From law student to cop to law student again...

I rarely blog anymore, but am thinking about changing that in the near future. One possibility is to reboot my technology blog to provide practical computing advice and insight. In the meantime, I'm actually on Facebook now, so you can find me there.

Field Training Report, Week 4

Field training is certainly stressful, as anticipated. However, I am truly enjoying the job overall. I have already been exposed to a wide variety of calls, ranging from a gunshot victim to noise complaints. There are usually several domestic violence calls every night. Shoplifters at the mall are also common. In the realm of traffic, I am developing my ability to spot violations, and perform safe and efficient traffic stops. So far, I have had one DUI arrest.

I typically drive priority (lights & sirens) approximately 1-3 times a shift. This job is all about multitasking -- e.g., simultaneously driving, (de-)activating emergency equipment, pointing the spotlight, using the radio, communicating with my FTO, looking for someone/something in particular, etc.

The amount of paperwork involved in police work is astounding. As is ironically common in our digital age, the use of computers only seems to increase the total amount of paperwork. Taking someone to jail to charge with misdemeanor theft (e.g., shoplifting an article of clothing valued at < $100) can take hours. One small mistake/typo could cost the State's Attorney the case.

I wish that I was multi-lingual. My district includes a sizable Spanish-speaking population. If I ever learn Spanish and Korean, my translating expertise would be in hot demand.

I am still becoming accustomed to my shift schedule. We generally work 4 consecutive 10-hr. shifts., then have 3 days off. I work the evening shift, from 3 pm to 1 am (or later if needed). About every 2 months, shift crews rotate having weekends off. Plus there is court, which may occur on my day off (automatic 3 hours of overtime). There are also transition weeks and other complications that can frustrate having a life outside of police work.

There are 3 other rookies assigned to my district, although they are all on the day shift so I rarely see them. I like my shift-mates, and hope to stay at this station on the evening shift after field training concludes in April.

I Graduated!

I'm in the midst of transitioning from the academy to field training. There were many times when I thought the academy would never end. Now I suddenly find myself sworn in as a police officer. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.

5 Weeks Until Graduation (Jan. 8th)

Final Rotations:

1. Dealing With People
2. Patrol Procedures
3. Collision Reconstruction

During rotations we run a lot of scenarios, ranging from common calls to dangerous tactical situations. As always, rotations are a welcome break from the normal classroom, and give us a better feel for community-oriented policing. The lessons we learn, often through trial and error, are invaluable.

I also enjoyed a recent ride-along in the 3rd District (3D), Silver Spring. Although my ride-along fell on a relatively quiet, rainy night, 3D is the county's busiest district.

With the usual caveat that reality TV is not 100% reality, A&E has an interesting new show about field training called "Rookies." If and when I graduate from the academy, I will immediately commence 14 stressful weeks of field training. During field training, I will ride with a Field Training Officer (FTO), who will train me and evaluate my performance. If and when I graduate from field training, I will then ride solo and be permanently assigned to a patrol shift. Sometime this month we will receive our field training district assignments, which may become our permanent assignments.

Week 17

We were tased and OC sprayed a couple weeks ago. Definitely a rite of passage.

Finishing up two weeks of rotations: First responder (medical) last week, DUI this week. Then back to the usual classroom on Monday.

Only 9 weeks until graduation!

CSI: Montgomery County

3 weeks of rotations:

1. Firearms range
   
2. Driving track
3. CSI / ASP baton

Then back to the classroom.

Incidentally, this is apparently my 100th post.

Week 7 Update

I will not publish details about certain areas of my academy training, but here is a very general update.

• We had our first exam, Constitutional Law I, on Friday. Hope everyone passed. I lead study groups with two of my colleagues; we even created a practice exam.
  
• We worked a lot on cuffing and searching techniques in Defensive Tactics. Body searches comprise one of the less pleasant aspects of The Job.
  
• My duty belt is quickly filling up with gear. I need a larger waistline, lol.
• I think I can finally march in step.
• I'm in the fastest running group, which really challenges me.
• Everyone is looking forward to firearms / driving / CSI rotations.
• Thanks to my legal background, my nickname is JJ. If I haven't told you already, try to guess what that stands for.
• We tend to be in Police Officer Candidate mode 24/7.
  
• Nearly every night I laboriously shine my boots and iron my uniform. Whoever invented shirt stays deserves a medal.
  
• We look and sound great in formation now.
  

Only 19 weeks until graduation in January.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!