Do You Have Your Team's Back?

I’m submitting this as a reminder of who we are and how we are supposed to work as a unit, a team of one, all moving in the same direction for the same goals.

We all know or have worked with an officer who never seems to get to the scene first or always seems to get to the flares while others are elbow deep in extrication of injured and first aid... the officers who never seem to be on the pile when attempting to get a perp cuffed... the one who never seems to get his or her hair messed or uniform dirty.

If you know an officer like this or have to work with an officer like this get a cup of coffee or after work hook up for a favorite beverage and have ‘the conversation.’

They may not know they are doing anything that is working against the team. We all have seen, heard, or personally experienced this type of officer personality. Don’t be afraid to fix it. Don’t be that officer, and don’t be afraid to say something to get them on board with the program... to meet the common goal... with teamwork.

The more people we have moving in the same direction the better our performance on the street. Be well and safe.

One push button pushes def attorney' buttons

“Dispatch, I am behind the vehicle... The driver is failing to stop... I’m 10-31 (chase).”

How many of you love being in this situation? I did. After a number of some wins and some losses in court, I discovered a way to assist in winning more of those cases. The moment I begin the chase, I immediately reset the odometer back to zero. The outcome has had a great impact on what happens next. I am able to provide clear details as to the length in miles of the chase, the ability to pinpoint how far into the chase events occurred such as items being thrown out of the suspect’s vehicle, and increase my creditability in court.

At my first deposition when I stated that at precisely 3.7 miles into the chase, the suspect threw a brown bag of smaller packaged marijuana baggies out the vehicle window, the defense attorney realized that putting me on the stand and demonstrating such clear-cut facts would not be in his client’s best interest.

In time, I found that others using this tip had similar experiences. Many of these cases ended with suspects either looking for deals or pleading guilty.

Your cases can be won at the deposition level. Our responsibility does not end with the arrest; it ends with either the suspect pleading guilty or being found guilty. Defense attorneys do not want to put very detailed and methodical officer on the stand in front of a jury.

It is just that simple. Push that little button and you’ll be pushing the defense attorney’s buttons later in depo or at trial.

Lose Your Sight, Lose The Fight

If you wear glasses or contact lenses at work, make sure you have a second pair of glasses readily available to you at all times. If your glasses become damaged or you lose a contact lens, you need to immediately get your sight back and a “back up” pair of glasses will make that happen. If you’re a day shifter and you wear prescription sunglasses, make sure you always have your “clear” glasses (and a flashlight) with you as well.

Don't Hang Your Cuffs

One of the most neglected pieces of our equipment is our handcuffs. Remember to regularly check their functionality, keep them clean and properly lubricated and “set them up” the way you want them in your case each and every time you take them out. Many women (and smaller men) lack enough room on their duty belts for all of their gear, but don’t use that as excuse to “hang” your handcuffs from one of your belt keepers. This is a dangerous practice that can give your adversary easy access to your handcuffs, which can be used as an edged weapon against you.