech, you’ll attain an exceptional education and can experience it with 100% online convenience. You can continue to fulfill all of your work and personal responsibilities as you capture your career goals with one of these online degree programs:

AA Accounting
AA Criminal Justice
BA Criminal Justice
AS Computer Information Systems
BA Accounting
BA Business Administration/Accounting
BA Business Administration/Computer Information Systems
BA Business Administration/Management
BS Computer Information Systems
MBA/Accounting & Finance
MBA/Information Technology Management
MBA/Management
MS Information Technology

*How Can You Gain the Competitive Edge?*
Decide which route you want to take in your law enforcement career and choose the right degree program for you. Now is the time to take the next step toward safeguarding your future and securing your dream position!

Emailing, Texting, Social Networking and Other Ways to Screw Up Your Career

Sgt Betsy Brantner Smith — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:45:00 -0700

Twelve years ago I got my first departmental email address and thought it was the coolest and most comprehensive electronic communication tool that I would ever use or need. I also assumed it was completely private, belonged only to me and that when I hit “delete” it went away forever. For an oldster who was born prior to 1960, I’ve learned an awful lot since then. These days I don’t hesitate to text, tweet, friend and blog my way around the Internet from the comfort of my phone, my PC or my tiny little netbook, but I also know that whatever I say, type or post is out there for all of humanity to see.

*Surfing the Web.* I didn’t own a personal computer until about 1998, but as a sergeant I had one on my desk at work. The officers also had to PC’s available to them throughout the city and when we were finally given access to the Internet, it was a free-for-all. The very first phrase I ever entered into a World Wide Web search box was “women police”. In addition to learning all about the history of female cops and the associations available for me to join, I saw Web site after Web site of really hot young women wearing nothing but a fake gun belt or a police hat, really red lipstick, and doing pretty intimate things with, well, everybody. Wow! I had no idea. But I quickly learned how to refine my searches, block pop-ups, and use my Internet access primarily for good, not evil. However, pretty soon throughout the agency we had increasing incidents of Internet abuse, from printing out images from “inappropriate” websites to spending most of the workday on Ebay, so our department, like many others, cracked down on employee use of the Internet. Visiting sites like PoliceLink and the Officer Down Memorial Page are a good officer use of technology; shopping for a new car, playing online poker, or visiting other inappropriate sites are not. The bottom line? Use your head, think ethically, and be reasonable. Unless you work in the computer crimes unit, you’re not being paid to surf the ‘net.

*An email is forever.* I learned this the hard way many, many times over. Just as it is with officer survival, when we’re talking about “career survival,” learning from the mistakes of others is key. It all began when law enforcement started using in-car computers with mobile data transmitters, or MDTs. The public outrage over the beating of career criminal Rodney King by the LAPD was the exacerbated by racially tainted car-to-car MDT traffic. Most cops learned (or should have learned) right then and there that if it can’t be said over the radio, don’t say it over the computer. There is also no such thing as an anonymous computer transmission or email. If you are using your departmental email you are probably signing on to a network of some sort. All of your transmissions are captured and can be recalled. Even if you use your personal email address from a departmental computer, everything you do online will be available for review by your employer. Many police agencies have very strict policies regarding Internet and email use, including flagging certain “inappropriate” words used in the body of an email, not allowing attachments, and tracking a user’s amount of time spent online. Know what your department policies are and again, be logical. Don’t send out a shift-wide email calling the chief a “spineless pinhead” unless you’re willing to explain to his face why you feel that way and suffer the consequences. Remember that emails can become part of the record keeping of an investigation or an incident and can be used in court, and that any email you send out, even if it’s from home on your personal account can be forwarded, printed, and otherwise widely distributed; don’t hit “send” if you think anything you’ve put in that email can back to bite you.

*What would we do without texting?!* Less than two years ago, I barely understood what “texting” was; now I can’t imagine life without it. As a patrol supervisor, texting was invaluable during our shift. We used it for everything from critical incident updates to deciding where to meet for coffee to silently sharing information while handing a domestic dispute. Police investigators can use a bad guy’s text messages to follow their conversations, identify and prove intent, and even track their whereabouts. Simplistically put, text messages travel either via cell phone lines or the Internet, so like email they do not really disappear even when you hit “delete.” They are also easily saved and even more easily forwarded, so be cautious what you are texting about and who you are sending texts to; they might someday be used against you, legally, professionally or both.

*Social networking and Internal Affairs.* There are so many social networking sites out there, from Facebook to MySpace to Twitter. There are also professional networking sites, like Plaxo and LinkedIn, and sites just for law enforcement such as PoliceLink. Regardless of what site or sites you choose to participate in, DO NOT post, comment or blog about anything that you wouldn’t want your chief, your sheriff or your grandmother to see. Think ahead; you may be in high school or college now, but eventually prospective employers are going to take a look at your social networking sites. Or you may be a young police officer enjoying your job in patrol, but posting those pictures of your college buddy’s drunken bachelor party on your Facebook aren’t going to impress your deputy chief, especially when you take that sergeant’s promotional exam in a few years. You also have to be careful who you “friend” or who “friends” you, and who you communicate with, even on a “police only” site. You always have to be mindful of how very anonymous the Internet really is, and you also have to accept that even your “secure” profile page probably isn’t. And even if you don’t post stupid stuff on your own site, others may have photos or video of you or they may attribute statements or actions to you on their own sites that are going to land you in the Internal Affairs office.

*So much to blog about, so little time.* Thanks to the Internet and the proliferation of easy-to-use software, anyone can have his or her own Web site and/or blog. Blogging can be a great way to share information, but so many people use it to electronically vent, whine, or complain. If you’re a blogger, just keep in mind that your blog is public information and can be interpreted many different ways. Even if your blog has nothing to do with police work, if you make comments that would discredit you or the agency, you may have a big problem.

The World Wide Web and all the technology that goes with it can make our jobs and our lives so much easier, but we also have to think about how and what we put out on the Internet and on our cell phones may affect our personal reputation, the reputation of our agency, and sometimes even the honor of our profession.

Ten Tips for On Target Academy Firearms Training

Dr. Richard Weinblatt — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:26:00 -0700

The prospect of firearms training in the pressure-filled law enforcement academy setting is either loved or hated by cadets. Few blocks of instruction, save for physical training and defensive tactics, conjures up such extremes in emotion. As a certified firearms instructor and an executive over basic police academies, I have seen first hand the issues that trip up aspiring gun-toting law enforcers. This column has been crafted to offer firearms training bound recruits tips for success using a vital tool of the professional law enforcer.

1) Automatic Safety. The cardinal concept of firearms training is that of safety. Academies routinely distribute a document containing rules of safety on the police firing range. Most have the students read, sign, and return the document. Find out what those rules are in advance and be sure to be familiar which each important mandate. Make compliance with such standard rules as “assume every firearm is loaded,” “never point the firearm at something that you don’t want to shoot,” and “be aware of what your target is and beyond” automatic. Not having to apply thought to those mandates will free you up to concentrate on the psychomotor skills needed for excellent marksmanship.

2) Strength Training. A major problem that detracts from working on shooting skills is a lack of upper body strength. Effecting particularly small-framed men and women, handguns made heavier with ammunition and long guns such as shotguns strain and distracts struggling shooters from refining their skills.

3) No “Windage.” Firearms instructors will do target analysis and point out where the grouping of rounds are hitting the paper. Often troubled shooters decide that simply moving the grouping by compensating with the front site is the solution. Referred to as the “windage” method by seasoned firearms instructors, this is not a true solution and really cheats the student shooter of developing good trigger control skills. For example, if the right-handed shooter is mashing the trigger, target analysis sees this manifested as the grouping falling low and to the left. The “windage” shooter places the front sight high and to the right of the target area to improperly compensate. This is not a good technique and should be avoided.

4) Don’t have a mind of your own. Many instructors get frustrated by recruits that ask for help on the line, get it, and then go back to what they were doing wrong. Different firearms instructors will make divergent suggestions. Try them out and see what works best for you. Problems come when students go back to their own flawed ways once the instructor shifts the focus from them to another student. Listen to the firearms instructors and try it their way.

5) Don’t rely on gadgets. Many struggling shooters feel that they would do better if only they had a particular flashlight, laser, grip or other firearm accoutrement. The fact is, while the gadgetry is nice, it’s the shooter behind the gun, not the gun, that truly makes the difference.

6) Mixed ‘dummy rounds’ and dry fire. Students often anticipate the gun firing and firearms instructors working the firing line can clearly peg the students who are scared of that round going off. There are several old tricks that I and other instructors use to solve the issue. One is to mix dummy rounds in with the live ball ammo in the magazine. This is done out of sight of the cadet so that he or she will not know which rounds are live and which are not. When the student gets up to one of the dummy rounds in the magazine, they see for themselves the front of the muzzle going down. Often seeing for themselves is more powerful and effective than us verbally explaining it.

