PoliceLink

Answers to the "Do You Know Your 10-Codes?" Quiz

PoliceLink — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:24:00 -0800

PoliceLink created the quiz Do You Know Your 10-Codes? to test your knowledge about popular 10-Codes as provided by the Association of Public Communications Officers (APCO). Find out which you got wrong or right by checking out the correct answers on the following pages.

Don't cheat! If you haven't tested yourself first, go take the quiz!

See answers on the next page...

Get the Quiz Answers >>>

10 Common Ways to

NOT to Get Hired

5 Things to Study for
the Police Exam

Take the Mystery Out
of the Polygraph Test

[page]

1) 10-89

a) Assist motorist

b) Message received

c) Bomb threat

2) 10-52

a) Ambulance needed

b) Out of service

c) Fight in progress

[page]

3) 10-0

a) Caution

b) Disregard

c) Mental subject

4) 10-78

a) Drivers license information

b) Riot

c) Need assistance

[page]

5) 10-22

a) Emergency road repairs at...

b) Disregard

c) Mental subject

6) 10-77

a) ETA (estimated time of arrival)

b) Message cancellation

c) Check (test) signal

[page]

7) 10-50

a) Wrecker needed

b) Wanted/stolen indicated

c) Accident (fatal, personal injury, property damage)

8) 10-76

a) Chase in Progress

b) En route

c) Caution

[page]

9) 10-33

a) Acknowledgement

b) Emergency

c) Dispatch information

10) 10-70

a) Fire

b) Flooding

c) Smoke

[page]

11) 10-39

a) Notify coroner

b) Accident (fatal, personal injury, property damage)

c) Urgent

12) 10-4

a) Acknowledgement

b) Relay

c) In service

[page]

13) 10-73

a) Domestic disturbance

b) Arrived at scene

c) Smoke report

14) 10-7

a) Wanted/stolen indicated

b) Out of Service

c) Check (test) signal

[page]

15) 10-20

a) Civil Disturbance

b) Location

c) Information

16) 10-74

a) Negative

b) Chase in progress

c) En route

[page]

17) 10-97

a) Check (test) signal

b) Delayed due to ...

c) Hit and run (fatal, personal injury, property damage)

18) 10-32

a) Wanted/stolen indicated

b) Disregard

c) Man with gun

[page]

19) 10-24

a) Permission to leave

b) Vehicle registration information

c) Assignment completed

20) 10-9

a) Relay

b) Repeat

c) Acknowledgement

Want more? Learn how to Become a Police & Fire Dispatcher

Paying Your Dues in Police Work

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:12:00 -0800

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 criminal justice 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.

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 law enforcement 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.”

Criminal Justice Career Paths

[widget:related_reads_flywheeleducation]

A Rookie’s Guide to Failing Field Training

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:12:00 -0800

*“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 in your criminal justice degree program 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 whose 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 criminal justice rule enforcer, 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*

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.

10 Common Ways to

NOT to Get Hired

5 Things to Study for
the Police Exam

Take the Mystery Out
of the Polygraph Test

How Much Will I Get Paid…Really

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:11:00 -0800

When I finally procured my criminal justice employment, 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?

Can you really get hired in this economy? Find Out!

Eight Ways to Impress the Recruiter

How to be the "wow" candidate recruiters are looking for.

Master's Degree in Criminal Justice

Find out why it helps to have this degree when entering the LE field.

100% Online Training

Secure the position you want with new skills and credentials - online!

Non-Traditional Degrees for Law Enforcement
You may be surprised how these non-traditional degrees can help you in your LE career

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
criminal justice 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
criminal justice 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
criminal justice 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
criminal justice degree or an advanced
master's in criminal justice 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, and a
criminal justice degree 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
criminal justice 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
criminal justice degree. Good luck!

Criminal Justice Career Paths

[widget:related_reads_flywheeleducation]

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.

*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 careers 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!

Criminal Justice Career Paths

[widget:related_reads_flywheeleducation]

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.

*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!

Criminal Justice Career Paths

[widget:related_reads_flywheeleducation]

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.

*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 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!

Criminal Justice Career Paths

[widget:related_reads_flywheeleducation]

Criminal Justice 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.

*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 people. 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.

Criminal Justice Career Paths

[widget:related_reads_flywheeleducation]

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.

*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.

See #4 >>>

Surviving Your

Background Check

How Much Will I
Really Get Paid?

More Ways to Screw
Up Your Career

[page]

*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.

See #3 >>>

[page]

*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.

See #2 >>>

[page]

*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?

See #1 >>>

[page]

*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.

Related Reads:

10 Steps to Joining the Force

8 Fastest Growing Law Enforcement Careers

The Bottom Line on Seat Belts for Law Enforcers

From Student to Trainer: Evolution of Police Learning

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:58:00 -0800

*Start with some one-on-one time*

One of the best training sessions I ever attended was one-on-one with a fellow officer who taught me (yes, this will totally show my age) how to “word process” on something called a “personal computer.” I was a new sergeant who had been told I’d better learn how to how to use a PC; he was a young officer with a knack for technology. I was a pretty good typist, but I was absolutely confounded when it came to word processing. I’m also not a particularly patient person, and I could see no reason why I couldn’t keep hand writing or typing my reports like I’d been doing for the last ten years. This brave officer sat next to me at the keyboard and after about two hours, he had me clicking away, typing up a storm on that computer. How did he do it? He was patient, he was funny, and he instinctively realized that I was a kinesthetic learner; someone who needed to “do” and “touch” before I could learn it. Sometimes one-on-one is the best way to move from being a student to being a trainer.

