This was not written by me, I found it in a magazine but could not find it online anywhere. It was written by Allan Garcia.


ROOKIE cops know alot of things. First off, they know that after the first day on patrol with their FTO, they are in way over their heads. They also know that the umpteen weeks they spent in the academy preparing them for everything there is to know about police work suddenly seems all for nothing as they make one mistake after another on real world patrol. Perhaps the most important thing they learn is that the key to surviving the mania called modern police work is to become a quick, retentive study of their veteran field training officer. Their FTO possesses a certain something that they, the rookie officer, so eagerly wants to attain. That FTO that veteran cop who makes it all look so easy, that's the individual that every new guy wants to be.

Veterans know things, for instance they know that the rule of redundancy means you carry two or more flashlights (and spare batteries), handcuffs, and if permitted, firearms. They know that it's better to have and not need, than to need and have not. They know that stainless steel isn't really. They know that if it looks like it might rain, to take a few extra seconds to bring a raincoat. They know to carry more than one handcuff key, and a knife (or two). They know that helping an elderly woman get her groceries in her car is not an inconvenience, but rather an honorable duty. They know not to carry change in their pockets, or anything else for that matter, that might interfere with noise discipline. They know it's OK to stop and talk to a citizen, and that waves and smiles are free.

They know to go easy on the traffic tickets around Christmastime. They know to take time to be nice to little kids. They know they said the same thing about Agent Orange that they do about handheld radar units. They know to listen to their gut, and that it's a real viable thing we as humans have used our entire lives, and that it's a great tool in law enforcement. They know that in police work, grip strength is much more important than maximum bench press. They know that family is always first and job is always second. They know in a gunfight that smooth is fast. They know that Murphy's Law has a direct application to police work. They know that the shotgun is one of the greatest tools in law enforcement, and never to be without one. They know that sound tactics and street survival skills are perishable skills and must be practiced and honed daily. They know to always wear body armor.

They know that sometimes, it's good to take the job personally. They know that baseball players wear baseball caps in full uniform and that cops don't. They know not to be a liar, for it is devastating to be labeled one in police work. They know that an extra set of handcuffs carried in your briefcase do you no good when you really need them. They know incoming rounds have the right of way. They know to fight complacency. They balance the mindset that not everyone is a bad person, but also to never completely trust anyone. They know to leave the "on the job personality" at the station when they go home to loved ones. And most importantly they know that they, too, were once rookie cops, and that rookie cops take a lot of time, and a lot of work, to become observant, efficient, and effective veteran cops. They know that rookie cops don't know a lot of things that they know, and that's why they're called rookies. They know that rookies make mistakes, and that some of those mistakes might, and will, get them killed. But they also know that those rookies, if trained right, nurtured, and given a chance, can become the sharp veteran officers of tomorrow and continue the rich traditions of this country's veteran law enforcement officers.

Very good post, except for the ball cap portion. I think I look good in my issued cap. :bigsmile:

That little essay should be required reading for all new cops, I know that I could have used it when I first started out. Hell, I still don't know anything, but I know I need to learn a lot, think I might still be in that rookie phase.

Whenever you think you have learned it all, it's time to hang up your gunbelt.