It was recently suggested that I had forgotten what it was like to be a police officer. It was not the time to defend myself, the comment came from someone hurting.
It got me thinking though, have I forgotten?
When I question a tactic used by police it is not an attack on them, it is to offer a different perspective.
Here is what it was like for me as a police officer:
1. I joined the police for job security – I was in construction at the time which is affected by many uncontrollable external factors.
2. I was older and had no qualifications – I had to work harder than most to make the 80% minimum benchmark in the physical and academic entry assessments.
3. Police College was lonely – being away from family was heartbreaking, leaving a wonderful wife & 3 beautiful children for 5 months.
4. Probationary period - for the next two years I was scrutinised by my colleagues, by my supervisor and by the organisation.
5. You see the worst – continuously sent to incidents that were confronting, horrific, emotional and relentless.
6. The extremes of people – I saw the best and worst of people, mostly the worst.
7. My entire life changed – sleep habits, eating habits, family routines, the ability to relax, everything changed. The ‘job’ became everything and I lost perspective.
8. Family connections and commitments were lost – Birthdays, get-togethers, weddings, funerals and special occasions. So many were missed due to work.
9. Irreproachable conduct, 24/7 – police officers face relentless scrutiny in their work and personal lives.
10. Split-second judgements – Decisions must be made in the blink of an eye, which are then judged by others without that same pressure.
11. Policing is bloody hard – Like so many colleagues, I suffered the effects of burnout and depression for several years while continuing to work.
12. I became cynical – Trust no one, trust nothing, only trust in yourself.
13. Retirement was scary - I felt lost, and fearful of the future. Job security no longer a comfort, the uniform not there as a shield.
14. I had changed - policing changed me, that my behaviour affected others, I had become aware that life is so fragile.
15. My biggest regret - I should have spent more time with family and friends. It’s just a job and it will continue without me there!
I am so proud to have been a police officer. I joined for personal reasons and left for personal reasons, yet my time in the police was spent trying to make a difference for others.
I will never forget this wonderful opportunity I had, the police made me who I am today. I hope that it is a better person than I once was.
For those who are considering joining the police, go for it. You will learn so much about yourself and about others.
You can leave the police but the police never leaves you.
A final thought - Hug your loved ones often, live life to the fullest, always do your best, never give up on your dreams and never take life for granted.
Let’s talk!
We Never Forget What It Was Like!