*Stay informed and up to date*

Some skills that you learn in the academy you’ll use until your last day on the job; “slicing the pie” in a building search will remain largely unchanged, and so will the way you teach it to someone else. However, there are other skills that will change as technology, society, and our profession evolve. I never dreamed that some day I’d be using “Thomas A. Swift’s Electronic Rifle,” otherwise known as a TASER, to subdue suspects without ever having to go “hands on” with them, and yet the widespread use of TASER has lead to a whole new type of training and certification. Most recruits today will never learn how to use a “speed loader” because they will never carry a revolver, but most will need to now how to use a collapsible baton. And the more we learn about human performance, psychology, and other issues that affect our profession and our survival, the better informed we have to be as supervisors, managers, and as trainers. Make sure you stay current.

*Be willing to help others*

Think about those teachers and trainers who have had a positive influence on you. One of the traits you most remember is probably their willingness to share their knowledge and skills with you: the student, the trainee, the “rookie.” As you learn and master a new skill or technique, share it with others. It can be something as simple as a little trick you learned to make the booking system’s computer easier to access, but learning how and when to share information that will make someone else’s job better, easier, or more enjoyable can go a long way to helping you move from being a good student to becoming valuable as a trainer.

*Don’t be afraid to ask questions*

No one knows it all. In fact, the best law enforcement trainers in the business are constantly seeking to learn more; and one of the best ways to learn is to ask questions. The problem with asking questions is that it tends to leave you feeling a bit vulnerable and exposed, so much so that we tend to avoid doing it and miss out on learning. Get over your fear, jot down a few questions, and then fire away. Be curious, be willing to appear vulnerable, and respectfully engage your instructor. You’ll be surprised and probably thrilled at what you’ll learn. Then go out and share it with others.

*Be willing to learn on your own time*

I’ve talked with so many cops who have told me “I’d love to become a firearms instructor” or “I’d sure like to improve my computer skills” but “the department just won’t send me to training.” If you wait for your department to take care of all of your training and education needs, you’ll find yourself at your own retirement party, still wondering why you’re not a trainer. A good teacher is always a student, and a good student is willing to do whatever it takes to learn. Assess what you’re interested in and then take an exercise physiology class at your local community college, or sign up for an online course on adult learning. Take a week of vacation time and go to armorer’s school; ask the department to give you a couple of training days if you’ll pay your own way into a “Street Survival” seminar or into an interview and interrogation class. Be willing to sacrifice your own time, and money, to further your personal and professional goals.

*Constantly improve your ability to communicate*

Talking to people is not as easy as it looks, but it’s also not as difficult as you might expect. If you’re like most people and would rather die by fire than give a public talk, take the time to work through this very common fear. Enroll in a speech class at the local university, ask your sergeant if you can give a couple of five minute roll call presentations, make your kids pretend to be your students and teach them how to clean their duty gun. One of the keys to public speaking is the same as it is in many law enforcement skills: _repetition, repetition, repetition._ In addition to practicing your speaking skills, learn how to _listen._ Listening to someone you are training is often the most important thing you can do as a trainer.

*Make sure your focus is on the student*

New trainers often get so focused on their own performance and their own technique that they forget the most important person in the learning environment, _the student._ Never forget that at every presentation you give, during every class you teach, and with every recruit you train, your focus should be on the learner. When your student is successful, so are you.

That officer who taught me how to word process? He was an excellent trainer, and still is, but probably doesn’t consider himself anything other than a good cop. However, if it wasn’t for him, you wouldn’t be reading this article, and I’d be the only sergeant on my agency that still had a typewriter on her desk.

The Civilian Side of Fighting Crime

Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:07:00 -0800

Do you love the idea of being involved in crimefighting but are not sure you’re ready, willing or able to strap on a gun, a badge, and a TASER? Fortunately for you, there are literally hundreds of opportunities to work in law enforcement without being a sworn officer. In fact, your most difficult decision may be which position to go after, so think about your talents, your personality traits, and your career goals, and then consider some of these potential career paths.

*Are you an action junkie?*

Being a police dispatcher is the job for you. Having been both a dispatcher and a street cop, I can tell you that both positions can offer a similar adrenaline “rush.” Working in an emergency communications center can give you the challenge and excitement of handling everything from suicidal threats to armed robberies to delivering babies, all via the telephone, the computer and the radio. Because you’re responsible not only for the safety of the community but of the officers you serve, the camaraderie runs high, as does the excitement. Be prepared for some job stress and some tense moments, but if like action, dispatch is a great way to serve the community without putting your life on the line.

*Do you like to be in the middle of it all?*

Look for a job as an administrative aid in a police agency. As any chief or sheriff will tell you, their secretary is one of their most trusted advisors and confidantes. Administrative aides in most police departments are privy to and trusted with a great deal of confidential information and communication; there are few people considered more valuable to the organization. Make sure your skills are sharp and that you can be counted on to keep confidences and you’ll find yourself with an extremely rewarding and interesting career.

*Do you crave order and organization?*

Look no further than the records section of your local police department. Even in this age of electronic information storage and retrieval, most police agencies generate a surprising amount of “paper” data, all of which has to be collected, filed, and managed. Records technicians often manage both “hard copy” and electronic data, and they also may handle citations, collect bond money, deal with the public at an information window, and staff non-emergency call centers, among many other responsibilities. Look for openings in your area and then ask to sit down with one of the supervisors and see if they offer the type of challenge you are looking for.

*Was science you favorite subject in school?*

Many local, state and federal law enforcement agencies have civilian opportunities in their crime labs or on their forensic teams. You could work in fingerprint identification, drug analysis, or on a crime scene unit handling crimes from burglaries to homicides. Make sure you have an eye for detail, a mind for science and plenty of patience, and then seek out a good forensic studies program. Some agencies offer on-the-job training, others will require you to have specialized training and/or a degree.

