I entered The New York City Transit Police Department in October 1968. I retired from a department in Suffolk County (New York) in February 1999. It was a great, 30-year career — I’ve got no regrets and would do it all over again.
I have a son in law enforcement today. I’m concerned about him every shift.
“Why?” you ask.
Well, because law enforcement has changed so much in the 45 years since I joined the force.
“How so?” you ask.
Well, it’s still good guys versus bad guys — that hasn’t changed and never will. What has changed is how we deal with them and how much bolder they have become.
Here are a handful of things to keep in mind.
1.) Complacency kills police.
2.) Fatigue kills police.
3.) Fear of retribution gets police killed because we hesitate.
4.) Bringing your personal problems to work may get you killed. Marriage or financial illness in family you can carry that burden all day everyday. Talk with someone.
5.) Working outside jobs and not working out getting to the gym poor diet can get you killed. This can even be by your own hand, with heart attack, stroke, smoking, and drinking too much.
I like to keep my hand on the pulse of everything tactical in law enforcement, so I check this site almost every single day.
Maybe you members — both retired and still on the job — can share some of your own feelings here.
Be smart, be vigilant, be tactical, get rest, and pay attention to what’s important right now.
Retire. I did, and life is good. You only get one trip through, so make it worth while.