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.