Probation Is Over (by HF)

I have just gotten off my department's probation period for new officers. I've heard that many departments out there have at least a one year probationary period for their officers. My department's probation period is 6 months. I asked my chief why our probation period was so short and he half joked with me saying,

"we can be fired at any time so in a way we're always on probation."

I saw his point and was once again reminded that "they" are always watching. It's been 6 months on the job and I've made several quiet observations about being a new cop.

• Whenever someone in our jurisdiction is reported missing by a friend or roommate, within approximately 59 minutes the "missing" person will be located by the reporting party. Or their body will be found a few days later.


• When you're the new guy, everyone is your boss.


• When you're the new guy, you don't speak unless spoken to and even then you need to be careful what you say.


• Often times family fight reports from neighbors in apartment complexes, turn out to be newly wed couples having rough sex.


• When you're the new guy you get volunteered to do a lot of stuff. Do it right the first time, every time.


• Most of the people I interact with are inherently good, they just struggle with telling the truth.


• Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you.


• You can never have enough flashlights with you at night.


• Having a good knife on you is a good. Having another one is even better.


• Never get lazy about cleaning your weapons. Even glocks need to be cleaned regularly.


• Fewer and fewer kids think the cops are the good guys, when you meet one who does, do everything you can to maintain that belief.


• Fitness shouldn't end after the academy is over. Training is a way of life that does not end.


• The night you don't have your traffic gear with you is the night that the big intersection will go out.


• When you're the new guy, you can do almost anything once.


• No booty on duty despite what your significant other will tell you.


• The media is always listening to your radio traffic.


• When you're the new guy you get pranked and teased a lot. But only if they like you.


• In this job nothing is given to you for free, you will work for everything you get. You will earn any sleep you manage to get.

I'm still enjoying being a peace officer. I love my job and the people I work with. It's been a massive sacrifice all around for us to get to where we are but I really do feel like Mrs. Fuzz and I are a team. A very tired team.