7) Dry Fire. Along the same vein as number six, dry firing the weapon is actually more helpful and can be done by most recruits at home. Assuming that the cadet has their firearm available at home and that they have visually and physically checked and determined that the firearm is unloaded, they can place a penny just behind the front sight. Some weapons, such as Glocks, will necessitate a slight slide movement to re-engage the trigger. The recruit picks a spot on the wall or the TV and carefully squeezes the trigger with the aim being not to move or drop the penny off the top of the slide. Repeating this step numerous times goes a long way towards establishing muscle memory and minimizing weapon movement while maximizing trigger and breath control, as well as sight alignment.

8) Control fear. Whether it is the noise, the recoil, the orange muzzle flash, or some people’s discomfort with weaponry, many people are afraid of the firearm that they need to master. Contrary to what we all see in the movies or on TV, folks don’t fly ten feet back when they shot. By the same token, cadets do not fly back either. Many shooters lean forward dramatically anticipating a large amount of kick from the weapon when it is discharged. The laws of physics make sure that the kick is not huge.

9) Eat, drink, and dress appropriately. Ranges, particularly outdoor ranges can be environmentally tough locations. Many firearms instructors feel that police officers and deputy sheriffs are required to police in all weather conditions and therefore police academy students need to train accordingly. Short of lightning, most academies shoot in rain, snow, sand storms, and other weather related hardships. Be sure to check the weather report and dress appropriately within the academy uniform standards. For example, if it is cold, you may want to have long johns under your academy uniform.

By the same token, low blood sugar from a lack of proper nutrition will not improve your shootings scores. Be sure to eat and drink properly over the long term.

10) Front sight focus. One of things that I did myself during qualifications is to say out loud (but softly) “front sight, front sight. Front sight, squeeze.” This forces me to concentrate on the front sight and squeeze until the round goes down range. That same method has given students of mine a good start in their firearms oriented career.

Whether you are a die-hard second amendment supporter or a reluctant gun toter, firearms are part of the tools available to officers. Following these ten tips should help you to alleviate any stress-related firearms training and become more proficient with firearms.

How Much Will I Get Paid…Really

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:28:00 -0700

When I finally got hired by the police department, where I would eventually spend the majority of my law enforcement career, I was so thrilled to receive that letter of appointment that I didn’t bother to find out how much money I’d be taking home each week. I’d been involved in the testing process for months, I was 21, single, still in college, and working at an aerobics studio where I made minimum wage. I was used to supporting myself on next to nothing (I ate a lot of Ramen noodles and peanut butter sandwiches), so salary was not really an issue. I was more interested in how long I would be in the academy, what kind of pistol they were going to issue me, and how soon did I get to make my first arrest?

That was nearly thirty years ago, and today’s generation is a bit savvier and a lot more interested in money. Many police recruits are older, they may have families to support, college loans to pay off, or they may be transitioning from the military or another profession where they were used to a steady income. Although no one ever got rich from being a cop, before you go after that dream job in law enforcement, its not a bad idea to say, “Show me the money!”

Base Salary

The average starting salary for a rookie cop in the United States is about $40,000.00. Having said that, it’s important to understand that this fluctuates wildly depending on many, many factors. Cops in large cities like Los Angeles and Chicago are generally going to get paid more than officers in Moss Point, Mississippi or Show Low, Arizona, but don’t forget that the cost of living is also markedly different in each of these regions. Most federal law enforcement officers make more money than rural sheriff’s deputies, but the feds also have the very real possibility of multiple transfers during their careers. Departments with union contracts generally have more secure pay raises than those in right-to-work states, but union-controlled public safety organizations have their own set of conundrums…just ask anyone from California.

What about Benefits?

There’s much more to compensation than just a paycheck. These are the types of questions you should be prepared to ask: Does the agency pay for the academy or do you have to pay your own way? Do you get paid while you’re in the academy? Does the department pay for your uniforms and equipment or do you have to foot the bill yourself? Do you get a take-home car? How much do you have to pay for health benefits, life insurance, and other necessities? Do they offer flexible spending accounts for daycare and medical expenses not covered by insurance? Some departments also offer college tuition reimbursement, pay incentives for foreign language skills, higher education, or specialties such as field training, K-9, investigations, SWAT, and the opportunity to work off duty jobs.

Overtime and Off Duty Employment

I’ve never met a cop with more than two years on the job who didn’t either work lots of overtime or have what we call a “side job.” There were officers on my own department who were able to double their paychecks consistently with overtime pay. Generally, overtime pay is either governed by federal labor law or your union contract; most cops make additional money by working extra shifts, going to court, or volunteering for specialty assignments such as local festivals, parades, high school football games, any place the community demands extra police presence. Some agencies also have “cash jobs,” usually managed by the union or the benevolent association, which are sanctioned by the agency but the pay comes separate from your regular paycheck; these are usually security details at places like teen clubs, shopping centers, and even large funerals. While teaching in Salt Lake City recently I met some academy trainers, all full time local cops, who worked part time as security guards at a gated community near the city. It was great money, the duty was low stress, and these guys had the opportunity to help their citizens feel safer; a win/win for everyone.

Promotions, Cost of Living, and Retirement

Starting salary should not be the only pay factor you look at when researching a department. What is the raise structure, are they periodic “step” raises, or are they based entirely on merit? Where does cost of living factor into salary increases? If you get promoted, is the raise worth the change in status? In my department, officers and sergeants received overtime pay, lieutenants did not, so as a senior sergeant I ended up making more money than a senior lieutenant, even though we often worked the same amount of hours. How much of your salary goes into a pension fund and who manages it? Do you have the opportunity to invest in other retirement funds, such as a deferred compensation fund? These are all great questions to ask your recruiter.

Don’t Fall Into Credit Traps

Generally speaking, even in today’s economy a police job is a pretty secure one, and predatory creditors know this. Don’t fall into the common trap of signing up for all those credit card and signature loan offers that come in the mail or your bank tries to sign you up for. Dr. Kevin Gilmartin, author of Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement, emphasizes that police officers must control their “retail therapy,” resist the urge to go into debt, and learn to live within their means. I’ve known many police officers over the years who became so dependant on their overtime or side job incomes that when that extra money dried up, they nearly went bankrupt. Police work is stressful enough without having to worry about money.

This bottom line is this: If you’re going into this profession for the money, don’t bother. Law enforcement is a lifestyle, a profession, a calling; it’s not merely a way to earn a living. It can be a great way to support you and your family, it’s an adventure, it’s something different every day, and it’s definitely a career to be proud of; consider the financial rewards to be a bonus. Good luck!

How Do I Get Hired In This Economy?

Sgt Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:50:00 -0700

It seems like all we hear in the media is economic doom and gloom. Granted, unemployment is high, layoffs are common, and it’s easy to get discouraged. But it really is possible to get hired, even in this economy.

The Reality of a Lousy Economy

A bad economy tends to mean a higher crime rate; more crime means more cops. It’s one of those paradoxical benefits law enforcement experiences when times are tough. Do your research, find out which areas need cops and if they are hiring. Some departments are offering early retirement to veteran officers so that they can hire lower-paid rookie cops to patrol their streets and staff their jails. Many depressed areas will be receiving stimulus money to hire police officers so find out where and get your application in!

Part Time Policing

Many agencies offer part time positions for cops and correctional officers. It’s less expensive for the organization (part-timers generally do not receive a benefits package and may have to purchase some of their own uniforms and equipment) but it can be the beginning of a great career for you. Part time policing is a great way to gain experience, make some money, and potentially be first in line when a full time position becomes available. Some departments also utilize unpaid, auxiliary police officers, but they often provide training and equipment, and they certainly provide valuable experience and networking with full-time officers who may later become your co-workers.

Consider Civilian Work

Sometimes it is necessary to take a less than ideal job just to get your foot in the door. If your dream department isn’t hiring patrol officers, see if they are hiring dispatchers, records clerks, community service officers, and other civilian positions. I have a friend who began her police career as a dispatcher and just retired as a deputy chief. Several of my own co-workers spent time on our department as civilian community service officers before becoming police officers. Even federal law enforcement offers a variety of civilian positions where you can gain experience, learn policy and procedures and network; you can learn to work effectively within the bureaucratic confines of a government agency. When the time comes to put on a gun and a badge, you will be miles ahead of your fellow recruits.

The Private Security Option

Many cops began their law enforcement career in the private sector. If there are no sworn positions available, consider taking a private security job. You’ll learn many of the same tactics, you’ll develop awareness, you’ll learn how to deal with a variety of people, and you’ll probably have the opportunity to work closely with the local cops, providing a great networking opportunity for the future.

