Surviving as a Cop: Essential Lessons for Every Officer

Aspiring and seasoned police officers alike will find that survival in the field is not only about physical prowess, but also about mental fortitude. This article delves into the essential lessons that every cop learns, guiding them towards a safer and more successful career in law enforcement.

The First Rule: Always Go Home at the End of Your Shift

The first lesson for any officer is to always aim to go home safely at the end of their shift. This mindset is critical and underlies all other principles learned. Unlike other professions where individuals are often targeted for reasons related to their clothing (e.g., dentists or construction workers), police officers face a unique set of challenges. However, the mindset of prioritizing survival over all else is a universal rule. This mindset ensures that the officer remains alert and focused on liveday operations, realizing the importance of every moment and ensuring their safety in the line of duty (See rule 1).

Rule 1: Go home at the end of your shift. This means always maintaining a focus on the task of staying alive. This is the most crucial lesson an officer learns, and it is essential for a long and successful career in law enforcement.

Your Department's Expectations

Understanding your department’s expectations is key to your career success. From the beginning of your career, there are certain fundamentals you should be prepared to master. Here are some essential skills and knowledge that every officer needs to know:

1. Use and Maintain Your Police Radio

The police radio is your most valuable tool. Ensuring it is functioning properly and remains fully charged is crucial. This tool enables communication with your department and is often the key to getting help when needed (See rule 1).

2. Memorize Your Exact Location and Identification of Cover

Knowing where your nearest cover is and being aware of your precise location can be the difference between life and death. If someone is trying to harm you, your location and knowledge of cover can mean the difference between survival and injury (See rule 1).

3. Wear Your Body Armor and Vest

No matter the weather, wearing your body armor and vest, preferably level IIIA with a plate, is absolutely essential. This armor can save your life in the event of an attack (See rule 3).

4. Collaborate with Your Family and Friends for Off-Duty Safety

Teach those around you how to act in the event of an off-duty incident. Instead of yelling "He's a police officer!", instruct them to look for the nearest cover. Communication and preparedness are key in ensuring everyone's safety during an emergency (See rule 5).

5. Assess Every Scene with Caution

Never assume that a seemingly routine scene is not critical. Due diligence and thorough assessment are fundamental to ensuring your safety (See rule 5).

6. Maintain Appropriate Life Insurance

Having life insurance—updated and current—is a practical step towards securing your financial future in case of unexpected circumstances. Share this information with your insurance provider to ensure they are aware of your career and any associated risks (See rule 6).

7. Cultivate a Mindset of Self-Protection

Maintaining a safe distance from aggressive individuals is critical. The closer a suspect or suspect-like individual is to you, the greater the likelihood of bodily harm or worse (See rule 7).

8. Prepare to Use Alternatives when Necessary

If you are equipped with different weapons, always be prepared to use an alternative when needed. Knowing how to use a partner's weapon can be a matter of life and death (See rule 8).

The Power of Kindness in Policing

Besides technical skills, an officer’s interpersonal skills are just as vital. Treating criminals with kindness and respect often yields better outcomes, including voluntary confessions and cooperation (See rule 10).

Many officers have witnessed situations where criminals, despite making the wrong choices, were more likely to confess due to the respectful treatment they received. A cop's role is to uphold the law and safety of the community, but doing so with respect can lead to better community relations and a safer environment for all.

Conclusion: Being a cop is more than just a job; it's a way of life that requires constant learning, adaptation, and resilience. These essential lessons not only prepare officers for their duties but also help them build a foundation for a long and fulfilling career in law enforcement. Remember, the primary goal is to stay safe, and to do that, you must always go home at the end of your shift and approach every scene with the mindset of self-preservation and mutual respect.