*Do you love animals?*

Consider becoming an animal control officer. Modern “ACO’s” are nothing like the stereotypical dog catchers of old “Lassie” movies. Today’s animal control officers enforce ordinances, investigate abuse, respond to wildlife calls, and provide invaluable information to the public. As an ACO you may be called upon to give presentations at schools or at your local citizen’s police academy, testify in court, and even assist in child abuse and other criminal cases where animal abuse is often a symptom of a larger issue.

*Do you like to be outside?*

Many police departments hire civilian “community service officers” to supplement their patrol staff. CSO’s handle lockouts, take non-injury crash reports, direct traffic, work at the front desk and handle many other non-emergency police matters, keeping patrol officers free to address criminal activity and other, more pressing issues. CSO’s are generally issued uniforms and less lethal weapons (such as an ASP, OC spray, and/or a TASER) and drive some sort of marked police unit but do not make traffic stops or take enforcement activity beyond parking citations. They may also perform parking enforcement and other similar duties. They work outside in all weather conditions and interact closely with uniformed officers and the public, so if you’re a “people person” this is the job for you.

*Do you like public speaking?*

Many police departments have civilianized the crime prevention function. As a “crime prevention specialist” you might be handling neighborhood watch meetings, presenting child safety classes, or developing programs for senior citizens among many other duties. This is an excellent job if you are out-going, enjoy working with different age groups, and believe in the power of prevention.

*Are you a techie?*

Like most organizations, police departments are dependent on computers and other technology for their day-to-day operations. As a law enforcement computer professional, you may be responsible for myriad duties including managing the dispatch function, the booking system, various databases, personal computers, even assisting the computer crimes unit. The possibilities are endless and depend primarily on the size of the agency you choose and your level of skill and education.

Working with law enforcement can be incredibly rewarding and you don’t need to be able to arrest people to make a difference in the community. If you’re interested in law enforcement but not sure you want to be a full-fledged cop, take a look at the civilian side of fighting crime; you’ll be glad you did!

The Importance of Continuing Education for Cops

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:05:00 -0800

When I became a cop in 1980 many of the veteran officers made fun of the new recruits who had college degrees. We heard things like “What are you going to do in that bar fight, Rookie, hit ‘em with your diploma?!” And to be honest, at the time I really didn’t see how my four year degree in “Law Enforcement Administration” was going to be particularly helpful either. Higher education wasn’t going to help me learn how to shoot, how to fight, or how to catch bad guys…or was it?

*Putting Pen to Paper*

The reality of law enforcement is that we use our pens and our laptops far more than we ever use of guns. While firearms proficiency may save our life someday on the street, the ability to put words on paper in a cohesive and comprehendible manner may someday save our butt in court, or at least make our day to day existence as a crimefighter easier. All those term papers and essay tests you slaved over in college will make completing the narrative on that residential burglary report so much easier. Defense attorneys often defend a case based on the quality of the police report, including the officer’s ability to document his or her investigation, the defendant’s actions, and the elements of the offenses charged. A prosecutor may decide not to take an otherwise airtight case because the police reports are substandard. The judge, the defense attorney and the prosecutor all have higher education, should you?

*There is Something To Be Said for “Life Experience”*

Thirty or more years ago the majority of cops came from the ranks of the armed forces. Military veterans generally made great police recruits not only because they were accustomed to rank structure, shift work and the handling of various weapons, but most of them had spent time in the military traveling, dealing with difficult situations, witnessing tragedy and hardship, and working well under adverse conditions. Most veterans of the armed services also come to police work with an inherent sense of service to the community and to the country; a welcome attitude in any police department. While college certainly cannot be compared to a tour in the Army (or the Navy, Air Force, Marines, or the Coast Guard) college certainly helps prepare you for dealing with deadlines, bosses, and difficult co-workers; it can also teach you how to deal with bureaucracy, live on your own, and make decisions that have long-term consequences. The military encourages their personnel to pursue advanced degrees, so it makes sense that law enforcement should adopt similar standards.

*The Degree is More Important Than the Major*

My college degree is in law enforcement, and yet I tell everyone I talk to who is considering police work as a career to get a degree in anything other than law enforcement or criminal justice. Those degrees can be helpful, but when deciding on your field of study, go with your interests. I know cops who have degrees in engineering, nursing, accounting, physical therapy, education, even astronomy! Don’t take college classes just to enhance yourself as a police candidate, but rather to enhance yourself as a long-term employee. A degree in physical education or coaching is going to make you one heck of a defensive tactics instructor some day. Studying algebra, geometry and physics is going to make you unbeatable as an accident reconstructionist. Taking classes in management, psychology and human performance will increase your chances of becoming a good supervisor or a manager. Cops need to know a lot about so many things, and a liberal arts degree may give you a great base to continue your training and education after you get that gun and badge. The legendary Admiral James Stockdale believed that the better your education the better you would be at dealing with the difficulty. This after spending 10 years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam and observing both how his fellow prisoners and how he dealt with the stress of torture, solitary confinement and betrayal.

*Continuing Your Education While You Serve*

One of the few bright spots in this economy is that more and more colleges and universities are offering convenient ways to continue your education while you work, raise your family, and even have a little fun on the side. Many colleges have intensive programs that don’t follow a traditional “semester” schedule, others offer classes during non-traditional hours, and the online educational opportunities, like the University of Phoenix, are practically endless! Our oldest son, who is currently enlisted as a Naval corpsman, is finishing his college degree via the Internet so regardless of his future deployment, he can complete his education. There are also a number of colleges who offer degree programs specifically for first responders, and many of those give “live experience” credit hours for some of your law enforcement training and experience. Many colleges offer financial aid, and many police agencies provide tuition reimbursement, so do some research and take advantage of these programs while you can!

One of the first great detectives was the mythical Sherlock Holmes who combined his tremendous ability to observe with his broad and in-depth knowledge of things both mundane and exceptional to come to critical conclusions about evidence, suspects, and investigations in general. In this case fiction lead the way to many of the techniques used today, but the human component of an individual who constantly seeks to learn and understand the world around him or her is one of the great traits of almost every outstanding investigator, agent, and leader in law enforcement.

