Advice from an old veteran police officer

By Mike Simmons

1. Don’t tarnish the badge. Many of us have worked hard to keep the badge clean. We hate it worse than anyone when an officer dishonors the badge.
2. Think first. The tendency is to jump when driving the cruiser, settling a dispute, going into a dangerous situation. Don’t jump without thinking about it. A better answer probably exists.
3. Watch a suspect’s hands…and his eyes. Watch what he is doing with his hands to ensure you won’t be surprised with a weapon. But his eyes will often give him away before he does something illegal.
4. Your uniform is impressive. Don’t think it has superpowers to protect you, and don’t think it makes you better-looking than you are. Some people who want to be officers think the gun, badge, or uniform will make them bulletproof. It won’t. In fact, it might make you a target. And just because you get more attention from the opposite sex when you are uniform, you’re not all that. Your spouse is always the best thing that ever happened to you.
5. Follow the spirit of the law, not the letter of the law. Some people need to go to jail, I get that. And…some people have to go to jail, whether you like it or not. But, when you have discretion, use discretion. Maybe…the best thing to do is to not put them in jail.
6. Have their backs. When officers are in a fight, always, always have their backs. I have friends I can depend on to lend me some money or to let me borrow their truck, but in a fight, I expect an officer to give me 100% without hesitation.
7. We live in a fishbowl – remember that. If you are thinking about getting away with something, think twice. You must consider everything you do or say to be recorded. Don’t be stupid.
8. It’s not worth it. Most of the cool stuff that makes people want to be officers is not real. I have never saved someone’s life by driving fast and getting to a traffic accident scene sooner. Never. The high life of an officer on television (clothes, cars, homes, etc.) only exists in the minds of a Hollywood writer. If you are making that much money, you are selling drugs.
9. Police work does not equal kicking doors in. Real police work is very rewarding…and often boring. Instead of the exciting, hair-on-fire portrayals, think Andy Griffith. Real police work involves talking to people and gaining their trust.
10. Don’t do it for the money. Much of police work cannot be measured by money. I once rescued six unconscious people out of a house filled with carbon monoxide. It saved their lives. How much is that worth? Priceless. Two weeks later, I helped pull a dead baby out of a swimming pool. How much is that worth? Priceless.