Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 406 AMERICAN POLICE BEAT: MARCH 2016 by Brian McVey W hen you take a big city police exam, you’re among hun- dreds of candidates who dream of passing and one day becoming a police of- ficer. During the psychological, physical fitness, and drug tests, you can’t wait to enter training; and on setting foot in the Police Academy, you can’t wait to graduate and hit the streets. Feeling great, you show up early to your first roll call in a crisp uniform and think, “Yes! I finally made it!” Then reality sets in, and you realize that you have no clue where to sit, who to talk to, who you’re going to work with, and who your bosses will be. Remember, those sea- soned officers you don’t know were once in your spot. You can gain a lot of knowledge by simply asking veteran officers in your roll calls questions that were not asked on the state exam. You will get the truth and learn the realities of the job. And that veteran officer may be impressed that you had the courage to inquire. Too many people today enter law enforcement with several degrees and think they know more than those salty veterans. But those gray-haired officers, a pound or two overweight, often have a “doctorate of the streets” which is more valu- able and expensive than most college diplomas. Their understanding of human behavior is better than any professor, politi- cian or academic. A veteran officer I had the pleasure of working with told me, “Kid, I forgot more than you know.” His wisdom and knowl- edge of the job was extraor- dinary. He was the profes- sor and I was his student. I learned a lot soaking up stories and advice and shar- ing laughs and just watching him. Many young coppers don’t appreciate the expe- rience and understanding that veteran officers possess. Never feel awkward asking advice from them. Veteran cops have expe- rienced so much in their careers it’s a shame that young recruits coming out of the academy don’t solicit their opinion more. Humble yourself and ask. Even watch commanders will ask seasoned veterans for their advice and opin- ion. Many people think asking for help is a sign of weak- ness, but it is actually a sign of strength. Keep in mind that the offi- cer you go to with a question is gaining a boost to their confidence because you asked him or her to share their expertise. Those of you who have the pleasure of working with veteran officers on your shift, remember they are a wealth of knowledge. Their uniforms might not look pristine, their hair may be gray, but the wisdom, knowledge and insight they have is priceless. Brian McVey, an adjunct pro- fessor, had over ten years with the Chicago Police Dept. You can reach him at btmcvey@comcast. net. There are no “A’s” without the “Q’s” There are no “A’s” without the “Q’s” The Denver Police Department recently trolled Patriots fans on Twitter after the Broncos won the division championship. The New England Patriots’ Tom Brady couldn’t handle the Bronco’s defense in the AFC Championship game last month and the Denver Police Department took to Twitter to “rub salt in the wounds.” @DenverPolice: MISSING PERSONS unit heading to @SportsAuthField to try & locate Patriots Offense. GO @Broncos Brian McVey, a former officer with the Chicago P.D., says it’s a good idea to ask a lot of questions if you want to be successful in law enforcement. P.S. Congradulations Broncos! Badges Insignia Medals Awards Collar Insignia Nameplates Challenge Coins Pins Accessories Design your badge online /smithandwarren @SmithnWarren Contact@SmithWarren.com Ph: 914.948.4619 To learn more, visit your local Smith & Warren dealer or visit www.SmithWarren.com It’s not JUST a BADGE