Military and Private Contractors

As the military continues to be stretched thin, there are more and more opportunities for civilian contractors to assist our military trainers, police officers and security forces, both here and abroad. Foreign language skills, prior police, security, or military service, and a willingness to live in a foreign country under difficult conditions are all beneficial. You may be away from home for long periods of time, but the pay can be excellent and the experience invaluable.

Be Willing to Relocate

Now is probably not the time to be particular about where you’re willing to live to get a good police job. The U.S. Border Patrol, in my opinion one of the finest federal agencies in the entire United States, is continually hiring new recruits, but you’d better be ready to relocate, and that’s after living in a barracks at the academy for several months. Many of the larger cities have streamlined the hiring process so that it can be completed in a matter of days, and some of them will even bring the testing process to you. There are many areas of the country that have started new police departments from the ground up (usually in newly incorporated areas once governed and policed by a township or the county sheriff’s department)

Be Flexible and Realistic

Perhaps the local police department isn’t hiring patrol officers, but the state prison is desperate for correctional officers. Maybe the highway patrol is laying off people, but the sheriff’s department just received a grant to hire new deputies. Be realistic and flexible in your job search and in your expectations. Law enforcement is not the type of profession where you walk in the front door of your dream department and say “here I am, put me on the SWAT team,” and yet many people try to do just that. Do your research, see what’s available, and be willing to make changes. You’ll be a better cop, and a better person, in the long run.

Consider the Military

If you’re attracted to police work, there is a good chance that you’d be happy serving in the military. The United States Armed Forces, to my knowledge, is always hiring, never lays people off, and hasn’t missed a payday since the Civil War. You’ll be serving and protecting your fellow citizens, you’ll gain unparalleled tactical and educational experiences, and you’ll certainly satisfy that “adventure gene” that most cops have. You may find a lifetime career in the service, and if not, you’ll receive special consideration when you come out and go after that civilian law enforcement job.

Be the Best Candidate

Fewer jobs mean a more competitive process. It is absolutely essential that you really are the best man or woman for the job. Continue your education, stay (or get) in excellent physical condition, learn how to ace the entrance exam and the interview and learn a foreign language. Go back and read everything “Ask the Experts” has ever posted on Police Link and take those words to heart. Learn from our collective experiences. It is possible to get hired in this economy; you just have to be willing to work for it. Good luck!

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Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:58:00 -0700

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Paying Your Dues in Police Work

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:38:00 -0700

I had been a field training sergeant for several years when we hired a new recruit who sat down with my boss and told him that she really didn’t have the time or the inclination to go through all that silly police academy and patrol officer stuff. She asked to be immediately assigned to our Investigations Division as a detective, and by the way, she could only work 8am – 4pm, Monday through Friday. She appeared quite certain that her experienced deemed her more than qualified and didn’t want to “waste time” working patrol. Besides, our department would undoubtedly jump at the chance to take advantage of her extraordinary talent.

Needless to say, we withdrew our offer of employment. This experience was part of a growing trend that we continue to see in law enforcement today: many young officers fail to understand that they need to “pay their dues.” Go to any of the online forums and you’ll find a young wanna-be cop who expects to skip uniformed patrol and go right into SWAT.

Ambition and Goals

Many cops start out with big dreams and even bigger ambitions. I wanted to be the first female chief of my agency. I wanted to be a K-9 officer, a narc, a detective, and a manager too, but it never occurred to me that any of that would happen without a lot of hard work, plenty of advanced training and many years in patrol. Fortunately, I loved being in patrol, but I also enjoyed the other assignments I was privileged enough to be assigned to. As it turns out, my goals and ambitions changed over the years and, as I matured and learned more about the profession and about myself, my idea of “success” changed. Ambition is a great thing, but unrealistic expectations can ruin a law enforcement career before it begins.

Learning the Basics

In most agencies, patrol is where you begin to understand the basic function of policing. Most of what you learn in the academy and in field training relates to the uniformed patrol assignment. Patrol is the crucible by which your ability to make spur of the moment, critical decisions is judged. It’s where you learn to write reports, deal with people, and keep both yourself and the public safe. You begin to figure out how to negotiate departmental politics, determine who might be a good role model or a potential mentor, and what specialty you might truly be interested in. Even though you watched all those hours of “CSI” while in college, when you actually become a cop you may discover that you like the thrill of running code to a burglary in progress much better than lifting latent fingerprints at a cold burglary scene. Patrol is where you grow up.

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Moving Up

The skills you learn in patrol ultimately translate to almost every specialty and ancillary assignment in the department. View the early years of your career as a continuation of your education; it is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to enhance your knowledge. Almost limitless advanced skills can be developed in patrol: interview, interrogation, investigations, fitness, weapons, tactics, reading people, interpersonal communication, leadership abilities and so much more. As you develop talent and expertise, you must also cultivate your own humility. One of the most detrimental traits a young officer can have is arrogance.

Be Realistic and Be Informed

If you want to fight the war on drugs, join the DEA. If you want to fight the war on terror, join the CIA. But even these highly specialized organizations have their “rookies” and their “grunt” duties. Do your research and learn everything you can about the organization you want to join. You may want to work at your local police department for a few years before pursuing a federal career; you just might find that policing in your hometown is exactly what you were born to do. Wherever you decide to work, don’t expect to be assigned to a specialty as soon as you are off probation. Does it happen? I was a detective within two years of becoming a cop. One of my fellow FTOs was still on probation when he became a field training officer. These were unique situations, and while they worked out for us, it’s not always beneficial to be “moved up” too quickly. Although I had been a cop for five years, I was in patrol for less than 18 months before taking the sergeant’s test. I didn’t have the necessary experience to supervise my fellow patrol officers, so my placement on that first list was not very high. When the next test came up three years later, I made sure I was ready.

Check Your Attitude

No one is entitled to a specialty. It’s great to set a goal of making the SWAT team, however it’s arrogant to feel that you are owed it. The line between confidence and hubris is a fine one. It’s great to have high self-esteem, but if it becomes self-adoration, no officer is going to want you as part of his or her specialty unit. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of the best trainers, investigators, and tactical operators in this country and some of their common traits include approachability, humility, sincerity, dignity and an incapable desire to continue to learn. One of the best compliments anyone can give you, no matter how talented and renowned you are, is “he sure seems like a regular guy” or “I would have never guessed that she is a world champion shooter.” And if you ask, they will all tell you the same thing: “Oh yeah, I had to pay my dues.”

Why Grades Really Do Matter to Recruiters

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:41:00 -0700

My mom was a school teacher and both my parents were college-educated so I spent most of my childhood enduring frequent lectures about the importance of academics. Grades were not a problem for me until I entered middle school; then there were just too many other interesting things to do besides study and my grades slipped a bit. This did not go over well with my parents but by that time I had already decided I was going to be a cop, and like most 13 years olds, I certainly knew more than my parents did about such matters. My plan was to attend a nearby state college known for its excellent law enforcement program (not to mention it’s less-than-stringent entrance criteria) and then hit the streets at age twenty one to become a full time crimefighter. Why would my grades matter? After all, isn’t it the degree itself that’s important? Why would anyone care whether you earned an “A” or a “D” in that English Literature class?

Your grades in both high school and college reveal not only your work in an individual class, but they also show your potential skill level, your aptitude for a particular topic, and most especially, your work ethic. And it’s not just your law enforcement classes that potential employers are going to be interested in, your overall high school and college transcripts are going to be of great interest to someone looking for a quality, hardworking recruit officer. Here are just a few of the high school and college level courses and topics that could make or break your career as a cop.

*English / Communications / Creative Writing*

When I was on my department’s recruitment team, we used to tell potential candidates that they would use their pen far more than they would use their firearm. Firearms skill is what we call a “low occurrence/high risk” activity; in other words, you probably won’t use that pistol every single day but when you do, you’d better be extremely skilled with it. Proficiency with your tactics will save your life, proficiency with writing and communication skills will likely save your career, so you better be good at all of it. As anyone in law enforcement will tell you, we must document everything we do. Our police reports will not only be scrutinized by our supervisors, but by the victim, the offender, and possibly a judge, a jury, various attorneys and even the press. There is nothing more embarrassing than sitting on the stand in court and having your lousy police report read aloud for everyone to hear. View the “Buck Savage in Court” training video and you’ll know what I mean. A low grade in that “Creative Writing” course could indicate to a potential employer that you don’t have the skills to author good police reports, and that may be enough for them to move on to the next candidate in this extremely commutative job market.

