As I handed in my shield at my retirement ceremony, I was filled with emotion after 26 years of service. I consider myself exceptionally fortunate: I was never severely injured, I remained married, and to the best of my knowledge, I am still relatively normal (though that’s debatable).
Just as important, as I handed my shield to my Major, I had absolutely no regrets. My career was everything I had hoped for and more. I wanted to be a police officer since the age of four (see the photo below). It didn’t go exactly as I had envisioned, but by following sage advice and keeping a careful eye on how I wanted this chapter of my life to unfold, I can honestly say I am filled with gratitude and reflect fondly on my active law enforcement career. I believe the American police officer holds the greatest profession in the world, and I would like to impart five actionable items to help you lead an exceptional professional life as a police officer.
1. Master the art of road patrol
I perpetually hear new officers or those considering becoming officers fast-forwarding to wanting to be a detective, a canine officer, a SWAT officer, or a sergeant or lieutenant. Planning ahead is good, but skipping ahead is not. All these roles hinge on your mastery of road patrol.
Consider reading Robert Greene’s book “Mastery” and applying his principles to become a master in this realm. All your future plans hinge on your mastery of being an excellent patrol officer. I have observed many bosses who did not know what they were doing, lacked the respect of the rank and file, and compensated for those deficiencies in various ways because they knew deep down they were not experts at the work they were overseeing. I’ve seen plenty of detectives who had never experienced a felony hearing, a jury trial, or even testified in court as a patrolman, now finding themselves applying for search warrants or being tasked with sensitive investigations.
As for me, I spent 16 years in uniform: four years as a patrolman with the Atlanta Police Department and 12 years as a road trooper with the New York State Police. Some special assignments were sprinkled in, but the majority of that time was spent answering 911 calls, proactively building criminal cases, testifying in court and mastering the skill of patrol. This was the best decision I ever made, as I never had imposter syndrome when I became a supervisor, and rarely did a scenario present itself where I had to ask one of my detectives to do something I hadn’t already done.
2. Look sharp, act sharp and be sharp
I am stealing this line from the TV series “Southland.”
Look sharp: In my experience, the most disgruntled officers I worked with were the most unfit and did not take pride in their appearance. My guess is they did not feel good about themselves and projected that dissatisfaction at work.
Act sharp: They did not project confidence because they refused to continue learning. When met with something new, they didn’t know the answer and acted like jerks instead of mastering the situation. It is much easier to call something stupid or a waste of time than to find a way to persevere.
Be sharp: Striving for mastery with a keen eye on growth and learning will showcase your evolving skill set in ways that will be noticed by not only the public but also your peers.
3. No risk it, no biscuit
I borrowed this from NFL coach Bruce Arians. I am not suggesting you be reckless with your officer safety or cavalier with your department’s rules and regulations, but rather, keep an eye out for adventure.
I remember attending the New York State Police Academy, where I resided for six months. Recruits from yesteryear had left advice written on index cards secreted in each room’s Bible. The first card I located stated, “Don’t finish first, don’t finish last, and never volunteer for anything.” Don’t be this guy/girl. Live a purpose-filled work life that you can be proud of.
4. Be selfless in service
Consider dedicating a chapter or two of your career to work involving child exploitation, sexual assault, or domestic violence. Once you have achieved mastery in patrol, these specialty units can be very taxing but, in my opinion, the most rewarding. Nothing compares to bringing perpetrators of child abuse, sexual assault, or child exploitation to justice. You will never forget these arrests; they are my most memorable and satisfying.
5. Have an eye on your ending, and make sure it is on your terms
I had more gas in the tank. I felt as though I was at a mastery level in investigations, and I was supervising the best unit in my agency. I had been awarded Supervisor of the Year and felt like I was on top. But I learned a long time ago that leaving on top is not always guaranteed. Like John Elway or Jerome Bettis in football, leaving on top was very important to me, and I felt like I did that. I have no regrets.
In conclusion, the American police officer holds the greatest profession in the world. It can be political, unfair and daunting at times. However, please consider utilizing these five steps and writing your chapter within this amazing profession. The ending is sooner than you think — you won’t regret it!
NEXT: Watch this video to learn from Gordon Graham about crafting a lasting legacy in policing, ensuring your career has a positive and enduring impact.
