Rookie Week

One down and five to go.

I just finished "free week" with my trainee. The first week designed to let the OIT get accustomed to the job without having the pressure of being graded or evaluated. I tried to cram as much information into his head as I could without overwhelming him. The next five weeks I will be completing a daily evaluation of his performance. If successful, he'll move on to the next phase of training with a different Field Training Officer. My first priority was making sure he stopped calling me, "Sir."

I tried to explain we were both officers and to please call me by my first name. He did his best but the the police academy regiment kicked in a few times as he addressed me as 'Sir' or 'Officer.'

He's a young, athletic kid with a wholesome look and bit of naivete. He has a solid knowledge of radio codes and street locations but lacks the presence, confidence, and control of a seasoned officer. Hopefully, this will improve over time. I can't remember how I felt during my first week as an Officer in Training but I wouldn't be surprised to hear I too, was a nervous timid little spaz. His biggest obstacle so far is spelling.

I know, spelling is not exactly the top priority when bullets are whizzing past you but it is important to be able to document things accurately. I have a feeling 'spell check' software will be my OIT's most trusted companion.

Our first week together was pretty active. We made several arrests for warrants, shoplifting, and aggravated DUI. It was a productive week that seemed to fly by in no time. In short I'd sum up my first week as an FTO as, "so far, so good."