The Importance of In Service Training... Even for the Chief

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:01:00 -0800

You’re out of the academy, done with field training and out on your own. You may be just off probation, ten years into the job, a detective, a supervisor, a manager; you may even be the chief, but chances are, you’re hoping to _never_ have to sit in a classroom again. After all, isn’t most of what we learn in law enforcement “on the job” training? You probably learn something new almost every day just by being at work (and if you don’t, you’re not paying attention), but here’s a few reasons why you should look forward to, embrace, and even seek out _in service training._

*The Nature of Perishable Skills*

Motor skills are by their very nature perishable. They require some form of repition or practice to maintain or improve the level of performance for each and every skill. Skills that will be performed under stress will require a higher level of repetition or intensity during their initial development and will still require constant “maintenance” through physical or mental repetition; ideally a combination of both. The old adage that you never forget how to ride a bike is true; however riding a police mountain bike down a flight of stairs takes it to a whole other level. And once you learn those police bike skills, as any IPMBA instructor will tell you, if you don’t consistently use and/or practice them, you won’t be able to perform them well, especially under stress.

*“Routine” Can Either Train or De-Train Us*

Routine is invisible by its nature, whatever you repeat will become your norm. If you repeat bad habits they will become second nature, if you repeat good ones, they too, will become “routine.” Repetition is repetition, and your brain doesn’t know the difference unless you make a conscious effort to eliminate the bad habits and replace them with solid tactics. Does “practice make perfect?” NO! As veteran police trainer and author Dave Smith tells his students: _“Perfect Practice Makes Perfect.”_ Make sure that you don’t let the routine nature of some of our job functions, like making traffic stops, answering routine calls, even driving, “de-train” you into becoming complacent.

*Lead by Example*

What if you’re the boss? Even if you’re the Chief of a fairly large agency and it’s likely that you’ll never be in the position to handcuff a suspect ever again, do not neglect your in-service hours. Be the first one on the mat, be the first one in the range, sit in the front row at report writing class, be the first one to learn how to use the new booking system, and make sure your command staff does the same. When line level personnel see the bosses going to and getting excited about in service training, they will be more likely to do the same.

*Encourage Competition*

Cops tend to thrive on competition, but our society has spent a generation or two trying to downplay and diminish it. Don’t let this happen to your agency. Reward the officer who had the fastest time in speed cuffing class or the team who had the best collective score on the range. In fact, go out on a limb and have the commanders vs. the patrol officers in a shooting competition; the “losers” buy the “winners” a round of coffee and doughnuts the next morning. There is nothing wrong with healthy, well-managed, light-hearted competition to make in service training more fun, not to mention more effective. Performing under the “stress” of competition has great benefits to the learner, do not eliminate it from your training.

*Don’t Make It All About “Bats and Guns”*

Not all in service training is tactical in nature. If you’re a line level employee, is there something you’d really like to learn about but don’t know where to find the information? I know agencies that have held in service training on retirement planning and the pension system, basic fitness and nutrition, stress management, and many other “out of the box” topics. After a string of internal affairs issues, my department tasked my supervisory team to come up with in service training to give employees the skills to intervene in each other’s bad behavior, both on and off duty; it was extremely well-received and helped the department heal from a particularly difficult year.

*Bring In the Civilians*

Because so much of our in service training tends to be tactically oriented, we often leave out our civilian employees or provide them with separate training. Civilians, especially dispatchers, should be included in almost every non “hands on” class that sworn personnel attend. It’s also a good idea to allow the dispatchers to observe any simulation training you may conduct. Watching officers make deadly force decisions on the firearms simulator or search and clear a building during active shooter scenarios will help your dispatchers better understand what they are hearing on the radio and how they need to respond during an actual critical incident. Bringing sworn and civilian supervisors together for a leadership class can do a lot to bring consistency and cohesiveness to an organization.

*Don’t Make “Remedial” Classes a Shameful Thing*

Not everyone learns at the same pace or retains everything the first (or fifth or tenth) time. If you or someone else needs additional time on the range or in the classroom, realize that adult learners are a very diverse breed. If you’re the one managing the training function, don’t make “remedial” training shameful or painful for your employee. Find out what they need, why they aren’t learning, what might motivate them and then do what you and the organization can to help them. Managed properly, in service training can boost morale, help build and strengthen teams, and improve the performance of everyone, even those who need a little extra help.

*What If Your Agency Won’t Provide Additional Training?*

Every week I talk to police employees who tell me “I’d love to go to that class” or “I’d love to learn how to do that” but that “the department just won’t send me.” If that’s true, then bite the bullet and pay for it yourself. Some of the best firearms training I ever received was at a pistol class I paid for myself. Instead of a new hunting rifle, an expensive new purse, or a weekend getaway, use the money for a class that may help _save your life_ someday. Nearly 50% of the attendees at the Calibre Press _“Street Survival”_ seminar pay their own way. Make a deal with your boss: if you pay for the class, will they give you the training days? It never hurts to ask, and the boss may appreciate your initiative. There are also many police associations that will allow you attend their conferences for free if you volunteer to help with the conference. Make training and learning a priority in your life, even if the department doesn’t. And if you’re lucky enough to work for an agency that does, take advantage of every minute of in service training you can get. Whether you’re a brand new rookie or you’re a 20-year chief, you are _always_ a student and there is always something new to learn.

It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:11:00 -0800

One of the most popular workshops we teach is titled “What Did You Just Say?!” We call it that because if we called it “Organizational Communication for Professional Police Agencies” no one would hire us. Attending classes on how to communicate with each other is right up there with sexual harassment prevention, cultural diversity training, and learning CPR; its stuff we all need, but it’s not necessarily much fun to learn. However, ninety percent of what we do as cops involves some sort of communication. How well you communicate with others at work, on the street, and even in the lock up can make or break your career.

