Police Explorer Program.

So I just called in and signed up for the local police explorer program. I'm pretty excited and ready to see what kind of the stuff I'm going to do and learn. Should be fun. I told them that I'm heading for Sheriff work though and said if they had anything available at the Sheriff Dept. by my house, they said they would have to call and check in with him. But yeah, I'm pretty excited and wanted to share the news.

Figured it would be good training while I'm young, and maybe good credential for when Im trying to get into the academy.

It's a mixed blessing. You have to understand Law enforcement is extremely political.

Being a teen ager you will "play" some. You will do silly and foolish things as we all have done in our youths. You will cause people to be burned, reputations to be tarnished, etc.

Those mistakes can be costly. Some people never live, learn, and forget. As you get older, finish school, and enter the academy someone who has a grudge against you can hold you back.

I am not trying to dissuade you from your noble quest; However, I am trying to advise you to tread carefully, mind your words carefully, always be respectful---even when the other perosn isn't deserving of it, and to be politically aware of your surroundings at all times.

Lastly, don't always react immediately to situations....step back, think it out, consult with mentors, and then take action based on logic, not emotion.

These are lessons I have learned the hard way...I have made many many mistakes in my past, burned bridges, and hurt other careers because I did the very things I am asking you not to do or to be wary of. These are not pearls of wisdom gleaned from some old man on a mtn, but rather expensive, true life lessons learned the hard way.

Trust me, help a person and you will be forever regarded with warmth and appreciation; insult ot hurt a person and you will be forever hunted by them until you are destroyed by them.

_________________
River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

The S.L.P.D. has an excellent Explorer program. Keep your head on right and you will learn a lot that will help you in the future.

Good luck!!!

I started at an explorers program....15 yrs old. Cheers. Good luck.

Rick

_________________
Ricardo "STEEL" Zambujo
(Southern New Jersey Region)
S.O.R.A. Certified NJ Security Guard

Former Military Honorable / Medical (Retired for Life)
U.S. Army / Fort Knox / 1-81 Armor / 19-D Cavalry Armored Reconnaissance Scout

Former Firefighter (New Jersey)
Former Bounty Hunter (New Jersey)
Georgia State Certified Peace Officer #O210022
Certification #PBCO20130210022
Former Georgia State Dept of Corrections - Bootcamp Officer
Former Georgia County Sheriffs Office

Yeah I get what your saying Mindtracker, thanks for the heads up.

And thank you both for the good luck.

i forgot...

mind tracker once i arrive there and all, is it necessary to call the officer teaching the program 'sir' and all that at first, or should i wait?

i know its a stupid question but i want to make a good first expression.

Congrats from me also, Elvin.

It is always considered appropriate to call a person in charge Sir or Ma'am. It shows respect and good manners.

_________________
Kathy Blackshear
Blackshear Investigations
Blackshear Bail Bonds
Sales Associate, Prepaid Legal Services, Inc.
Walsenburg, CO

Proud Member of the AB Reject Club

No such thing as a"dumb" question when in the quest for knowledge.

Geographically, culturally, and socially we have major differences. Being from the South and West using manners 24/7 is habitual with me now. So addressing people with "Sir" or "Ma'am" is a part of my speech pattern.

I have always been taught that exercising good manners, showing respect, tact, consideration, etc are never out of style. So I would advise using them at first and continue to use them until such time as you are instructed not to.

I have addressed many strangers properly, but as our relationship developed, and changed from formal strangers to respected colleagues or even friends, then of course the formalities changed as well.

I hope this answered your question. I know California is vastly different than any other place in the USA.

When I first moved there and began working I was attiring myself in traditional corporate 500 clothing..suits n ties, sportcoats n slacks, wing tip shoes, etc. all typical business attire.

I was then ORDERED to "dress down"...I was too formal for my colleagues. Same thing with my speech, etc.

First time I held a door open for a woman, I was looked upon as a creature from out of space by her.....

Here, traditional manners are our way of life, a part of Southern culture...didn't blend well with the fast n loose lifestyle of Californians.

_________________
River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

Here, Here Mindtracker. I live in the South-East and these things are habit for me also. However, even the South changes. I never thought I would see the day when a teen would chew me out, using words that I don't even use ( and I am a prior sailor, go figure ) for holding a door open and saying "You can go ahead, ma'am"

I do agree that it is best to use these manners with Senior...anybodies, atleast until a relationship established. I say Senior because they can be Senior in experience, age, rank, or whatever. I never say Superior, though. A person may be better than you in one area but you will find they are not in another. This alone, by definition, keeps them from being Superior. No one should ever put that kind of pressure on themself. Society puts enough. That is my Business Ownership Lesson 101, for today.

_________________
********************
Thomas SnoWolf
FRN# 1999
GAPB 20120726
NSIS ST0707
http://www.rocksolidrg.com
"The hero is not the man that acts without fear,
He is the man that acts inspite of fear"