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*Mathematics / Technology*

I was one of those kids who hated math and science, and I just didn’t see how either would apply to my law enforcement career. I was still in college when I became a cop, so I was fortunate to find out just how important these topics would be when it came to my success as a cop and I was able to raise my GPA significantly prior to graduation. Within a year of being hired I was working check fraud cases and dealing with bankers on a daily basis; I was thankful for that extra tutoring I had applied for in those Business Finance classes. When I became a narcotics cop, all of a sudden my work life revolved around the metric system (I had no idea how much a “kilo” of cocaine was when I was a brand new narc) and I needed to be able to negotiate drug deals quickly and without a calculator. When I became a field training officer, I discovered that properly scoring a recruit officer’s daily evaluations involved averages and other mathematical skills that I had not planned on ever using in my post-college life. As my career progressed, so did law enforcement’s use of technology. Even that “business typing” class I took (and earned an “A” in, thankfully) when I was in high school became essential to my success as a cop since keyboarding was essential to learning how to use those new PC’s we were all issued.

*Social Studies / History / Sociology / Psychology*

In the first hour of the “Street Survival” seminar we talk about the history of law enforcement and how we can and must learn from our past to make all our futures safer. A good cop doesn’t just respond to calls and write tickets, they track crime trends, are familiar with the history of the community they serve, and they try to understand why people do the things they do. All cops, regardless of department or assignment, are historians, psychologists, and sociologists; it’s just the nature of our job and frankly, it’s a large element of what makes law enforcement such an interesting career. Your coursework in that American History class may not seem relevant to solving a residential burglary, but being able to understand culture, connections, and even geography will make you a better, more logical and compassionate police officer.

Police agencies will also be interested in any courses you may have taken involving physical education, coaching, foreign languages, accounting, engineering, and biomedical studies just to name a few. Recruiters really do scrutinize those high school and college transcripts we ask you to provide with your application or other relevant paperwork, and good grades tend to be indicative of a quality candidate.

One last word about grades. When I was a field training sergeant I dealt with a recruit who seemed unable to author a proper police report. No matter how much remedial training we provided him, he could not seem to write a decipherable report, and yet he came to us with a Master’s degree in Police Administration from a university known for its volume of written work required to earn a graduate degree; and his transcripts indicated he had done well in the program. During a particularly frustrating counseling session I finally asked him “How the heck did you earn a graduate degree when you can’t seem to write a simple report?” He was a handsome, personable young man, and it was then that he confessed to me that he had convinced a number of fellow female students to write his papers for him. In other words, he got good grades, but didn’t earn them; we released him from the program the following week

Enjoy school, study hard, and remember your goal is a successful career in law enforcement; grades really do matter! As always, good luck!

Surviving the Police Background Investigation

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Tue, 12 May 2009 05:39:00 -0700

Once you’ve passed the written test, the oral interview, the physical agility test, and you’ve successfully jumped through a few other hoops, you’re probably ready for the background investigation. How ironic that part of the process to become a crime fighter is to be investigated by one! In this competitive job market, the background investigation is becoming even more important to law enforcement agencies who want to hire the finest, most qualified candidates they can find.

*The Beginning*

The background investigation actually begins with your application, which you may have filled out months or even more than a year ago. Make sure your original application was properly and thoroughly completed. If you have changed residences, jobs, or any of your listed references have changed, notify the agency immediately. Part of the ongoing background investigation will be to judge your thoroughness and your ability to follow up without being prompted.

*Prepare to be Violated*

The preliminary investigation will cover your education, residential history, employment, driving record, credit standing, and any arrests or encounters with the police you may have had. Prepare to feel a bit violated. For example, a good background investigator will not only review your high school and college transcripts, but they are going to talk to your teachers and professors to ask about your attitude, your work ethic, and your demeanor in class.

He or she will not only find out your current credit score, but they will delve into you credit history to see how responsible when it comes to handling your finances. They will not only look at the various places that you’ve lived, but they will talk with landlords, roommates, and even your parents to see if you were a responsible resident. Remember, the goal of the background investigation is to determine if you have the moral, ethical and legal character required by someone who carries a gun and a badge.

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*Meeting the Family*

The background investigator will then move on to even more personal issues, and will likely interview your family, your neighbors, your references and your friends. At my agency, our background investigators travel to each candidate’s home town, regardless of there they grew up, and talk to friends, neighbors, teachers, and of course the local cops. The investigator will obviously interview your references, but they are also interested in the people you didn’t list on your application. After all, we need to get an accurate picture of you and we can’t really do that by talking only to the people whose information you provided to us.

The investigators may choose random neighbors, the guy you sat next to in band, or even your first employer down at the Dairy Hut to chat with. Its okay to let people know that someone from a law enforcement agency may be contacting them, but do not ask them to lie about your background! The investigators are going to find out the truth regardless, and discovering that you have friends who are willing to lie for you will not speak well to your own moral character.

*The Last Steps*

You will also be fingerprinted, possibly drug tested, and you may be asked to take a polygraph examination. If you’re unsure about the background process, contact the agency’s recruiter, or in a small agency, contact a member of the command staff, human resources, or other appropriate person. Don’t worry in silence or rely on the possibly erroneous information provided by friends. Go straight to the agency, and if there is something bothering you about your own background, be forthcoming. If you had a DUI at sixteen, tell them. If you were arrested for shoplifting when you were 19, confess before they find out.

If possible, try to develop a relationship with your investigator, let them know that you are an “open book” and you are willing to help them find the sources they are seeking. Smaller departments will conduct their own investigations; larger agencies may hire an outside contractor to complete the investigation. Make sure that during the entire process you are available, transparent, and cooperative. Good luck!

Taking the Mystery Out of the Polygraph Test

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 04 May 2009 06:24:00 -0700

A polygraph exam is often a “make or break” part of the police testing process, but it’s often difficult to prepare for and even understand. As Richard Nixon said “I don’t know anything about lie detectors other than they scare the hell out of people!” Polygraph testing is used far more in government pre-employment processes than in the private sector. In recognition of this, the APA Research Center at Michigan State University surveyed 699 police executives from some of the largest police agencies in the United States to determine the extent of, and conditions in which, polygraph testing is being used for pre-employment screening (this survey excluded federal agencies). The major results of the survey showed that of the respondents 62% had an active polygraph screening program, 31% did not and 7% had discontinued polygraph screening. Admittedly, polygraphy is not an exact science, but if it’s going to be a part of your next law enforcement employment process, take the time to learn the basics.

The polygraph, or “lie detector” is an instrument that measures and records physiological responses like breathing rate, pulse, blood pressure and perspiration. The underlying theory of the polygraph is that when people lie they get measurably nervous about lying. Its name stems from “poly” for the multiple sensors used and “graph” for a single strip of moving paper that records information, although most polygraph examiners now use computer images instead of analog instrumentation. A polygraph examiner is generally a highly trained interrogator as well as the technical operator of the devise and will use their experience in addition to the machine to detect your truthfulness.

One of the most intimidating parts of the polygraph exam is being attached to the sensors that will collect physiological data from at least three systems in the human body. After being attached to four to six sensors, your polygraph exam will likely start with a pre-test interview to gain some preliminary information which will later be used for control questions; this is called the “Control Question Test,” or CQT. Often, the examiner may ask you to deliberately lie several times to test your responses; this is a “Directed Lie Test,” the DLT. They may also ask “probable-lie” questions, such as “have you ever stolen anything?” (even the most honest person has “stolen” a pen from work or a candy bar from their little sister or some other “theft” that concerns them enough to show a stress response when answering).

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Finally, they may use the “Guilty Knowledge Test,” GKT, a test that compares physiological responses to multiple-choice type questions about particular facts that only the examiner and you would know. The majority of American Psychological Association members surveyed think that the GKT is the most accurate of these tests and consider it "a promising forensic tool." However, polygraph testing is still largely controversial in the U.S., so why do so many police agencies use it?

In the Michigan State survey the great majority of the agencies using polygraphs indicate that lie detectors reveal information that cannot be obtained by other selection methods. They also stated that polygraph testing makes it easier to establish background information, that it deters undesirable applicants, and that it is faster than other methods of selection. About half of the agencies using polygraph testing for sworn positions also use it for non-sworn employment, such as dispatchers, records clerks, and even secretarial personnel.

CIA operative-turned-spy Aldrich Ames, convicted in 1994 of spying for the Soviet Union, famously passed several lie detector tests by allegedly being told by his Soviet handler to "Get a good night's sleep, and rest, and go into the test rested and relaxed. Be nice to the polygraph examiner, develop a rapport, and be cooperative and try to maintain your calm.” Often subjects are also told to try and control their breathing or artificially raise their heart rate during control questions (IE: thinking about a scary movie scene even while you are telling the truth), but the bottom line is this: tell the truth.

Come to your polygraph exam well-rested and well-fed, dress appropriately, and answer the questions truthfully to the best of your ability. Most police agencies don’t expect you have lead a perfect life, but they do expect you to be truthful. After all, law enforcement is profession of honor and integrity. Good luck.