*Internal Communication*

Cops have our own way of talking. Our verbal communication can be pretty rough, filled with jargon, profanity, clipped abbreviations, and inappropriate humor. When I was a rookie just out of the academy, I thought that emulating my FTO and his peers would be the best way to fit in, so even though their language was incredibly colorful, and I was a 22 year old probationary rookie, I started to swear like a sailor. Needless to say, that little trick didn’t work out the way I’d planned, and frankly, it just made me look immature and unprofessional. When you’re brand new on the job, make sure you are always professional in your verbal communication. Go easy on the profanity, keep the humor to a minimum, and make sure you recognize and appreciate rank, titles, and seniority.

Our society has gotten away from “yes sir” and “no ma’am,” but it’s important to remember that law enforcement is a paramilitary profession which includes a rank structure and the need for some decorum. When you begin your career, address people by their titles (“Good morning Sergeant”) until you are told to do otherwise. This is especially important in the academy, and may even be a requirement. Even when you graduate basic and return to your agency for training, if you are asked a question, answer with “no ma’am” or “yes sir.” As you become more familiar with your co-workers or things become more relaxed you can use abbreviations like “Sarge” with the boss and first names with people you know well, but even if your Uncle Rocko is the shift commander at your sheriff’s department, you need to call him “Lieutenant” when other people are around. And don’t forget the civilian employees. That lady who is thirty years older than you who works in the Records Division? She’d better hear a “yes ma’am” or a “thank you” and see a smile every time you have contact with her. It’s called respect, and she has probably earned it.

*Communicating With The Public*

Most people go through life having little or no contact with the police, so when they do encounter a cop they are going to remember it. How well you communicate with the public is going to affect not only their experience (and yours) in that moment, but it’s probably going to have a significant ripple effect. Not only are they going to tell other people about their good (or bad) experience with the cop who took their report or gave them a ticket or handled their traffic crash, they are going to respond in kind to the next police officer they meet. Work hard to make sure that a citizen’s experience with you is positive, even if the situation is not a pleasant one.

Treat every victim with care, whether their entire home was just burglarized or someone stole their golf clubs out of the car that they stupidly left unlocked. When you roll up to take your 10th accident report of the day, keep in mind that while this is no big deal to you, it may be a frightening and unfamiliar event to the drivers. Imagine how you’d want your grandpa, father, little sister, or teenage son treated, and then act accordingly.

Cops also need to treat the bad guys with respect. New officers often make the mistake of treating every offender the same, whether they were caught speeding or committing a rape. “Talking tough” to an offender may make you feel better, but it’s probably not going to help you accomplish your goals. View every encounter you have as though you’re a detective and this is your case to solve. When you approach a driver for a traffic violation, smile, be polite, and if policy allows, ask them “Do you know why I’m stopping you?” Most will answer with a partial confession; “Well, I was probably going a little fast” or “I did sort of roll that stop sign.” After you complete the traffic stop, make a note of their statement, it will come in handy at traffic court.

When you take someone into custody, after they are secured and the situation allows, chat with them. I know plenty of great officers who cultivate productive informants from simple warrant arrests just by talking to them during the booking process. Once an offender is secured, even if you’ve been in a brawl with them, take control of the situation and start talking. Every good interrogator out there will tell you that you need to start out by establishing rapport and controlling your own emotions, and then start talking, listening, and reading their body language.

*Your Non Verbal Communication*

Most of our communication mistakes are the non-verbal kind. You can say “yes sir” to your FTO but if you do so while rolling your eyes, you’re not going to garner any good will. If you say “I’m soooo sorry that your expensive golf clubs were taken out of your unlocked car sir” in your best Bill Murray sarcasm-laced voice, that victim is going to know you don’t really care. Our thoughts and feelings tend to “leak out” through our bodies, our voice inflections, and our facial expressions, making us much more transparent that we realize. Be conscious of your tone of voice, the position of your body, and the gestures that you make while dealing with people. Study the science of non-verbal communication; it will help you immeasurably throughout your career.

*Officer Safety is Still Number One*

Don’t get so caught up in being a great communicator that you become complacent about officer survival. As several great police trainers have said about traffic stops: “Treat everyone in the vehicle with extreme politeness and respect while alternately having a plan to kill everyone inside if the situation calls for it.” Officer safety should be your first priority, but you don’t have to be a complete jerk to be safe. You can balance good communication with excellent officer survival…its all up to you. Stay safe!

Plotting Your Path to Promotion

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 06:41:00 -0800

The very last thing on my mind the day I was hired by my police department was getting promoted. Oh sure, I had a fleeting fantasy that “some day” I’d be the agency’s first female chief. But I was mostly concerned with getting through the academy and then on to field training; in other words, I desperately wanted to be a “real cop.” Promotion seemed so far away.

Well, I became a real cop and then about 5 years later, near the end of my assignment to a regional narcotics task force, I started to think about becoming a sergeant. It took me nearly five more years to realize that goal, in part because I just hadn’t given that phase of my career much thought. I was having too much fun learning the job, taking on different assignments, and having a great time being a crimefighter! However, if you have any aspirations of moving beyond your entry-level assignment, whether you’ll eventually consider a lateral move, an upward promotion, or both, here are some things to keep in mind right from the beginning.

*Show leadership from day one*

From the minute you fill out that application, start thinking about the future. The detective who does your background check could one day be the sergeant who fills out your annual evaluation. Your field training officer may eventually become the lieutenant who recommends you for promotion. Do what you’re told and beyond, always make the extra effort but do it without fanfare. Work hard, perform consistently, make a good impression, and be humble. Remember, a good leader does the right thing even when no one is watching.

