Lessons Learned and Trusting Your Instincts: A Police Officer's Perspective

As a police officer, there are countless lessons one can learn through both successes and failures. Each encounter with the public can lead to a valuable insight, often one that is learned the hard way. In this article, we will explore a series of incidents that taught a patrolman valuable lessons, including the importance of trusting one's instincts while also maintaining a critical awareness of the situation at hand.

The Forcible Entry

My first year as a patrolman was filled with numerous challenges, but there was one experience in particular that stands out as a turning point. I was assigned to assist a pair of officers from a nearby town who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant at a private residence. The scene began in a rather explosive manner. The chief from the neighboring department and a sergeant-like figure were knocking on the door, but the woman who answered the door claimed that the man for whom they were searching was not present.

Without further ado, the chief used his foot to force an entry into the residence, leading to a chase across the house as the woman tried to keep him from continuing. I was unable to assist her in detaining the chief until I managed to catch up and convince him to exit the home. Given the situation, the woman promptly filed a complaint and then initiated a lawsuit against all of us for unauthorized entry into her residence.

The initial defense was that the sergeant-like figure was, in fact, a member of the neighboring department and not just a friend of the chief. However, as the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that the uniformed individual was not an officer at all – he was just a friend of the chief who had masqueraded as such.

The chief vigorously denied any involvement, and our city’s law department did not provide much support. Eventually, the lawsuit was dropped or settled. This experience taught me that while trust in colleagues and superiors is important, nothing should be taken at face value. Deeper investigations and second thoughts are often necessary to ensure that justice is served appropriately.

The Mob Mentality

Trust in others is one thing, but the role of instinct in making rapid decisions is equally paramount. Working in a bar district where alcohol-induced chaos was common, I learned that any reliance on first impressions can lead to misleading conclusions. Drunks or those under the influence often act in ways that are not reflective of their true selves, but rather the influence of alcohol.

On numerous occasions, I found myself dealing with individuals who would become combative when asked to comply with legal requirements. While these encounters could become tense and even dangerous, a solid understanding of crowd management and the ability to de-escalate situations were essential skills. One episode particularly stands out. A Marine asked to be saved from being arrested for disorderly conduct. This Marine, known affectionately as Marcus, would often step in to help fellow Marines when they faced similar situations.

One night, while patrolling the area, I received a call indicating that my partners were being attacked by a subject in the street. Swiftly making my way to the scene, I saw my partners in the process of taking individuals into custody. From my position, I maintained a watchful eye on the crowd, awaiting any potential threats or escalation. It was then that I saw Marcus, dressed in his Marine uniform, revealing a pre-assaultive stance and loudly proclaiming his identity.

My initial reaction was confusion and a touch of hurt, as I had been taken off guard. Marcus, recognizing me, showed a flash of awareness and shame. He feigned a retreat, and was seen no more. My reflection on this incident led me to realize that while it's crucial to trust our instincts, it's equally important to re-evaluate situations, often multiple times.

The Importance of Re-Evaluation

The biggest lesson that I learned is that the mob mentality can cloud judgment and amplify conflict. In these scenarios, the public's misconception of the situation often leads to heightened tension, including fights with the crowd joining the fray. It is essential to keep a cool head and be flexible in your approach, recognizing the potential for changing circumstances.

In conclusion, being a police officer is a delicate balance of trust, critical thinking, and the ability to react quickly. It is important to trust one's instincts, but also to re-evaluate and adapt to situations when necessary. Each encounter teaches valuable lessons that can shape future actions, ensuring the safety of both officers and the public.