Whats it like being a rookie Cop?

Question

Yes, I am a rookie Police Officer and I was wondering what are the normal symptons that come along with this status. My first day as a sworn Police Offcer, I felt very overwhelmed, nervous, a bit scared, almost like all my school and training could not have prepared well enough me for my first day on the job. Is this normal to be feeling this way and how soon or how long will it take for me to be comfortable with dealing with emergency situations, along with department staff and being confident in my decesion making.

Please feel free to explain how you felt as a rookie, and if you are a rookie please decribe some of your feelings of your first day, week, month.

Answer 1

First thing,RELAX.Every copper feels the same things u r.Hopefully u will get hooked up w/ a couple of good FTO's.They can make the difference. The academy was good training but your real training begins now. The best thing u can do is listen."Better to say nothing and have them think you are stupid than open your mouth and prove it".You have signed on to the best profession in the world.The FTO's are not going to feed you to the wolves. Your confidence will grow w/ each day. You will be accepted by your co-workers easily IF u come across right,don't be a know it all.Keep your ears open and your mouth shut.I have been a FTO for 9 yrs and nothing pisses me off more than a "know it all" little **** who just got on the job.Be open to criticism.You are going to make mistakes,LEARN from them.Ask questions,write things down if u have to.Be confident w/out being cocky. Remember ,relax,have fun but listen,the guys might mess w/ u but this usually means they like you.(or they are trying to c how u react).

Answer 2

Rookie Cop

Answer 3

my hubby is a cop, He felt pretty much the same as you, yes it will get better, and no anything you learned in the academy doesn't prepare you for what really happens on the road! He's been an officer for about 3 years now, just gotta give it a little time! My hubby took a week to get use to things, a friend of his a few months. it just depends on you! noone can tell you how long it's gonna take for ya to get comfy. with emergency situations, it's different for every person! It's normal to feel how u feel!
My hubby said in an emergency situation, your instincts will kick in and you will be fine and u will know what needs to be done!
Hope that helped, u will be fine!
Be safe out there!
have a good night!!

Answer 4

These feelings are normal when I first started I would be in my car trying to think what I should do in every possible scenario. In time I learned to relax and answer the calls as they come. You will eventually get the feeling for dealing with people. It can be stressful , because when we are called there is usually a problem. Don't get discouraged because it will fall into place. Its the best job in the world and I always enjoy the challenge. You will become the ultimate problem solver. We are often not very popular until there is a problem. You have to remain objective. The guy who cursed you out last week now needs you because he has been assaulted. Its hard at times not to take things personal. A lot of the insults and profanities are aimed at the police and not at you personally. So get ready to do a little of every job in the world to include, plumbing, pest control, mechanics, medical technician, marriage counselor, judge, fireman, youth intervention, elderly care. You never know what job you will do during the course of the day. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I agree with everyone. Don't get too freaked out by it. My first day, week was very intimidating because you are overwhelmed by a world that few people will ever see.

However, your FTO should take you under their wing and show you the ropes. Ask lots of questions, keep your ears and eyes open and it will slowly come to you.

DO NOT let this go to your head and become an *******! As a cop, I hate dealing with other cops who think they are better than everyone else. We are people, just like the rest of society. We do have alot of power. It sounds cheesy, but its true "with great power comes great responsibility.

Oh yeah, don't shoot anybody for a week or two.

Answer 6

Whatever department you end up with will set the rules what you carry. I always liked S&W best though there is a great Glock following out there. Somehow, I just never wanted a plastic gun. The study I read listed too many microscopic cracks in the plastic after 1000 rounds. I had a Beretta which was a great 9 mil. Foolishly sold it to an academy cadet who needed a handgun to get through. I still like Beretta though you have to be aware of the officer safety issue with the slide. The MOST important thing is to find a handgun you feel comfortable with. It's got to fit into your hand like it was meant to be.

Answer 7

Being a rookie cop is similar to being a veteran cop, it includes a feeling of being just sodomized that you will yearn to pass on to the public. In any case don't worry your training has taught you all you need to know, hence "training". The best suggestion you can get is to stay human, don't let these insecurities lead to a power complex that will ruin yours and countless others lives.

Also school zone traffic laws are not enforced on school holidays!(I had a rook pull me over on MLK, it probably ruined his day)

Answer 8

Awwwww sweetheart! You sound so scared....dont worry about a thing baby doll. I am sure that once you get accostumed to the routine and get comfortable with your co-workers you'll be fine. You cant expect to enter a brand new work area and automatically know what to do or say. Its NORMAL to feel scared and insecure. Trust me once you get going and know the routine i bet you will be one of the best of the best. Its just like the first day of school.....you dont know where to go you dont have that any friends but once you get rolling you think...wow this is a bowl of cherries! Why was i so scared? Goodluck baby and dont worry too much. Just do what feels right honey! Take care.

Answer 9

I don't like saying this, but people WILL hate you. People simply just hate cops. Get used to it. It's part of being a cop.

Answer 10

actually no, if you went though the academy and have a good field training officer, you should feel normally like a supper hero and you are going to save the world.

If you worry about your choices now you will always worry about them most likely