Craig Markham is an experienced law enforcement officer, having
served as part of the Waterloo Regional Police Service for thirteen
years. He still remembers what it was like to be a rookie on the force
and he understands that there are a number of common mistakes that
people make when they first start out in their careers as police
officers. The below are some of the more common blunders that should be
avoided.
Acting Like You Know Everything
While good training will provide you with a very solid foundation on which to build, you should never enter a law enforcement role with the thought that you know it all. Not only may this lead to conflicts with your fellow officers, but it may make you less inclined to learn from those who have more experience than you.
Not Asking Questions
Following on from the previous point, many rookies make the mistake of not asking questions about issues when they are unsure. If you are unable to find answers through your own research, you should make it a point to ask somebody with more experience, particularly when it comes to following correct procedures. Be patient and don’t be afraid to ask if you find yourself struggling.
Focusing On Mistakes
Craig Markham points out that law enforcement officers are human and that they will occasionally make mistakes. It is important that rookies don’t focus too much on any blunders they make and instead work to improve so that they don’t make them again. Concentrating too much on errors often leads to a loss of focus and more mistakes.
Acting Like You Know EverythingWhile good training will provide you with a very solid foundation on which to build, you should never enter a law enforcement role with the thought that you know it all. Not only may this lead to conflicts with your fellow officers, but it may make you less inclined to learn from those who have more experience than you.
Not Asking Questions
Following on from the previous point, many rookies make the mistake of not asking questions about issues when they are unsure. If you are unable to find answers through your own research, you should make it a point to ask somebody with more experience, particularly when it comes to following correct procedures. Be patient and don’t be afraid to ask if you find yourself struggling.
Focusing On Mistakes
Craig Markham points out that law enforcement officers are human and that they will occasionally make mistakes. It is important that rookies don’t focus too much on any blunders they make and instead work to improve so that they don’t make them again. Concentrating too much on errors often leads to a loss of focus and more mistakes.
