03/23/2023
Advice from an old officer…
We have all seen it. The tough officer. You know, you are the one that is stronger than the normal person. You can go on two hours’ sleep, fight five guys at one time, eat the worst foods, run like a gazelle, and shoot a gnat at 100 yards - from the hip. You are independent and don’t need to rely on anyone else. You are that strong. Nothing bothers you. And…you make a ton of money.
Now, back to the real world. First – officers are human. Tough, but human. Sorry officers, but you are flesh and blood, just like the rest of the world. You have emotions and feelings, you need rest, your strength and speed are limited, as is your aim. What you do have is grit, and lots of it. Most of the time, you can encounter the worst of the human element and still have the self-discipline to continue doing your job. Good. But remember, you are still human.
Secondly, officers don’t get into their jobs to make a lot of money. Maybe you got into it to help people, to right the wrongs in society or maybe you just needed a job. If you are getting into this line of work to get rich, get over it…or look somewhere else.
The work doesn’t help. Shift work, the demand on you, always eating on the go, working extra to make ends meet, dealing with everyone else’s problems while still dealing with your own. You are expected to fight one moment and listen to someone’s story the next. It ain’t easy.
Over the years, officers were considered weak if they sought help, or engaged in activities that helped them emotionally. They were expected to hang out with other officers, away from their families on their days off. Thank goodness that stigma is beginning to change.
As I look back on my career in Corrections and Law Enforcement, there are six pieces of advice that I can tell you will be to your benefit to adopt, or at least consider.
1. Adopt good eating habits. This includes drinking a lot of water, which keeps you hydrated. Ensure most of your diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
2. Get enough rest. Sleep 6-8 hours a day. Create an appointment in your planner for sleep and stick to it.
3. Exercise regularly. This includes strength training and cardio. It doesn’t have to be long. 20 minutes of cardio is acceptable. Do this at least two days a week. Three is better.
4. Make your family a priority. Your family needs YOU. I have heard many officers over the years say that they have to work more to give the family more money. They don’t need money as much as they need you to be with them. Take your spouse on a date. Go to your kids’ ball games. Remember, in a few short years, your department won’t need you anymore. Your co-workers will be gone, and the new officers won’t even know you. For the rest of your life, it is family. Don’t ever forget that.
5. Invest your money. Most people in their 20s don’t think about retirement. After all, its about a million years away, right? Wrong. It is right around the corner. Invest part of your income each payday. Even a little will make a difference. You may think, “But I can’t afford to!” The truth is you can’t afford not to! And don’t wait until you have enough money. That will never happen. The kicker? The sooner you start, the more it will pay off – a lot more!
6. Invest in you. Schedule time for you. It is good for your mental health. Get a hobby. Work with kids, read…enjoy yourself. Don’t wait until you retire…you might never get there.
Now don’t get me wrong. I kept up with some of this advice myself during my career, but not all. I wish I had. But the right stuff I did has paid off many times over. Remember, your job is to make a difference. So make a difference, to your community, but mostly to your family and to yourself.
