Week 10—Recruit Steinmetz

Week 10 is done and for me it was the most exhausting week so far. The week started a little different because we did not have an exam. Then, on Tuesday, we were back to normal schedule as we were able to review the arrest control techniques we have been learning. At the gun range we continued practicing our combat and technical reloads. We also got to run through the test we will need to complete for the POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) exam at the end of the academy. While the test has no room for error (all 25 shots must be on target) most of the recruits passed on their first try. 

Wednesday was a great day.  After a morning of classroom lecture we faced our second round of the fit test. This was the first workout we ever did as an academy class and completing it a second time showed us how much we have improved. Congratulations to Recruit Alonso for making the biggest improvement. 

After our workout we were released so we could return later in the evening for Family Night. It was very strange leaving the academy in the middle of the day and getting home five hours sooner than normal.

Amidst the many hours of criminal code, arrest control, gun range, and all of our other lessons, one thing I have definitely learned is that law enforcement, as a whole, is one big family. From starting out as strangers in the beginning of the academy, we have all become brothers and sisters. This is why Family Night was so important to me. It gave us a chance to meet the families that make up the other recruits. I would like to thank Dr. Nicoletti for coming to speak to everyone of what it means to have law enforcement in the family and ways to handle some of the stress that comes with the job. 

On Thursday we were faced with scenarios in which we were tested with everything we have learned up to this point about contacting pedestrians, making arrests, and discussing about what charges to impose.  These days are critical because we need to fail. Saying that may sound weird, but when we fail in a controlled environment we can immediately learn from our mistakes. The biggest thing I took away from the day was that I need to be more decisive and confident in myself and my abilities.

We wrapped up the week with a good ole’ Colorado weather change as the snow storm in the morning caused delays all over the state.  As we all arrived safely and tried to warm up before class we were able to enjoy a breakfast put together by our Class Leader Recruit DeVito.  We finished the day with a lecture on serious crimes that I found incredibly interesting.

 

While most people will be huddled around their television this weekend watching March Madness, I (along with many other recruits) will be studying for the upcoming exam on Monday, practicing reloads, and shining my boots.  Week 11 marks the halfway point in the academy.  It is amazing how fast everything has gone but I am excited to continue to learn every day and keep grinding it out till the end. 

Week 8—Recruit Steinmetz

Week 8 started off great. The entire class passed the test on Monday and we went straight into learning about identity theft. Following our normal schedule, we had arrest control and gun range practice on Tuesday and Thursday. 

The thing I like most about these days is not necessarily shooting our duty weapons or rolling around on the wrestling mats (however I must admit both are outrageously fun). I appreciate each of these days as they are opportunities for me to learn key aspects of what it means to be able to do our job safely. 

Each instructor has different methods of teaching arrest techniques and firearm practice, but there is one thing that remains constant.  We are learning from the best officers each participating department has to offer.  When my best friend asked me what I thought of the academy I told him, “We are learning at the Ivy League of academies.” 

Simply put, we are receiving the highest level of education there is. I am incredibly grateful to be learning from such experienced and intuitive instructors.

On Wednesday we had another round of report writing where our scenario was to respond to a situation where a person might need to be brought in on an M-1 hold (mental health hold). These situations involve determining if a subject is a danger to themselves or others or if they can even take care of themselves.  If it is determined the person is in need of assistance, then we follow procedure to get them help. As we continue to see a rise in mental illness in our society I think the lessons we learn in class will most undoubtedly be useful in the future. I related to this class on a much deeper level due to a family member recently being diagnosed with a mental illness. Learning how to cope with people we encounter on the street will also be helpful for me and my family.

Friday I got to do something I have always wanted to do: become CPR certified. The certification process may be something of second nature and monotonous for some people. I, however, found it fascinating. I think it is so useful to be able to know how to perform a procedure that could save someone’s life. I also think it is another powerful tool we can add to our belt as we become well-rounded law enforcement officers.

As we continue to push forward every day, we become more and more confident in what we are doing. It is remarkable to see some of my classmates--who I met just a short two months ago--begin to develop into charismatic leaders. When I think about what our society needs from law enforcement, I see my fellow classmates. These are the people who will make positive impacts on those they have been entrusted to protect and serve.

I look forward to next week when we begin making pedestrian contacts, practice talking to people and develop our ability to interact with civilians.