Starting anything from scratch is difficult, no matter how easy or comfortable it may seem from afar. Similarly, when it comes to careers, the difficulty gets doubled. Everything seems new; you have to adjust to the people, rules and regulations, environments, etc. You also have to be careful about making mistakes because you are more likely to do that and there is constant pressure for not doing so. Law enforcement careers come with a unique set of everyday challenges where you learn new things every day. If we talk about police officers specifically, their everyday lives are filled with unexpected twists and turns and challenges that no other profession has. While their experiences are different each day, let’s try to learn about what a typical day in the life of a rookie officer may look like.
The Early Morning Roll Call
A regular day starts with a roll call at the station, where the rookie officer is briefed about his tasks and other important details. The officer is also given updates about recent crimes and which neighborhood he will be patrolling. Now, the extent of these crimes differ from day to day, so one can never be sure what their day is going to be like. Regardless, they have a list of things to do where they have to make sure not a single task gets overlooked.
Patrolling the Streets
Every nook and corner is filled with potential challenges for a new officer. Once the roll call ends, patrolling starts where they have to make sure they assist everything in the assigned area. A rookie officer is also expected to engage with the people in that area during that time to get further information about any suspicious activities or criminals.
Responding to Emergencies
Emergencies are part of the routine in law enforcement careers. It gives you urgency where you have to respond immediately regardless of where you are or whatever is happening. Rookies must quickly take note of the situation, process it, and respond accordingly. Panicking in this situation may make it worse; therefore, it is important to deal with it calmly.
Paperwork and Reporting
Each and everything must be documented in law enforcement because the day doesn’t end without handling paperwork. The accuracy of writing reports is highly appreciated because it helps build cases and provides crucial information about an ongoing investigation. After that, the shift of a rookie officer ends when senior officers mention the good and bad and guide the rookie about improvements, if any.
Conclusion
A day in the life of a rookie policeman is unpredictable and full of learning experiences. From morning briefings to responding to emergencies and writing reports, every moment is a step toward becoming a seasoned officer. It’s a commitment to protect the community and grow into a role of responsibility. If you wish to dig deeper into the life of a rookie and the things they encounter on a daily basis, you’ll surely love “The Double Deuce” by H. Roc Traylor. This book is based on the life of a rookie policeman learning his job and understanding what it entails and what it doesn’t. After completing his military obligations, he seeks an honest way of making a living, never realizing that this job is more than just a job.
Available on Amazon.