*Keep your study skills and your mind sharp*

Read frequently; stay abreast of current events, crime trends, and societal issues. From the day you start the academy, you’re going to be required to absorb an enormous amount of information in a relatively short period of time, and this will continue when you get to field training. Even after you complete field training and your probationary period, never stop reading, learning, and seeking out new information. Leaders know what’s going on in the world, in their community, and in their backyard, and they are always and forever someone else’s student.

*Look and act like a leader*

Stay in shape, keep your uniform sharp and your gear looking good. Carry yourself with command presence; look and act confident. Hone your skills on the range, on the mat, and on the street. This will not only help you stand out, it will improve your officer safety. Studies show that the more “squared away” you look and act, the less vulnerable you are to attack.

*Keep up on laws, trends and technologies*

Law enforcement is a very fluid profession, there are constant changes and there is always something new to learn. Sign up for websites and newsletters (like Police Link!), subscribe to periodicals, browse the online bookstores, download podcasts. Seek out tactics updates, cutting-edge seminars, updated firearms training. Take courses (either online or at your local university) that interest you and that demonstrate you’re looking to improve yourself. If the department won’t pay for aditinal training, pay for it yourself. Share what you can with the rest of the department, and if you encounter resistance, be respectful but persistent, use what Dave “J.D. Buck Savage” Smith calls “The Power of Positive Annoyance.” Don’t complain about your command staff’s lack of flexibility or willingness to try something new or different; instead, use your frustration to encourage yourself to work harder to earn that promotion so you can one day be in a position to affect change. And while you’re at it, remove the phrase “because that’s the way we’ve always done it” from your vocabulary…permanently.

*Keep up with departmental policy changes and updates*

Good supervisors know a little about everyone’s job, not just their own. They also know how to find the correct answer to almost any question, and they can do it quickly and with confidence. When the promotional process comes along, you’re going to need to know your general orders, policies and procedures as well as employment law, long-term organizational goals, and the general political climate of your city, county or state. Don’t just read your policy manual and your law books, but read the local paper too.

*Find a mentor*

In fact, find several. But be cautious about who you choose to take advice and assistance from. That hard-drinking, rogue guy on the SWAT team may have seemed like a cool operator when you were a rookie, but is he the best guy to emulate when it comes to leadership, ethics and departmental politics? The captain that everyone else seems to dislike has taken a liking to you, but will your association with him hurt or help you in the long run? A good mentor will have your own best interests at heart; they won’t use you to further their own career or try to sabotage you when you begin to move in a different direction. And don’t make the common mistake of “hitching your wagon” to just one person. Learn from and associate with many different people in your organization, both civilian and sworn. Keep in mind that you can learn something from almost everyone. Having a single mentor is risky, limiting, and not very savvy.

*When you’re ready, become a Field Training Officer*

I know of no better preparation for becoming a supervisor than training young recruits. On my agency, the majority of our detectives, sergeants, and command officers were all FTO’s early in their careers. Being an FTO motivates you to stay current, seek out additional knowledge, and learn how to truly lead with patience, authority, and compassion. Being an FTO is a signal to your own bosses that you’re not afraid to work hard, take on tough assignments, and are committed to the best interests of the organization. Besides, it’s a whole lot of fun and can be extremely rewarding.

*Be patient*

It probably took awhile for you to get hired, make it though the academy, and successfully complete field training, so chances are it will take you years to get promoted. Besides, don’t be too eager to be “a boss” too early in your police career. Remember why you wanted to become a cop in the first place. As most supervisors and managers will tell you, the pure adventure of “real police work” tends to come to a screeching halt once you get promoted. Make sure you’ve gotten to do all the things you wanted to do as an officer/deputy/agent before you take on the job of supervising someone else. Being responsible for the actions of others is an enormous responsibility, and when it comes to promotion, the higher the rank, the bigger the target. Promotion is a life-altering event, make sure you’re truly ready.

*Be realistic*

Make sure that a promotion is what you really want. Observe the supervisors and managers in your organization; do you really want to be part of that team? Will you have the same flexibility, employment protection, and fun as a supervisor that you have as an officer? Remember, a police department is a pyramid, and only one guy or gal gets to be the chief and then only a few others get those management positions and so on down the line. Also make sure you’re doing this for the right reasons. If prestige and a bigger pay check are your primary reasons for trying to earn those stars, bars, stripes or oak leaves, think again. And if you’re satisfied with your role or assignment, but pressure from your family, friends or spouse to “move up” is forcing you to look for a promotion, don’t do it unless it’s what you really want. I work with some great cops who have been patrol officers for nearly 30 years by choice. They love what they do, they are great at it, and they are invaluable to our agency and to our community. They have no desire to become “a boss.” They love just being great cops; it’s a challenging job and a wonderful adventure; so whatever path you take, don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

Avoiding the Us vs. Them Mentality

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 04:00:00 -0800

Most of us start the academy with a servant’s heart. Remember the old LAPD motto “To Serve and Protect?” That’s all of us, that’s supposed to be what cops are all about, but pretty quickly into your law enforcement career, it becomes less about “them” and more about “us.” We separate ourselves from the rest of society, even from our family and friends. But it doesn’t have to be that way, if you learn why this common police pitfall occurs and how to avoid it.

*Know why it happens*

Remember, less than two out of every one hundred police applicants ever become cops, so as soon as you get hired, you start to feel like you’re a member of an elite group. And you are! There are few professions where we are expected to potentially lay down our lives as part of the employment agreement. However, that elitist feeling you have in the academy can be just the beginning of your “us v. them” mentality.

