As I mentioned earlier, I am back! One thing I am dedicated to accomplishing is a redux of my, “ask a cop” column. It was always popular, and some of the questions can be absolutely enlightening. Some others can be, well, deleted!
So comment on this post with your questions - police, law, procedures, or simply, “why did this cop do such and such…”
I cannot speak for all of us, but I will do my best to answer, explain, and engage in the dialogue. I look forward to hearing from you!
Dec 7, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I’m currently in the process of applying to two local departments. What are some things you wish you had known, either for the application process or for the academy?
Dec 7, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Alex: Best of luck!
There are really two things that come to mind.
In the application phase, I think you should research and learn about the particular department you are interested in. Be the candidate who can tell the interview board that you want to work for THIS police department because of their reputation for tactics, or their K9 program, or the recent article complimenting their community policing efforts. That will make you stand out.
During the academy, the best advice is perspective. Keep your perspective during all phases. That drill instructor is yelling for a reason: he wants to weed out the non-committed and casual candidates. You just have to keep perspective and you will be fine. If the academy scares you away, you were never going to make it in the long-term career. So always keep your perspective.
I hope these little nuggets help. The cop who makes it 2, 5, and 15 years is the cop who keeps perspective.