Tips for a Rookie?

[shellslinger]

Hi Guys,

I recently went through the process of becoming a police officer and was given an offer. I was wondering if you guys had any tips for a new officer? I'm trying to learn as much as possible before going to academy.

Thanks guys!

[CinnamonBear723]

Stay humble, study hard, and don't quit. It's a tough field these days so put your big boy/girls pants on and have some tough skin. Don't get butt hurt when some has constructive criticism.

[CinnamonBear723]

As far as the academy goes......study, study, and study. Be on your game and push through the pain. They aren't gunna hit you, and they gotta let you go home at some point. Just keep showing up everyday; that's half the battle. The other half is getting through the day. Know your strengths and have the courage to recognize your weaknesses. Help your academy mates where you are strong and rely on them to help you with your weaknesses. You all need each other. Oh, and keep your uniform pressed and your boots shined. Good luck!

[micro911]

Do your best in the academy. You need to pass every phase of the training. If you fail once, you will get a remedial test. If you fail again, you are gone.

After graduation, learn your streets. You need to know where you are.

[shellslinger]

Thanks guys, really appreciate the responses

[DNA]

Eat healthy, workout and try to get as much sleep (stay well rested). Take care of your body as well as the above mentioned stuff. When stressed out your body/mind do crazy things. Things your DIs and FTOs won't quite appreciate.

Let your family/spouse/mate know what you're going through and what you need. They'll be able to make or break you during this process as well. An unsupportive spouse/mate has ended more than a few careers from the get go.

Dan

[shellslinger]

Eat healthy, workout and try to get as much sleep (stay well rested). Take care of your body as well as the above mentioned stuff. When stressed out your body/mind do crazy things. Things your DIs and FTOs won't quite appreciate.

Let your family/spouse/mate know what you're going through and what you need. They'll be able to make or break you during this process as well. An unsupportive spouse/mate has ended more than a few careers from the get go.

Dan

Thanks Dan! Unfortunately and fortunately, my new position is not for a California officer position and my family has been supportive. I appreciate the words of advice

[Spanky8601]

Eat healthy, workout and try to get as much sleep (stay well rested). Take care of your body as well as the above mentioned stuff. When stressed out your body/mind do crazy things. Things your DIs and FTOs won't quite appreciate.

Let your family/spouse/mate know what you're going through and what you need. They'll be able to make or break you during this process as well. An unsupportive spouse/mate has ended more than a few careers from the get go.

Dan

This very important. Let them know from the getgo that you will be giving 100% focus on the Academy for the next 6 months. So there will be very little, if any time them. It sucks, but assure your spouse/mate you love them and will return to normal after the academy.

[Ron-Solo]

Mouth closed, ears open.

Study every chance you get. Your social life must be put on hold for a few months, but it will be worth it.

[r6guy85]

Keep your ears open, listen, don't be cocky, learn and follow what's being taught, don't try to talk over your DIs or FTO Ever!!! Your a recruit and a new boot, you are not entitled to anything and everything is a right of passage and earned. Be humble, be humble, be humble be humble, and ummmm be humble. It doesn't does not surprise me anymore every time I see these new mellenials getting hired and think there entitled to everything and don't act like a good trainee. A good trainee always shows up at least an hour early, ask questions and always be on your toes to volunteer to pick up paper or help with someonething, shows initiative, listens, coffee and doughnuts for your partners wouldn't hurt as a trainee, don't sit and relax until off training and eat before shift and only during down time sneak some bites, have good officer safety, try to have 2 of everything, don't call in sick or expect holidays off build your seniority if you want that. Be professional and courteous to everyone you work with because upsetting the wrong person will make your career a lot harder to enjoy. Don't be salty, don't be salty, don't be salty.... your reputation follows you everywhere and every time you move to assignment, stations, divisions and people will talk and rumors spread like wild fires.

[cr250chevy]

Wow everyone has given really good advice. I agree; study, get/stay in shape, sleep, get loved ones on board with the demands (academy and FTO). It is a very demanding career, especially in today's time. And when you make it don't forget why you joined and the the honor of the job. It's easy to get salty with just a couple of years on in today's climate, but it's not healthy and takes away from your own sense of honor.

[BearBear]

Just graduated the academy a couple weeks ago, now on FTO, so it's pretty fresh in my mind!

- Get a routine down at home during week one and stick with it. (eat, iron, shine, study, sleep)
- Study
- Understand and memorize the Penal Codes that you are required to know during the academy. This will help you in your report writing class and in your scenario training /testing.
- Stay away from MEMO'S! You can't effectively study, if your always writing memo's due to screwing up.
- Don't screw up!
- Study more
- Always volunteer!
- SLEEP as much as you can. Trust me, good sleep made a huge difference in the classroom the following day!

You have a goal to reach. If you always keep that in mind, you will do just fine!

[kjv146]

Like others have mentioned, having a support system in the academy is extremely helpful. Whether it's someone helping cook dinner, doing laundry, putting together lunches, grocery shopping, whatever it is. Every little bit helps. There will be long days in the academy. Some days you will be physically and mentally spent, and have to home to study for tests or scenarios the next day. The best advice I was given is whatever happens don't quit. And, at least in the first month of the academy, every day have the mindset, just make it to lunch.

The academy is just the beginning. FTO is a whole other beast. It's kind of like trying to drinking water from a fire hose. There's a lot to learn, and a lot coming at you. Be a sponge, soak up as much as you can. If you're truly dedicated to the profession, you'll do well.

Never lie. You're expected to make mistakes. If you do, own up to it. Take it on the chin, take it on the nuts, wherever you need to take it, just learn from it and move on.

[1911su16b870]

Get fit for running shoes (Road Runners or other running store) and get two pairs and good thick socks. You should be running now.

[shellslinger]

Thank you all for the responses! I will take this all into consideration. I really appreciate all the responses.