Getting in Touch with the Forensic Side of Law Enforcement

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:16:00 -0700

These days, a career in law enforcement doesn’t mean you have to patrol the mean streets of an urban jungle or walk the cell block of the state prison. One of the most popular areas of police work today is forensics. But the term “forensic science” means so much more than what you see on Wednesday’s episode of “CSI.” Simply put, being a forensic specialist is the ability to apply specific sciences to legal and criminal situations to answer questions, and there are many areas of interest to choose from.

*Ballistics*

The use of firearms evidence identification can be traced back to the early 1800’s, but the first court case involving firearms evidence took place in 1902 when Oliver Wendell Holmes used ballistics to prove that a specific gun was the murder weapon in one of his cases. He had read about the science of individual firearm identification and asked a gunsmith to test-fire the alleged murder weapon into a wad of cotton wool and then use a magnifying glass to match the bullet from the victim with the test bullet. Holmes won his case based on the forensics of the case. The development and use of “ballistic fingerprinting” databases in now widely debated throughout the United States. Some of the other areas involved in forensic firearms investigation include gunshot residue testing, the trajectory of the rounds fired, and bullet wound creation and identification.

*Fingerprints*

Fingerprint evidence is the first “CSI” topic I learned about as a college student in the late 1970’s. A fingerprint is an impression of the friction ridges on all parts of the fingers and often the palms as well. As a young cop I learned all about loops, whorls and arches and how to not only take a suspect’s fingerprints (back then we used real ink to “roll” the prints) but how to protect a crime scene so that an evidence technician could come to the scene and attempt to lift latent prints to help identify the perpetrators. Fingerprints can now be lifted not only from typical crime scene surfaces like a doorframe or a knife handle, but even from a deceased body or a very rough surface. All fingerprints now taken from suspects are entered into the FBI’s database know as IAFIS, the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, for later potential comparison. The fingerprinting of all suspected criminals was introduced in 1906 by NYPD Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph Faurot in 1906, and while it is not the exact science we once thought it was, fingerprint evidence is still a staple in helping law enforcement identify criminals and their crime scenes.

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*Blood and Other Bodily Fluids*

I was not much a science student in college, but when I took “Biology 101” I convinced the professor to let me do a presentation on using DNA as evidence in a criminal case, and I was fascinated! This was pretty cutting-edge stuff at the time; the first person convicted of rape as the result of DNA evidence was Tommy Lee Andrews in 1987. Andrews raped a woman during a burglary in Florida and was sentenced to 22 years for his crime. In 1989 the overturning of Chicagoan Gary Dotson’s rape conviction using DNA evidence made international headlines. These days, the collection and use of blood, fluids, and any other matter used in DNA profiling is commonplace, in fact, it’s so common in the media, in fiction and in entertainment shows like “CSI” that it can actually hamper an investigation or wrongly influence a jury who is expecting there to be DNA evidence in every crime. The study of blood splatter (CHECK TERM) patterns, the use of chemicals like luminal to locate previously removed blood evidence, and locating footprints and fingerprints in coagulated blood left at a crime scene are just a few of the many ways that the study of blood evidence can be used to solve heinous crimes.

*Digital Forensics*

This is probably one of the fastest growing areas of forensic science. The goal of computer forensics is to explain the current state of a digital artifact, which can be anything from a computer storage device (like a PC’s hard drive or a USB memory device) to an electronic document or image (such as an email or a JPEG file), which can then be used to determine something as simple as what information is stored or evidence as complicated as the detailed sequence of events in a given case. Computer forensic experts can help solve anything from child pornography cases to high level financial crimes. In the case of missing Washington intern Chandra Levy in 2001, her personal PC was examined to determine who she had been emailing (her parents) and what websites she had visited (a popular nearby running park) which led investigators to search Rock Creek Park, where her body was discovered nearly a year after her disappearance. Digital forensics also includes mobile device forensics, which changes and evolves as does cell phone technology. Digital forensics has helped law enforcement close many a case that might have otherwise gone unsolved

*Forensic Archaeology*

While most of us think of archeologists as scientists who study dinosaur bones and ancient burial grounds, forensic archaeologists have long been helping police investigators solve criminal cases that may have seemed hopeless. Many years ago my own agency investigated a case in which our only crime scene was a scattered group of human bones found in a corn field. Thanks to the help of a forensic archeologist and an enormous amount of good old fashioned police work, our detectives were able to solve a double homicide, bring a murderer to justice, and bring peace to the family of the victims. Forensic archaeologists not only deal with bones and bodies, but they may also help analyze weapons, clothing, and other evidence long since buried and perhaps forgotten by everyone except the offender.

This is only a tiny overview of all the specialties involved in the forensic side of law enforcement. Trace evidence, facial reconstruction, skid marks analysis and other accident reconstruction, toxicology, and even forensic psychology are a few more areas for you to look into if these topics interest you. The bottom line is, if you’re serious about crime scene investigation, explore your options, do your research, get a great education, and then get out there and start solving crime!

Real World Ethics for Everyone

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:05:00 -0700

In the general orders or in the personnel manual of virtually every police organization there is language about "ethics" and "integrity." But what exactly does than mean? Ethics is an easy word to throw around and yet very hard to define. Police officers are held to a higher standard than the general public, both on and off duty, but do we really understand why that is and how an organization can be confident that its employees always act with integrity? Here are just a few thoughts for all law enforcement personnel to ponder, from the chief executive to the newest recruit.

*Ethics Must Come From The Top*

The foundation to real world ethics has to come from management. A police manager who implements a "no gratuities" policy for his officers but thinks nothing of taking that weekly free dinner from the city's best restaurant is going to soon lose control of his agency. The director who expects her troopers to enforce the traffic ordinances to the "letter of the law" regardless of who they pull over cannot expect those same cops to look the other way when she helps her neighbor get out of a speeding ticket. The sheriff cannot require his deputies to sell tickets to his re-election fundraiser and expect them to say "no" to that half price sandwich and free drink at the local diner. If they really want an ethical organization, police managers have to take a long look in the mirror and decide to hold themselves to an even higher standard than they do their personnel.

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*Can You Train Someone To Be Ethical?*

The problem with most police ethics training classes is that they aren't particularly realistic. Does taking a free cup of coffee or a half price burger mean you are on a slippery slope to taking bribes from the guy who runs the local crack house? Of course not. But these courses tend to be filled with silly quizzes and scenarios ("a liquor store owner on your beat offers you a free bottle of pricey booze to walk with him to the bank's night deposit drop in a high crime neighborhood, what do you do?") that don't really help cops make good decisions. Police agencies need to find training that goes beyond the "just say no" theory of ethics and integrity and gives cops the real world tools to deal with the conflicts and temptations they may face on a daily basis.

*Take Control*

Regardless of where you work, you control your own ethical behavior. The word "ethics" literally means "habits." Webster's defines "integrity" as "a firm adherence to a code of especially moral values." Regardless of how your managers, supervisors and co-workers behave, you have to make a conscious decision about your own moral and ethical behavior. One of the reasons we get hired as cops is because we probably passed a rigorous series of tests and background checks that determined we were moral person. Police agencies tend to hire people with certain values, but then fail to do any "values maintenance" on those same employees. Often, good cops begin to let go of their own moral codes when they become frustrated with management, the community, and the general arduous nature of the job. Don't let this happen to you. Understand that you, and you alone, control your own beliefs and behaviors. Rationalizing reasons to lower your own standards based on the conduct of others or your own frustrations is dangerous on several fronts. You are taking the central control of your own life and giving it away to others, which can lower your own self esteem and lead to a feeling of victim hood and eventually, entitlement. Philosophers such as Aristotle taught that we should study ethics if for no other reason that for our own happiness and well being.

*When I'm Off Duty, I Can Do Whatever I Want, Right?*

I teach a class titled "Tactical Intervention," which focuses in part on our behavior off duty and how to successfully intervene when you see a fellow law enforcement officer engage is some potentially life altering and/or career ending behavior, ranging from driving drunk or risking their family life with an affair. I not only teach officers how to get involved, but why they are obligated to do so. Many of us feel that what happens off duty stays off duty, but do you want to wake up in the morning after a night out with your shift mates and see the newspaper headline "Intoxicated Off Duty Cop Kills Family of Five in Fiery Crash?" Ethics doesn't just involve following the written rules; the core of ethical decision making and behavior is "doing the right thing." Cops are supposed to serve as an example to the rest of the world on how to behave, and as individuals, we are obligated to be role models and teachers not only to the rookies, but to our friends, our subordinates, and especially ourselves. A great way to help decide what to do in a given situation is to ask yourself "can I live with myself and this decision tomorrow, next week, and next year?"

Too often we try to complicate the study of ethics by finding the gray areas. The important thing is to have clearly defined, black and white ethical standards and live them each and every day so that they become "habits" for all of us, regardless of position, assignment, or agency.

