SMALL TOWN POLICING

As seen through the eyes of a veteran police officer, your neighbor. I m retired from a major metropolitan law enforcement environment. After retiring, like so many of my colleagues I took on part time employment usually with smaller departments who didn't have the budget for full time officers. Like larger departments all officers are required to be certified by the state and obtain continued education and training

to keep your license current. My general observations as seen through my position:.

Pro's: Minimum state requirements have to be met, experienced officers (Mostly), Easy on small town budgets with limited tax base, Limited personal benefits, Potential for more personalized enforcement, Previous discharged under honorable circumstances

Cons: Some times officers retire under less than desirable conditions, Misconduct / asked to leave or be fired, Medical Issues / Unfit. Other characteristics to be aware of.

The Good Old Boy Syndrome: Hiring friends, family members, favoritism. Biased, prejudice policing.

Its important to note that the majority of policeman are honest, ethical fair minded professionals who hold their position to the highest regards in serving their community. New officers present a crisp, sometimes aggressive demeanor, mostly due to lack of experience and or confidence. They will need to be molded and influenced to obtain the frame of mind that we are all on the same side with a common goal and support community, family safety and public welfare. Being honest, at first having newly found authority can be a power trip. Giving the different situations we are placed in such as good vs evil, right over wrong, offenders vs victim, we are expected to uphold the law under dyer circumstances, so that authoritative state of mind is needed to protect the life of you and I. Our tools, verbal judo (#1), Hands on, mace, taser, police dog and deadly force. Our best approach / policy treat others the way you would like to be treated. 99% of the time this attitude resulted in a peaceful, non violent result.

In conclusion, small towns can benefit by hiring part time police or retired police from other agencies. My suggestion is to hire a third party firm to conduct the background investigation on all new employees. It may save on an expensive law suit and headaches down the line. This is the opinion of your neighbor behind the badge, Officer Friendly.