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Work Habits of a Good Patrol Officer
The most important lesson I’ve
learned in my criminal justice career is that you have to be prepared to work
patrol.
What do I mean by a statement as
simple as “be prepared”? Review the work habits below to find out.
Learn the Area You Work.
It sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, for most patrol officers, it isn’t. Ask yourself this question: What would happen
if you got a call to back up another officer who is in a physical altercation
with a suspect, and you couldn’t help him or her because you had trouble
finding your way to the scene? I’ve been
on the receiving end of this situation, waiting for backup that never arrived,
and it was dangerous. Get to know your
area!
Know Your Responsibilities.
It is your responsibility to keep
your community safe. To do so, you may
have to learn details about the businesses and high-crime locations in your coverage
area. If you’re required to make checks
of businesses and areas, do so. Also, get
to know the business owners and civilians who live in the area you patrol. Your contacts can provide you with inside information
about criminal activity. Be responsible,
and keep your community safe!
Check Your Equipment.
Equipment may save your life when
you need it most. That’s why I always
make a point to check the equipment that I wear, as well as the equipment in my
patrol car, to ensure it is in proper working order before every shift. I have seen officers come to work and not
have their gun in their holster or bullets in their magazine. Check your equipment to make sure you’re
prepared for any situation!
Continue Training.
Never think you know all there is
to know about your job. I have worked in
the criminal
justice and law enforcement field for 26 years, and I still don’t know it
all. The job and its challenges change every
day. Education and training are
paramount to success. Never forget that
knowledge is the key!
Ricky Melancon
Criminal Justice Instructor
About Ricky
Melancon: Mr. Melancon is an instructor in the Criminal Justice associate’s
degree program at Remington College in Shreveport. His extensive career in criminal justice
spans more than 25 years to date, both in military law enforcement with the
U.S. Air Force and in civilian law enforcement with four agencies in Arkansas
and Louisiana. He’s received “Law Enforcement Specialist of the Year” honors
for two consecutive years from the U.S. Air Force and has been twice named a
“Reserve Officer of the Year” honoree by both Bossier City, LA, and
Jacksonville, AR.
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