Helping Friends and Family Understand Your Desire to Serve

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:21:00 -0700

I’ll never forget when I told my mom I wanted to be a cop. It was about 1973, very early in the history of women in patrol work, so when I said “I want to study law enforcement” she said “You want to be a lawyer?” “No Mom, I want to be a cop.” She looked at me sideways and replied “Why don’t you be a lawyer instead.” And that was the end of the discussion. Well, at age twenty one and just two weeks out of college I became a cop. I was fortunate enough to have parents who supported my career choice even if they didn’t truly understand it, but I know many crimefighters and police candidates who aren’t so lucky.

Many times our family members – parents, spouses, partners, close friends – are taken aback by our desire to serve as law enforcement officers. It’s our responsibility to help them understand and learn to accept our desire to wear a shield, carry a gun, and be that person who runs towards the shots when everyone else is running away.

*Tell Them Why*

Think hard about why you want to be a cop, and then communicate your reasons logically but passionately to your friends and family. Tell them that you want to serve the community, that you want to walk the Warrior’s Path, you want to be part of a profession with a proud history and real mission. Let them know that in today’s society, the world needs people like you, who have a true desire to help keep the rest of the community stay safe. Be positive, be upbeat, and leave the part about wanting to drive fast cars, shoot big guns, and arrest maggot dirtbags out of these conversations…at least for now.

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*Make and Keep Promises*

One of the biggest concerns our friends and family have is our safety if we become police officers. Promise them you’ll do everything you can to keep yourself safe. Stay up to date with your research on officer survival issues and trends; read books like Street Survival and The Tactical Edge by Calibre Press, practice your tactics, your firearms skills, and your repetitions. Commit to staying in excellent physical condition long after you get hired. Get involved in martial arts; promise to always wear your vest. Study why and how people survive (read The Survivors Club by Ben Sherwood) and share this knowledge with those you love. Provide them with accurate information; in these days of tragic, multiple police killings it’s natural for our families to be worried. Let them know that police work usually doesn’t even make the top ten list of “most dangerous professions” in this country and that we’ve made great strides in the last 40 years on the officer survival front. Make those promises, and then keep them!

*Show Them the Money!*

Okay, nobody gets rich doing police work, but there are some definite financial perks. Generally speaking, law enforcement is pretty stable employment. The pay isn’t terrible (this varies largely by region and type of agency) and the benefits are usually pretty good; these are two very important advantages in today’s economically uncertain times. Let them know that shift work has its advantages too, like time off during the week and during times of day when most people are at work. If you have a spouse and kids, let your spouse know that you’ll take an active role in household chores and childrearing, and that shift work can often help you do that more easily. When you get hired, take out extra life, liability and disability insurance to help make them feel more secure financially.

*Make Them Part of the Process*

Keep them involved and informed. As you learn about the hiring and training process, share that information with family and friends. Say “Thank You” for their support frequently, and show your gratitude often. Buy them a copy of Dr. Ellen Kirshman’s book I Love a Cop and then read it yourself. Have an open discussion about how all your lives will undoubtedly change when you become a police officer, and commit to working through those changes in the best manner possible. Make the “emotional survival” of you and your family as big a priority as your officer survival.

Remember that you’re not the only one with dreams and ambitions. Let’s face it, as cops we can get a bit self-absorbed, especially when we’re initially involved in the hiring and training process. However, one of the best ways you can garner the support of your family and friends is to equally support them in their educational, career, and life ambitions. Resist the urge to talk constantly about becoming a cop; ask them questions about their career goals, find out how you can help them achieve their dreams and ambitions. And if you’re the spouse or partner of another crimefighter, resist the urge to “compete;” see yourself as a team, as allies, not as competitors.

Law enforcement is an honorable and exciting profession, but it’s also a way of life. Work hard to bring your family and friends into “our” world in a positive, responsible manner. The support of the people you love is absolutely necessary to have a meaningful and fulfilling career as a crimefighter. Good luck!

Top 5 Things to Study for the Police Exam

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 06:35:00 -0700

Wouldn't it be great if there was one and _only one_ police entrance exam for every department in the nation? However, as many of you know, that's just not the case. Every police agency has different requirements and different attributes they are looking for in an employee, which means you could take a dozen police entrance exams and none of them would look the same. So how in the world do you properly prepare for an exam that you might not see until the minute you sit down to take it? Here are five basic things you can do to improve your chances of passing any police test.

*Practice Your Memorization*

A large part of most police exams is reading and memorizing. You may think "I'm not good at remembering people's names" or "I was always bad at memorizing things in school." What you've got to realize is that your memory can be exercised and improved just like any other skill. There are lots of great games and programs out there that can help you improve your memory. If you believe you are weak in this area, then you will be weak. You've got to change your "self-talk." Remember, memory is not related to intelligence; regardless of what you've been told or what has happened in the past, believe in your memory and learn to make it work for you.

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*Be a Confident Problem Solver*

The term "problem oriented policing" is a big law enforcement buzz word, and with good reason. Cops spend most of their days and nights solving problems, so it makes sense that the police department you're testing for wants to know what kind of problem solving skills you possess. This is where a good study guide will really come in handy. There are countless police exam study guides available in book stores and on the Internet, but don't limit yourself to those that are law enforcement related. Get your hands on guides to study for the SAT's, the LSAT, and the GRE to name just a few. It's not just about your knowledge of police procedure, its all about your ability to successfully take a test.

*Work On Your Reading Comprehension*

Police examiners want to know that you are capable of reading a paragraph and then explaining what you just read. Nothing improves your reading comprehension better than actually reading. Read anything, fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, magazines, anything that is well-written and requires concentration. Your best friend's MySpace blog or the local sports scores don't count. You also need to be able to write about what you've read. Pick a good book, like Ben Sherwood's _The Survivors Club,_ read it a chapter at a time, and then ask yourself questions and _write them down,_ or write a summary of what each chapter meant to you, and then go back and read that chapter again. Police agencies want to know that you can not only read, but that you can remember and use what you've just read.

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*Refresh Your Basic Math and Intellectual Skills*

Most police tests will include some form of mathematical equation, whether it's measuring an accident scene or figuring out staffing levels for a certain size community. Again, the examiner isn't interesting in finding out if you're an accountant; they want to know if you can logically apply basic skills. Cops have to know a little about a lot of things, math is one of them. Studying math also helps structure your reasoning skills, so if x = 17 + (5x12)/3, what is the value of x?

*Be a Good Test-Taker*

This is a skill that most people have to study for and work at. Practice controlled breathing and other relaxation techniques; remember, anxiety is a performance killer when it comes to taking tests. Don't let a difficult question stymie you, if you don't readily know the answer, move on and come back to that question later. You'll be surprised how often the answer comes to you while working on another question. Make sure you read each question carefully; many times you are able to mine part of the answer from the question itself. Police departments are looking to see if you are logical, observant, and can think critically, that's why they "test" you.

Only about 30% of police test takers will pass the first test they take. Like any law enforcement survival skill, testing takes practice. Try to find out as much as you can about the type of test you'll be taking, what the agency is looking for in a candidate, and if there is a study guide available. And then just do what you'd do if you're on the range or on the mats, practice, practice, practice! Good luck! And by the way, the answer is 37.

Eight Ways to Impress the Recruiter

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:04:00 -0700

As a former member of my department’s recruitment team, I’ve seen it all. The best and the worst of potential candidates approach us at career fairs, drop in at the department for a tour or stop by for an application. There are always certain candidates that make us look at our fellow recruiters and say “wow!” There are others that make us roll our eyes, shake our heads and inwardly groan. Here’s a few hints on how to be that “wow” candidate and impress those law enforcement recruiters.

*Do Your Research*

Learn about the departments you are most interested in and do a little research on them. Find out how large they are, what their primary mission is, how their command is structured, what type of community or area they serve. You’re going to have the opportunity to ask the recruiters lots of questions, but you’ll impress them if you’re able to make informed, in-depth inquiries as opposed to simply peppering them with basic questions that can probably be answered by reading their brochure.

*Dress the Part*

Regardless if you are attending a career fair, an applicant orientation, or just stopping by to pick up an application, your appearance is important. If you are visiting different booths at a law enforcement career expo, make sure you dress as if you are actually interviewing for a position. I’ve been to many a college campus where law enforcement students work their way through the booths and exhibits of an employment fair having just rolled out of bed. It may be fine to go to class that way, but it’s not acceptable to speak with potential co-workers and supervisors dressed in yesterday’s sweats and with a bad case of “bed-head.” Even if you’re just stopping in to pick up an application, check you’re appearance before you walk into the station. The sergeant working the front desk that day may be the same sergeant who conducts your background investigation six months down the line, and cops are like elephants; _we remember._

*This Is About a Career, Not Just a Paycheck

Don’t start out by immediately asking about the pay and benefits. If you’re thinking about police work for the big paycheck, find another way to make a living. Don’t get me wrong, I make a great living as a cop, but a recruiter wants to know you’re interested in the job for the _right_ reasons, like a desire to fight crime and a willingness to serve the community. There is nothing wrong with a discussion about salary and benefits, just don’t make it your first and most impassioned inquiry. As I’ve talked about before, police work is a lifestyle, not just a job; and recruiters want to know that you’re in it not just to make a living, but for the “love of the game.” We want to work with people who share our values, our ethics, and our passion for crime fighting.

