Posts Tagged ‘videos’

Mar 1206

All in a Day’s Work: Responding to Naked People

Police work demands much of its officers and presents challenges that are unique to the profession. A recent series of unrelated but similar news reports help illustrate this obvious fact. Just in the past week or so, we’ve seen a distinct uptick in the number of “naked men” stories…  What’s with these people?  Meth, in some cases, apparently.   Take this guy, for instance, arrested after tussling with police outside a convenience store. (Note the decisive action of the officers, one of which is a female.)

In other naked news of late:

  • A man wearing only high heels fled police in Minnesota.
  • Police in Arizona were forced to taze a naked man who was threatening his relatives.
  • In South Carolina, a naked man stole a fire truck, killing a pedestrian.
  • In Pennsylvania a naked man entered a Walmart and stole socks before being apprehended by police.  This one even comes with surveillance video:

 

As ridiculous as these scenarios seem, they are, in fact, real and illustrate the “box of chocolates” nature of police work.  Among their diverse skills and abilities, police officers must possess the presence of mind to act decisively, even in the face of nudity … nudity that is often accompanied with drug addled, belligerent behavior.   So, as you’re evaluating your suitability for a law enforcement career, consider your capacity to handle these people.   Confronting the crazies of American society, even when they come without clothes, is a core element of police work.  Do you have what it takes?

Feb 1227

Inside Police Training: Vehicle Operations

One skill (among many!) that is essential for law enforcement officers is the ability safely operate a motor vehicle. Driving — sounds simple enough, right?  Indeed, but cops must be proficient behind the wheel in a variety of situations.  Safety and presence of mind are key, particularly in times of stress.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 97% of training academies offer instruction in vehicle operations, with a median of 40 hours of instruction.  That’s a lot of drive time!

As a cadet, you will learn how to accelerate, brake, turn, and steer in a number of demanding driving scenarios.  Hours of practice take place in a controlled environment so when you hit the streets, you’re well prepared for everything from directed patrols to high speed pursuits.

Here’s a look inside training with the Edmond, Oklahoma, Police Department:

 

More from the Milwaukee Police Department:

 

Feb 1213

It’s Okay to be Gay in Law Enforcement. No, really!

The military isn’t the only profession with growing acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) groups.  Now more than ever law enforcement agencies look to fill their ranks with a diverse officer corps that reflects the population served. Today, diversity goes beyond gender and race to encompass other minority groups, including the LGBT community.

Here’s the bottom line:  Law enforcement requires a unique blend of skills and characteristics, from empathy and intelligence to courage and decisiveness.  These are traits anyone can bring to the table regardless of sexual orientation.  Modern law enforcement is a field that respects and encourages individuality. Being a member of a minority group will not limit your ability to become a law enforcement officer or your chances of career success. Law enforcement is a field where diversity is supported and encouraged.

Consider the following as proof:

  • Friday the San Francisco Police Department released this video featuring more than a dozen gay and lesbian officers and civilian employees, each offering words of encouragement and support to LGBT youth.  The video is part of the “It Gets Better” campaign to end bullying of LGBT youth. Cheers to SFPD for being the first police agency to contribute a video to the project!

 

 

  • While many larger departments have special liaison units that work directly in LGBT communities to investigate and prevent hate crimes, an LGBT officer’s career is not limited to service within these units.  Take for example, Brice, who shares his experience as gay detective and SWAT team member in south Florida. This video is from the You Can Be Anything project, a career exploration website for LGBT youth with testimonials from professionals in a variety of fields, including public safety.

 

 

For more on diversity and law enforcement, including links to support organizations, visit our website.