*Your rookie years are crucial*

Your first couple of years are consumed with learning the job. You spend a considerable amount of time around veteran officers, trainers, and supervisors trying to learn the profession and earn the trust of your peers. As Dr. Kevin Gilmartin, PhD. talks about in his book +Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement,+ a new officer begins to rely on the friendship and support of other officers, usually to the detriment of their “non-cop” relationships. Because there is so much to do and learn, and so little time to devote to your personal life, new officers find themselves socializing only with their co-workers. Old friendships may begin to fade way, not intentionally, but after all, are any of your “old” friends willing to meet you for a beer at seven o’clock on a Tuesday morning when you get off work? Not likely.

*More time on the job means more social isolation*

“The average cop will see more human tragedy in the first three years than most people will see in a lifetime” according to Dr. Ellen Kirschman, author of +I Love a Cop.+ As we become a competent veteran officer, we develop a macabre sense of humor and are forced to control our emotions at all times. We view the world as a violent place full of idiots, con artists, and liars. We become skeptical, paranoid, and hypervigilant, and we look down on those who do not share our cynical and alarmist view of the society. Not only do we cease most of our “pre-cop” friendships, but our family relationships may begin to deteriorate as well. We become distant and dark-spirited, even when we’re at home. We complain that “my family doesn’t understand,” and we may become overly strict with our kids, not wanting them to be exposed to the outside world that we know is violent, dangerous and unpredictable. Eventually, your family may grow weary of your “us v. them” attitude and decide they’d rather be with “them” rather than being a part of “us.”

*“If it’s predictable, it’s preventable”*

It’s no secret that cops have a 75% divorce rate, a high rate of alcoholism, and we die twice as often by our own hand as we do by felonious assaults. After all, if you go from a fun-loving, idealistic, service-oriented rookie to a dark-hearted, cynical veteran, you’re not going to be much fun to be around, and eventually you won’t like yourself anymore than anyone else does. So don’t let it happen!

*Take a hard look at the veteran officers you admire and emulate*

Your FTO may know everything there is to know about impaired drivers, but why has he been married and divorced) three times? Your favorite sergeant is a wonderfully supportive mentor to you, but why does she end every shift sitting at the bar of the local gin joint? Sometimes the most qualified cops on your agency are also the least successful when it comes to their personal lives. As delicately as you can, try to find out why. Ask them if they could do anything different, what would it be? And then listen to what they have to say.

*Keep some non-police friends*

This can be tough to do. Your “normal” friends are either going to be “weirded out” by your new profession or they may become distant, intimidated, even hostile about you becoming a cop. However, don’t give up on all of them. Your true friends are going to accept you for who you are, just make sure to touch base with them and occasionally get together; and when you do socialize with them, don’t spend all your time together telling cop “war stories.” Ask about their job, their life, their problems, concerns, and successes, and then really listen. Don’t make it all about you, even if they try to. In other words, don’t get mired in your own self-importance.

*Stay involved in physical fitness and other positive activities*

Be proactive about your emotional well being. Make sure that physical activity is part of your regular routine. There are two kinds of stress, “distress” and “eustress.” Develop positive addictions, like running, basketball, hunting, photography, anything that makes you feel good and is good for you. Also make sure you spend time around good, positive people. Go to church, do volunteer work, coach a kids soccer team, do charity work. Get involved in activities that remind you that not everyone is a drug dealing, child molesting criminal, and that in general, life is pretty good. Remember, you took this job to help the community, not isolate yourself from them. One of the great things about policing in a free society is the tradition of being “of the people,” not “over the people.” Good luck!

Getting an Early Start on Your Law Enforcement Career

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:08:00 -0800

Teenagers get a bad rap. Many adults think that teens today are nothing but a lazy, drug-crazed, sexually obsessed, over-privileged, video-game-addicted drain on society…all the same things that adults thought about my generation, except for the video game part. In reality, this current generation of teens may be the next “Greatest Generation;” many have an excellent work ethic, a deep sense of service, and a desire to make a difference.

I was in junior high when I decided I wanted to be a cop. I was frustrated that I had to wait until I was 21 to become a full-fledged police officer, and you may feel the same way, so in addition to finishing high school and getting ready for college or military service, here are some things you can do to prepare for a life as a crime fighter.

*Police Explorers*

The Explorers program is a great program for youngsters to find out if law enforcement is really the career for them. Explorers can get involved in community service, simulated police training, ride alongs and much more. The National Rifle Association even has a marksmanship program specifically designed for Explorers Posts.

*Military ROTC*

Military ROTC programs are a great way to serve, to learn and to earn money for college. Law enforcement is a paramilitary profession, and during the hiring and promotional processes most police agencies give special consideration to those who have served in the military. ROTC is also a great way to learn more about a career as a military police officer.

Many high schools also have *work/study programs* where half of your day is spent at school and the rest of the day is spent off-site, learning about a specific career. Most of these programs include the building trades, the medical field, technology, and service industries like hairstyling, but more and more are offering a chance to study criminal justice. See if your school district is willing to participate in such a program or already does. Some high schools also offer the opportunity to receive both high school and college credits by taking classes at your local community college. See if this program is available and if you can take a criminal justice class or two while you’re still in high school.

*Volunteer Work*

Volunteering is another way to gain valuable experience helping people while meeting potential mentors and building your resume. Working with kids, senior citizens, or on a great law enforcement cause like the Police Unity Tour can be extremely rewarding and help you learn about service, organization, and personal sacrifice, all skills you’ll need as a professional crime fighter.

Most of us have to or want to get a job when we’re in high school. Try to choose a job that will not only line your pockets but will help you develop skills you can use when you’re on the job as a cop. I was lucky enough to get a part time job as a police dispatcher in both high school and college, but I also worked as a waitress, in food prep, and in several office settings. I learned how to type, file, and most importantly, how to deal with customers. The people we serve and protect as police officers are our “customers,” and whether we like them or not, we have to deal with them patiently, respectfully, and with compassion. Nothing prepares a young adult for community service better than working in a restaurant or a retail establishment where “the customer is always right.” Besides, working in the service industries gives you the chance to study the human animal. Body language, proxemics, speech patterns, group behavior - its all fascinating stuff and it's often vital to your very survival as a cop.

