1.
YOUR ATTITUDE
If you fail to keep your mind on the job while on patrol or you carry
problems from home into the field, you will start to make errors. It can
cost you or other fellow officers their lives. Are you wearing your
bullet resistant armor? It could save your life.
2. TOMBSTONE
COURAGE
No one doubts that you are courageous. But
in any situation where time allows wait for the backup. There are few
instances where alone, unaided you should try and make a dangerous
apprehension.
3. NOT ENOUGH
REST
To do your job you must be alert. Being
sleepy or asleep on the job is not only against regulations but you
endanger yourself, the community and all your fellow officers.
4. TAKING A BAD
POSITION
Never let anyone you are questioning or
about to stop get in a better position than you and your vehicle. There
is no such thing as a routine call or stop. They are all "unknown risk"
calls or stops.
5. DANGER SIGNS
As a lawman you will get to recognize
danger signs . Movements, strange cars, warnings that should alert you
to watch your step and approach with caution. Know your beat, your
community and watch for what is out of place.
6. FAILURE TO
WATCH HANDS OF A SUSPECT
Is he or she reaching for a weapon or
getting ready to strike you? Where else can a potential killer strike
but from his or her hands?
7. RELAXING TOO
SOON
The rut of false alarms that are
accidentally set off. Walking in and asking if the place is being held
up. Observe the activity. Never take any call as routine, or just
another false alarm. Its your life on the line.
8. IMPROPER USE
OR NO HANDCUFFS
Once you have made an arrest handcuff the
prisoner and do it properly. See that the hands that can kill are safely
cuffed.
9. NO SEARCH OR
POOR SEARCH
There are so many places to hide weapons
that your failure to search is a crime against fellow officers. Many
criminals carry several weapons and are able and prepared to use them
against you.
10. DIRTY OR
INOPERATIVE WEAPON
Is your firearm clean? Will it fire?
How about the ammo? When did you last fire so that you can hit a target
in combat conditions? What's the sense of carrying any firearm that may
not work?