Monday, November 30, 2009

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.

13 comments:

Commchick said...

Congratulations to the two of you, and good luck. Watch your six even when you're not on duty, and always remember to tell the Mrs. how special she is to you.

911 and the Randomness.. said...

Awesome job! Congrats!
The on duty booty will come later... ;)

Slamdunk said...

Congrats! Now you can be the prankster...

Anonymous said...

"Most of the people I interact with are inherently good, they just struggle with telling the truth." And that's just your co-workers, right? :)

Great observations... all valuable lessons. Though I disagree with the booty on duty. As long as it's your significant other and in your own home, a break's a break.

Congratulations on coming off probation, though I get the idea it's just a small milestone in what will be a prosperous career.

Meadowlark said...

Congrats!!!
Husband's dept is 18 months, btw.

LOL on the "no booty on duty" :)

mrsofficer said...

LOL love all the tips! Yes prankstars all around the dept!I cant even tell you the things my husband has done lol Thats very interesting on the newlywed rough sex haha and NO booty on duty,lol CONGRATS FOR YOU NO MORE PROBATION YAY but yes you all are at will! Keep up the good work, hug the Mrs. she isyour biggest supporter

Anonymous said...

wow. I cannot believe that it has been six months since you graduated and started your new career!! I clearly remember when Mrs. Fuzz had the countdown on her blog and referred to herself as a soon-to-be cop's wife.

Congratulations to BOTH of you for this milestone.

And I would have to say it depends on what you mean by on duty. When my husband is on call for an entire weekend, only patrolling part of the time, I figure my time alone at home with him is fair game. I'd say no booty on duty when you are in uniform and out and about in the community for sure though. No sex in the squad car! It's not worth it.

TM said...

Congratulations! Those are some good tips to take into consideration. Thank you for them. I hope you get to enjoy being off of probation now :) Keep up the great work.

Captain Tightpants said...

Congrats as well sir - well done. I've enjoyed watching you and your wife write about your experiences and look forward to more.

You have obviously learned your lessons well and I have no doubt you will continue to be a fine officer sir. Glad to have you among the ranks.

OrdinaryLife said...

Congrats! The sacrifice totally pays off! :) But the tiredness doesn't really go away.....

My husband's agency keeps new hires on probation for a year. During that time the Sheriff can fire them for whatever reason - or for no reason at all. After they are released from probation, a merit board (comprised of community members) has to approve all hirings & firings. It's a layer of protection for the deputies....that way a newly elected Sheriff can't come in and "clean house."

Unknown said...

Congrats! awesome news. My DH has been out on the street for almost 2years now, and he is always telling me how much he loves his job. And you are so right about you and your wife being a team!

RD said...

Congrats

Natalie said...

Awesome reflections!

One thing my hubs found out while being the newbie was that even if you don't drink coffee, the new guy has to buy the filters and sometimes the brew. He thinks it tastes like butt and sticks to Pepsi for his caffeine intake.

And we both still feel like greenies in the LEO world, and it's been two years. I wonder when we'll feel like veterans?!