Frequently, I get questions from readers about what they should do when starting their career. That is often an open door for a lengthy conversation. After getting this question again, I thought I would give a starter list with some details. No, this is not a complete list because every officer and situation is unique. So, let’s get started.
1. Pay attention in the Academy
Your academy experience will lay a strong foundation of learning for your entire career. Learn to perform correctly, for having to ‘re-learn’ a skill later is time wasted. My favorite statement to an academy trainee is “get your life in order”, you do not want any distractions during this time. This is not the time to get into relationship issues, get married on the weekend or trips to Vegas. Spend your time well in your academics and physical readiness. No, I do not want you to live like you are at a monastery but close to it. Focus!
2. Pay more attention to your Field Training Officer (FTO)
Your field training time is the presentation of lessons learned in the academy, exemplified with your applications. This is also the time to learn your rules, regulations and other administrative processes. Also invest in learning about your benefits and how to maximize them. If you are in a union, meet with your steward to teach you the ‘union way’ in case you need its help.
3. Training opportunities
Anytime you can attend training that will sharpen your skills – go! Sometimes you can grab a class seat on your day off. Never pass up on training even if it is on your personal time and not overtime. There could be a few vacant seats at an academy offering, may not sound interesting but it could benefit your skillsets later, so attend it. It is developing your skills here. As you develop, you may take an interest in investigations, traffic accident reconstruction or the tactical team; do not wait until you get the assignment to train for it. Prepare now and make yourself a better candidate for when the opportunity avails itself.
4. Invest in training
There may be some training offerings where you may have to pay for your admittance. If it is good quality training and you want it, then invest in yourself. This is your career, and you should help shape it. Not every department has a deep training budget for non-academy or non-POST offerings. Review the training you are considering, ensuring it will be worth your financial and personal investment.
5. Invest in quality equipment
Your department will not pay for everything you need. Weigh out the ‘needs’ verses the ‘wants’. A young officer going to a ‘cop shop’ will buy everything that is nicky-neat and tacticool if you let them. Weigh out your purchases and do not be pennywise and pound foolish, invest in quality from the start. It is YOUR money and life we are talking about here. Consult your FTO to make sure it is authorized by your department. Equipment that can make a difference is not the time to scrimp on a cheaper alternative. Sunglasses for instance, get an optic quality with UV protection, not the gas station $5 pair, they are for your eyes after all.
6. Start a personal savings plan
Not knowing your current financial state, please ensure that you have a financial wellness plan. Pay off those debts, watch the spending, and save some money. Soon there will be a time you will want to purchase a home. Build in an emergency savings plan for the unexpected events of life. I do not care how young you are, start a retirement plan as well. You will need to supplement your department’s retirement plan.
7. Don’t trust just any officer (especially around promotion time)
When you enter this brotherhood/sisterhood, a novice may be too trusting to every cop that they meet. Yes, we have a few bad apples within the walls of the department. Never let your guard down and never, ever lose your ethics. You worked hard for that shiny shield you wear, do not tarnish it.
8. Be Patient—I will refer you to a prior article of mine
Wanting to be a Veteran Officer: It Can't Be Rushed from Jan 19, 2024. Your experience or exposure to Policeland cannot be fast forwarded. You cannot ride all the exciting calls; this takes time for you to become a seasoned veteran. It will come and your patience will be rewarded. Those who have pushed themselves often find regrets and develop a muddied reputation.
9. Start a resume (vita)
Sounds silly at first but there are real reasons to do so. One as you begin to attend court the district attorney will need to present you as an experienced officer – so start one with training updates. Of course, some first-time jobs do not pan out so you will need to have a resume/vita ready if you apply to another department.
10. Invest time with your family
Mandatory shift assignments, lack of seniority, training and court time will take you away from family moments. You will miss a lot that a parent should probably attend, that is the way it is so deal with those. However, when you can waive off overtime to make a recital or game, do it. One day you will look around and family moments have eluded you. There are sometimes in life, this will mean more to you than chasing that next promotion.
This was the quick top ten and not prioritized nor a complete list by any means. I could have added invest in your health and stay fit. You should also include some self-help, devotional and/or “me time” to deal with the stress on your mental well-being from this vocation. Your first few years are the formative ones which require a lot from you. I wish you all success.
William L. Harvey | Chief
William L. "Bill" Harvey is a U.S. Army Military Police Corps veteran. He has a BA in criminology from St. Leo University and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute of the University of Louisville (103rd AOC). Harvey served for over 23 years with the Savannah (GA) Police Department in field operations, investigations and completed his career as the director of training. Served as the chief of police of the Lebanon City Police Dept (PA) for over seven years and then ten years as Chief of Police for the Ephrata Police Dept (PA). In retirement he continues to publish for professional periodicals and train.