*Have a Resume*

There’s some debate amongst police recruiters whether a resume is a necessary tool but it certainly can’t hurt you as a candidate. A resume doesn’t have to be long and impressive, but it has to be factual and well-organized. Highlight your education, past and current employment, and any service groups you belong to or volunteer work you have recently done. Keep it relevant; a recruiter will want to know if you were ROTC in college, they are not going to care that you were class treasurer in 8th grade. Print it on quality paper and make sure it includes all your contact information. Even if the recruiter declines to take it, having a resume in your hand says “I’m serious about this job.”

*Ask Questions, and Be Ready to Answer Some*

Start by asking the recruiter what _they_ like about the organization and about the profession in general. If someone is on the recruitment team, they should be a cheerleader for the agency, so you may want to ask them not only why they joined this particular police department, but why they decided to recruit for them. After you get your questions answered, if they don’t ask you any questions in return, feel free to say “is there anything you’d like to know about me?” If the answer is “no,” shake their hand, thank them for their time, and get their contact information if you’re interested in their agency.

*Think and Behave Like a Potential Co-Worker or Subordinate*

Its okay to ask about the department’s homicide unit, it’s _not_ okay to ask if the recruiter has any “inside information” on last month’s double murder. Be especially cautious if you are speaking with the recruiters at your hometown agency. Don’t tell them that your first experience with their department was the “minor in possession” ticket you got in the parking lot of your high school homecoming dance (they will find that out soon enough if you end up applying for their agency). Don’t ask them where all the speed traps are and does their department really have ticket quotas. And don’t try to impress the recruiter with any “inside connections” you may have at their agency. They don’t care that your aunt’s next door neighbor’s cousin used to be a lieutenant on their department; they want to know if you’re serious about working for their agency.

*Be Professional at All Times*

If your best friend’s father is a recruiter from the sheriff’s department but you want to become a federal agent, don’t hang out at the sheriff’s department booth, telling stories about your high school antics with your buddy’s dad. Any time you are going to be in the proximity of potential employers, _be professional._ Use “sir” and ma’am” when talking to people, make eye contact, shake hands, be polite. Even if you’re nervous or a bit shy, act confident. And don’t stroll around a recruitment event holding hands with your boyfriend (even if he is also looking for a police job) or incessantly texting your girlfriend. Recruiters are impressed by serious, business-like candidates. Leave your social life and any associated drama at home for the day.

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*Follow Up*

Get contact information from each recruiter you spent more than five minutes with and send them an email or a note (no texting!) thanking them for taking the time to meet with you. If you are really interested in an agency, arrange for a tour and / or a ride a long. If the recruiter suggested other things, like picking up an application, attending an orientation, working out more, or speaking with human resources, _do it._ Like any other field, law enforcement is competitive and there are limited positions available. Remember that everything you do as a potential candidate can affect you as an applicant, an interviewee, and even as a recruit officer. One of the best ways to start out your law enforcement career is to impress those recruiters! As always, good luck!

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You're Hired! Now, Start Planning for Retirement

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:42:00 -0700

Congratulations! You just got that law enforcement job you’ve been going after for months, maybe even years. Whether you’re just starting the academy or it’s your first day of field training, you’ve got so much to learn, so much to think about, so much to do! But I’m going to give you one more thing that you must start planning for immediately. Your retirement. No, I’m not kidding. I’m going to tell you what every veteran cop, including me, wishes someone had told them the day they came on the job.

*Save Money*

I know, it’s the same thing your parents have been telling you for years. When I first got hired, I had to pay rent, buy food, make a car payment, and pay off my student loans. I was just hoping to make ends meet. But if I would have put $100 a paycheck into a passbook savings account from the time I cashed my first paycheck, even if I only earned 3% interest (compounded daily, I did the math!) I could be retiring next year with 30 years of service and an extra $117,000 in the bank! And despite the current economy, there are much more lucrative investments that would double or triple that money in no time! You can also invest in various retirement funds (such as a 457 plan) that will provide you with extra income after you collect that pension. You should also plan on saving money to someday buy a house, and maybe even send a kid or two to college.

*Nurture Your Credit Rating*

When you get hired as a cop, everyone wants to give you a credit card or loan you money. Why? Because you’re a pretty safe risk. Lenders know that police work is generally a steady job that people stay in for the long haul, and besides, the banks know where to find you. This may be your first “real” job and you may be making more money than you ever have, so it’s easy to fall into the “credit” trap of buying a hot new car, a house you can’t really afford, or taking advantage of all those tempting credit card offers that come in the mail. Use credit wisely. The bill will come eventually, and you’ll have to pay up. Besides, most police departments have a policy about their officers maintaining a good credit rating; the theory being a cop in extreme debt is a more likely risk for corruption. Don’t blow your career and your credit rating on a 50” flat screen, a tricked out motorcycle and a brand new Wii that you can’t really afford.

*Think About Insurance…Lots of It*

You probably get health and life insurance through the department. When you’re a young cop, you only (and barely) think about an on duty death, but what if something happens to you off duty? Do you know and understand the difference between an “in the line of duty” death and an “on duty death?” The standard life insurance policy is one and one half times your salary if you die not in the line of duty. Is that enough to take care of your debts and leave your family with enough money to pay for your funeral? See if your department or your private insurance agency offers supplemental life insurance. When a friend of mine died off duty late last year at the age of 46, it was heartening to learn that he had purchased supplemental life insurance through our department, leaving his wife with double the amount she thought she’d receive. You also need to look into additional liability insurance, disability insurance (what if you get hurt and can’t return to police work; the department isn‘t necessarily going to take care of you, as many a disabled officer has found out the hard way) and make sure you sign up for your association’s legal plan. Most cops don’t get through their career these days without at least one lawsuit. Protect yourself, and your loved ones, now and for the future.

*Take Care of Your Health*

Living on fast food, energy drinks and beer might work when you’re 25, but it takes its toll on you by the time you are 45. Keep up those fitness habits you learned in the academy. Study nutrition and take the time to eat decently. Go easy on the caffeine and the alcohol, stay completely away from nicotine, whether its cigarettes or chew. Try to get enough sleep. Make fitness and nutrition part of your lifestyle, take up a fitness hobby, like biking, martial arts, or swimming and get your buddies involved. It may save you from the many health problems that tend to plague cops later in their careers, and it will help keep your stress level (and your blood pressure) lower.

*Keep Some of Your Old Friends*

Many of us drift away from our old friends when we become cops. After all, it’s hard to get your college buddies to go out with you at 7:00AM on a Tuesday, which is actually your “Friday night.” Our cop friends have the same hours we do, they understand us for the most part, and they don’t ask us endless stupid questions about our job; but make the effort to stay in contact with a few non-police friends. Take an interest in their lives, their families, their activities. Get together with them, even if it’s for coffee (or a bike ride or an Aikido class) on Tuesday mornings at 7:00AM. And just for fun, ask them stupid questions about their jobs.

*Continue Your Education*

Unless you’re a rookie with a doctoral degree, you probably need to continue your training and education. Get a degree, or another degree. Do you think some day you might want to be a teacher? Get a degree in education. After handling your 200th domestic dispute are you starting to think you’d make a pretty good counselor? Get your master’s degree in social work. Is that chief’s job looking pretty interesting? Find a doctorate program in leadership studies. And don’t neglect your law enforcement education. Go to every training class you can, and then some. You can never learn it all, or learn enough. Keep seeking more knowledge, always.

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*Get a Hobby*

As a friend of mine says, “If your hobby is working overtime, you need a new hobby.” It’s easy early in your career to be “all about the job,” but sometimes we sacrifice doing things we really love to spend more time at work. Go buy Dr. Kevin Gilmartin’s book Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement and find out how having a hobby and some perspective can save your life. After all, you are going to retire some day, and it would be nice to have something to do after police work. I’ve been a cop for 29 years and it’s gone ridiculously fast. Enjoy the ride while you’re on it, but always be planning for the day that the ride stops and you have to get off. Yes, there really is life after police work. Ask me in six months, I’ll tell you all about it.

