Editor’s Note: This week’s PoliceOne First Person essay is from PoliceOne Member Joseph Hood. In PoliceOne “First Person” essays, our Members and Columnists candidly share their own unique view of the world. This is a platform from which individual officers can share their own personal insights on issues confronting cops today, as well as opinions, observations, and advice on living life behind the thin blue line. If you want to share your own perspective with other P1 Members, simply send us an e-mail with your story.
By Joseph Hood
Police1 Member
A few months ago, while sitting on my porch and indulging in a post-shift adult beverage, I realized I was fast approaching the one-year anniversary of my department hire-on date. In reflecting on those 12 months, I was a little bewildered at how fast it all zipped by. I know the old “time flies” adage is a bit used up, but the experiences packed into this past short year are mindboggling.
While one year in this career is hardly enough time to truly develop expertise in anything, I do feel like it qualifies me to address other rookies, especially those even newer to the job than I am.
So, here in this two-part series for Police1, I want to share with you some observations and lessons learned along the way in my first year on the job.
Early On
Be prepared to get a lot of ribbing on a regular basis. You are entering a field full of alphas (that’s males AND females) who will seem to constantly mess with you. At first it may seem mean-spirited, but know it’s usually for a reason.
You are being tested by your peers on how you handle stress, your attitude, your sense of camaraderie, and your communication skills.
You can learn a lot about a person by giving them a lot of hell in a new environment with which they are not yet comfortable. Think of this as an initiation. Roll with the punches, laugh it off, but do so while maintaining self-respect and dignity. As you slowly get used to working with these jackasses (who you will grow to love like family), you will learn to take it and dish it back like a pro.
At that point, you realize that the constant joshing and dark humor used by cops is a kind of defense mechanism, a way of making light of a job that can eat you alive if you take it too seriously all of the time.
Ladies, you can expect it to be similar but different — you will be tested in a lot of the same ways for the same reasons — however, there still exist plenty of officers of the “old boy’s club” mentality.
They will instantly discount your ability to be a good officer by your gender alone. This is extremely frustrating, as some of the best cops I know are females, and often seem to find themselves working extra hard to get the credit they deserve. My advice to you is to get right in there and mix it up with the boys. The sooner you learn to take it and dish it out, the better off you’ll be.
As always though, if you feel things are going too far, then you should seek the help of a supervisor. This goes for men, too.
Another point to mention: if your department/precinct/watch has unofficial traditions, such as “all rookies will bring donuts to roll call on the day they are cut loose on their own,” for goodness sakes keep the tradition. This is another rite of passage, and you will probably face some heavy (and hilarious) consequences from your scheming peers if you try and break it.
Stay True to You
If there is one word you should carry with you not only in your first year but all the rest to come, it’s humility. So you are fresh out of the academy, top of your class, and can quote verbatim the current year’s law book. Stow that cocky attitude recruit. Your schooling is only just about to begin.
The best advice I received in my first year was to find a mentor, or better yet, several mentors of varying age, gender, specialties, and years of experience.
Whether it’s an academy instructor, your PTO/FTO, or just a knowledgeable officer on your shift, ask lots of questions. One habit I got into during my training stage was asking my training officers to point out what I did well and what I could have done better on calls.
These “after action” reports gave me plenty a great fresh feedback that I was able to carry with me into future calls. Other officers will note your humility, and will generally respect you for it. Never be afraid to ask questions. Besides, it usually makes the old guys feel important.
Some officers are going to give you advice whether you ask for it or not. Some of it will be good, some of it not so much. A major point I want to make here — NEVER sacrifice your integrity or your morals based on the advice of another officer. If you feel like the advice you receive is questionable, check it out with a mentor or a supervisor.
Finally, in being humble, be careful not to become meek. When it’s your turn to step up and handle business, then own it. Be confident in your words and actions.
That’s all for now. Check out part two coming two weeks from today (June 27th).
