Originally Posted by
UNM1136
It works both ways, too.
My agency just started hiring recruits again, after a very long time hiring laterals only.
Using radio traffic on traffic stops as an exaple, one of the things that takes these newbies forever to learn is difference being sooner on the radio, rather than faster on the radio. Most new guys see a violation, get up behind the vehicle, turn on their overheads, call dispatch, then try to give location and plate as the driver stops. It can be like listening to the Chipmunks' Christmas album on 78rpm...On a very low stress traffic stop. You can hear them rev up as the get a little overwhelmed by everything they are trying to remember to do.
I demo see the violation, grab the mic, ensure you know here you are, make the initial call to dispatch then hit the overheads with the hand holding the mic. By the time the driver stops I am usually finishing calling out the stop.
Small steps, thinking ahead, processing as you go in an attempt to reduce your cognitive load while accomplishing what needs to be done.
Another thing I teach is to challenge someone you use "Police! Don't Move!". The initial challenge covers my identity and gives a lawful order. Then I can guage compliance. If I get compliance, or even indifference, I can slow myself down and think about what my next command should be. Allows clear, nonconflicting commands, and allows me to reconsider/reevaluate comms with other officers and positioning.
Only partially relevant, but what I immediately thought of, since I literally had both of those discussions earlier this week.
pat