At any job you do, volunteer or not, work harder than anyone else, show leadership in your assignment or task, and be respectful, ethical, and honest. Stand up for yourself, but be willing to say “I made a mistake” or “I’m sorry” when you need to. Stay out of trouble and choose your friends and associates carefully. Always be mindful of the fact that you want to be a cop, not be running from one!

Make fitness a permanent part of your life style now and never give it up. Work out, play sports, and get involved in martial arts, the shooting sports and any other activity that will keep you in shape and continue to build your self confidence and your skill. And yes, play those video games - superior hand/eye coordination is essential to many law enforcement tactical skills, and technology is just as important as gun-handling skills to today’s modern cop. Just don’t forget to go outside, get some exercise, and interact regularly with your friends and family.

Law enforcement isn’t just a job, it’s a career - one that is filled with history, honor, and tradition. If you’ve decided to become one of us, work hard, learn all you can, and when you pin on that badge and strap on that gun, enjoy the adventure, there’s nothing else like it on the planet. Good luck!

Real Cop or TV Cop: Which Do You Want to Be?

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:44:00 -0800

People always ask me, “Why did you become a cop?” I’d love to have a great philosophical answer like, “I wanted to have the opportunity to give back to my community” or a really cool answer like “I wanted to drive fast cars, shoot big guns and put evil men behind bars” or even the standard oral board interview answer everyone gives, “I wanted to help people.” But the truth is, I’m a cop because I watched too much TV.

I grew up on a farm in the 60’s and 70’s (yes kids, we had television even way back then) and my brother and I were mesmerized by shows like “Dragnet,” “Adam 12” and “Hawaii Five-O.” As a young girl, I also loved shows like “Charlie’s Angels,” “Policewoman” with the beautiful Angie Dickenson and a short-lived show called “Get Christie Love,” where the main character was a well-respected black female police detective, an extremely radical concept at the time. I thought: If Detective Christie Love can be a great cop, so can I!

As I got older, went to college, and then got hired on as a Chicago-area cop, everyone kept telling me “its not like it is on TV you know!” Intellectually I knew this, but there was still a part of me that hoped real police work would be just like it is on television. And you know what, sometimes it is, and that can be good, or it can be very bad.

On the positive side, I learned from “Adam 12” that your field training officer is your life-line, your mentor, your role model, but not necessarily your friend and certainly not your peer. I learned from “Cagney and Lacey” that it’s really hard to be a working cop and a mom and a wife, but it’s possible. I learned from “Columbo” that it’s usually patience, humility and attention to small details that solve the big cases. I learned from “NYPD Blue” that sometimes the good guys die, and it’s not always in a heroic blaze of glory. I learned from “Dragnet” that a good cop is ethical, honest, and has to work hard to stay objective and professional.

However, on the flip side, TV cops can negatively influence both young police candidates and seasoned veterans. Cops shows are notorious for bad tactics. TV is where so many of us acquired the dangerous habits of putting suspects on cars or walls to search them. Lots of cops still think they have to say “Stop! Police! Drop the weapon!” before they engage in deadly force, because that’s what they do on TV. In the “Street Survival” seminar, we even used a clip from the “Miami Vice” television series to demonstrate that poor subject control can result in an officer’s death. Television can also affect our attitudes toward the job. “The Shield” glamorizes corruption and brutality. The “CSI” series convinces people (erroneously) that crime scene technicians do everything from SWAT-like tactical entries to intensive interrogations, in addition to handling evidence. “Law and Order” makes us think that major cases can be investigated, solved and prosecuted all in one hour. And “Miami Vice” made every narcotics cop in the 80’s continue to wear silk t-shirts and unobstructed jackets long after that fashion trend should have been dead and buried.

Two of the most realistic cop shows ever made were “Barney Miller” and “Hill Street Blues.” Barney Miller depicted a squad of New York City detectives who primarily waited to get called out by patrol while they wrote endless reports, dealt with the bureaucracy of a large police department, and alternately hung out together or got on each other’s last nerve. Some of their cases were exciting, most were not; in other words, real police work. “Hill Street Blues” featured a fictional Chicago police district full of unique characters including the caring, but crusty, shift sergeant who always ended roll call with “let’s be careful out there”, the male/female patrol duo who never quite learned how to communicate with each other but made a great team anyway, the quirky undercover cops whom everyone else tried to avoid but secretly wanted to emulate, and the wise and ambitious district commander trying to keep it all together and maintain distance and decorum while his personal life crumbled slowly around him. Again, pretty realistic stuff.

The popularity of police shows has not waned in the 29 years I’ve been a cop. In fact, in addition to theatrical cop shows like “Monk,” “Life on Mars,” and all 107 versions of “CSI”, there are countless reality shows featuring “real” street cops, highway patrol officers, female cops, rural deputy sheriffs, and even animal cops! Having been a part of a reality cop show, I can tell you that even a reality TV show isn’t a one hundred percent accurate view of “real” police work.

So, real cop or TV cop? I think we’re all a little of both. If you’re considering law enforcement as a profession, enjoy what you see on TV and take away the positive lessons that many of today’s shows can teach you, but also take the time to meet and get to know real cops, find out what we really do and how we feel about it, and if police work is the career for you. If you’re already a crimefighter, be entertained by what you watch on the tube but don’t let TV tactics de-train you or corrupt, frustrated fictional cops negatively affect your own attitude. And if you’re still going to shift parties or out on dates dressed like Detective Sonny Crocket from “Miami Vice,” stop it, right now, seriously. The rest of the profession (and your dates) will appreciate it. Stay safe!