A Rookie’s Guide to Failing Field Training

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 06:41:00 -0700

*“Forget everything you learned in the academy”*

At least one veteran officer is going to say this to you as you begin your FTO program. And you know what? They’re probably right! All those weeks you spent learning about tactics, law, procedure, ethics, human behavior, report writing, firearms and traffic stop procedures from that dedicated cadre of police trainers? Forget it all! Those guys are working at the academy for gosh sakes; what can they possibly know about “real” police work. If they are “real” cops, why aren’t they working the street? You’ve completed the academy and you’re now a fully commissioned officer, its time to move into the real world and forget all that recruit nonsense.

*Assume you know much more than your trainer*

After all, you just got out of the academy. Your brain is full of the latest tactical updates, current case law, new crime trends, and officer survival statistics. Your FTO? Probably one of those old, out of touch guys or gals who aren’t up on all the latest knowledge like you are. No doubt they will appreciate you correcting them and interrupting them, especially in front of their peers or the supervisors. After all, you’re just trying to help them out. You’re the new generation, you know it all; your FTO can barely tap out a text, won’t play “Grand Theft Auto IV,” has no idea what Twitter is and doesn’t even have a MySpace page.

*Be impressed with yourself and your new authority*

And make sure everyone else is too. It’s a phenomenon we call “badge heavy.” You now have the legal authority (not to mention the means) to take a life. You look awesome in your uniform, and you can tell that wherever you go, people are watching you because lets face it, they’re impressed. That elderly woman who’s car got burglarized? Tell her “just the facts, ma’am” and take the report; you certainly don’t have the time or the inclination to reassure her about the safety of her neighborhood or listen to stories about her grandson in the Marines. And that little kid in the coffee shop who is trying to get your attention? You’re a crimefighter, not a PR guy; it’s embarrassing when your FTO chats with old people and kids and hands out those stupid little “junior officer” stickers. You’re not here to be nice to people, you’re here to protect them or arrest them, but that’s as far as it goes. Show a little attitude, a little hubris; your FTO will appreciate that, and so will the community.

*Be a rebel, FTO’s and supervisors really admire that*

Learn your general orders and local ordinances only so you can argue their validity with your trainer and the brass. Roll your eyes when your FTO corrects you about something you don’t think is important, and all that studying he wants you to do on your own time? Blow that off unless you’re promised some overtime pay. Tell jokes in roll call and make sure you engage in witty banter with all the senior officers. And don’t get too excited about following the chain of command. I’m sure the chief or the sheriff will appreciate it if you take the time to stop in uninvited and give him some pointers on how to improve operations at the agency. No doubt your experience as the assistant night manager of the “Pizza Pit” when you were in college has given you valuable business insight that should be shared.

*Take every shortcut you can*

Some of the senior officers on your new department appear to have a way to circumvent almost every procedure. If they can get away with it, why can’t you? Why should you have to study and memorize general orders just because your FTO tells you to? You can just figure out how to look them up when you need to once you’re out on solo patrol. Why should you learn the geography of your jurisdiction and how to read a map, isn’t that what GPS and navigation systems are for? Why should you bother to write long, involved police reports like your FTO is insisting on? It’s not like you’re going to forget the details of these calls you’re going on and the arrests you’re making. And why clean your gun after every session in the range? After all, it’s just going to get dirty again the next time you fire it. Figuring out how to do things the easy way is one of best ways to get noticed around the agency; go for it!

*Assume that no one will ever really want to hurt you*

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All that talk about officer safety and survival doesn’t really apply to you. You work in a decent area and no one on your agency has even been involved in a shooting since you were in high school! Why should you read those Chuck Remsburg books, attend a Dave Smith class, or practice your repetitions in front of the mirror? It’s not like you’re in a big urban area where there’s any real danger, and if you are, that’s what back up is for, right? All that officer survival stuff is for the truly paranoid; your job is to look good, drive fast, collect a paycheck, push people around and impress the opposite sex, isn’t it? If you’re not sure, just ask your FTO, he or she’ll will be happy to set you straight.

The Survival Mindset…For Your Career

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:50:00 -0700

In any officer survival training class worth attending there will be lots of talk about your “mindset” and being mentally prepared for any encounter or confrontation you may face on the street. Every cop is aware that that police work can be a dangerous job, but a true survival mindset involves not merely being _aware_ that something bad can happen, but being mentally and physically prepared for when something bad _does_ happen. In the “Street Survival” seminar we call it WHEN/THEN thinking. But even if you’re the most tactically sound, physically superior, mentally ready crimefighter on your department, if you’re not also working on your “career survival” skills, you could be missing out. Here’s how to take that survival mindset and apply it to your career.

*Start With a Career Self Assessment*

Whether you’re a student, a cop, a dispatcher, a forensic technician, or the chief, ask yourself some questions. What do I want out of this job? What do I expect? What do I believe in? Do I have clear, attainable goals? Am I ready and willing to do what it takes to _succeed,_ not just “survive?” Then ask yourself what does “success” mean to me? If you’re just starting to look for a law enforcement job, success might mean simply getting hired. If you’re a 5 year veteran on the local sheriff’s department, success might mean making sergeant, but if you’ve just finished your 25th year as a sergeant, success might mean retirement. In other words, your goals and your definition of success will undoubtedly change as you grow, gain experience, and become more familiar with this profession, your own organization, and with yourself. Make sure you define success according to your own beliefs, values, and goals. Don’t let society, the department, or even your family and friends tell you what personal success means to you. If everyone is pressuring you to take the sergeant’s exam but you’d prefer to remain a patrol officer, follow your own head and your own heart, define your career survival on your own terms.

*How’s Your Attitude?*

About 15 years ago I attended a leadership class taught by Lt. Jim Glennon, now one of my teaching partners at Calibre Press. Jim said something I have never forgotten: _“Attitude is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”_ His message was extremely timely; I was an experienced cop but a new sergeant who thought my role was to challenge management at every turn. Because of my confrontational ways, I was frequently being told I had a “bad attitude.” Sound familiar? In officer survival training, we talk about not just surviving, but _winning_ every encounter. When we talk about career survival, you may have to reframe your attitude and look at how you view a “win.” For example, if your department implements a faulty use of force policy and you argue with management, tell them they are clueless bureaucrats, and announce that you’re going to refuse to comply with their idiotic policy, is that going to be a career “win?” Not likely. However, how about if you can persuade them through solid research, real life anecdotal evidence, informal leadership and good communication skills to see things your way and change the policy? That’s what we call winning!

*Understand What You Control…And What You Don’t*

Cops are control freaks; and often, it’s with good reason. A big part of our job is controlling things, people, situations, environments, even ourselves. Where we get into trouble is when we fail to understand what we control and what we don’t. We don’t control the department, the administration, the court system, the community, or department politics. We can’t control how others react to us, how people treat us, what other people think and believe. We can try to influence them, inform them, persuade them, teach them, but we cannot _control_ their thoughts and reactions. So what _do_ we control? Us! We control our integrity, our work ethic, our belief system. We control our professionalism, our temper, our tone of voice, and how we react to people and to situations. Acceptance of this may require a significant shift in how you think, but it’s essential to your career survival mindset.

*Develop Coping Skills*

The law enforcement profession is full of trials and tribulation, and we deal with stress caused by everything from critical incidents to administrative frustration to family and financial issues. As Dr. Kevin Gilmartin talks about in his excellent book _+Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement,+_ we have to develop appropriate coping skills. Dr. Gilmartin suggests tips like practicing aggressive personal time management and proactive scheduling, getting involved in physical fitness, and controlling the urge to engage in “retail therapy,” among other things. You also need to learn to forgive those who have wronged you, and you especially need to be able to forgive yourself when you make a mistake. To gain and maintain a winning mindset for coping with the stressors of police work, sometimes you just have to take one step at a time, work at being optimistic, manage your inner language, and above all, _don’t be afraid to get help._ Your police career isn’t going to survive if you’re not emotionally healthy.

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*Take Personal Responsibility*

Just as effective officer survival training encourages officers to take responsibility for their own survival on the street, having a career survival mindset means you must be able to look in the mirror and recognize the one and only person who is responsible for your career survival. Many police professionals make the mistake of expecting the agency, the administration, or their supervisor to make or break their success. “Personal responsibility” means asking yourself what can I do to improve my skills, become more valuable as an employee, and make myself successful? You are the number one person responsible for your officer survival _and_ your career survival. As Dave “J.D. Buck Savage” Smith says. “There Are No Privates in Police Work.” We are all trained and expected to make sound and courageous decisions on our own, every shift, every day. A career survival mindset means taking responsibility for your own career.

If you’ve chosen law enforcement as your future or current career you have chosen the warrior’s path. A true warrior doesn’t just know how to fight, a warrior also knows how to protect, how to be compassionate, how to serve, how to care, how to do the right thing. Develop your survival mindset so that you have a safe and successful career both on the street and in the station. Good luck