Thank You
Often when I meet people they are completely taken by surprise when they learn I was a street cop. I just don't 'look' the part. First I was a 'girl'. I am only 5'2", and when I started I weighed in at 125lbs. I had also been married for 6 years and had a child starting first grade. Not your average rookie cop in 1976.
At first there were some who tried to run me off by making my life miserable. Giving me the most difficult and dangerous assignments. There were those who tried to scare off or make me give up. Well they were wrong, failure was not an option. I put in 26 years, 4 months and 13 days. I retired as a patrol sergeant.
But my greatest accomplishment was earning the friendship and respect of my officers. My philosopy was simple, don't ask them to do anything I wouldn't do and expect them to do it right. In order to expect that you have to make sure they have the skills and tools to do it right.
It's simple. Do what you are supposed to do, the way it's supposed to be done, when it's supposed to be done and as though you were doing it for a loved one. If you keep that vision it all takes care of itself. Keep 'officer safety' rules first, maintain your equipment and wear your protective gear.
I kept them on track and out of trouble. They were highly productive. Did quality work. Rendered absolutely superb service to the citizens and did it with compassionate professionalism. I never saw a single officer abuse a prisoner, verbally or physically. They took their responsibility seriously and performed with integrity and courage even in the wee hours when no one was looking over their shoulder.
It's not how they 'appear' when in the public eye, it's how they 'are' as people - when no one is looking, that makes a good cop. I am proud to say every one that worked for me was top notch all the way. And I am proud to say they called me 'mom'.
Well, I have been off the streets since 2002. Friends kept saying 'you should write a book'. I said I didn't think I had a book in me but I sure have a few stories. Then one day I just decided to write one down. Then two. Here I am at 30. They sneak up on me. They are not intended to be vignettes of macho kick ass police work, although I've been to a few. Not exciting pursuits, although I've been in more than a few. Not the solving of hideous crimes, although I have had a couple of those.
No, it's about the daily grind. The way I liked to experience the delight in solving the pickles people find themselves in and how they turned out. There is nothing more interesting to me than people being themselves. Painting themselves into a corner and calling the cops to help them get out without getting paint on their feet! I prefer the lighter side of the job but there are a few cases so sad or outrageous they beg to be shared.
One day I came across the Blogspot and thought I might post a couple of my stories. Wow, the response was immediate. I started this blog on October 26, 2010. I am still learning how to get it right. I have no training in writing anything but traffic tickets, probable cause affidavits and police reports. I have been told my writing style is conversational. I guess that means I am talking to my reader like they were sitting with me over coffee and a donut, doughnut (whatever). I like that.
With 2011 upon us I am setting myself a goal, write at least 2 new stories a week. At least until I can't remember any more or they aren't interesting any more. Occasionally a friend sends me something in the realm of law enforcement that is worthy of sharing. I always make sure the reader is aware that it is not my work product.
As of this writing I have hits from the USA and 22 other countries! It is truly an adventure to check my site each day and see where my stories have been shared! Police work is universal. The culture may vary but the things people do is the same everywhere.
I would like to thank the people in the following countries who have taken a few moments out of their day to read my work. And take this opportunity to ask you to drop me a note. I would sincerely love to hear from you!
Kuwait, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Iraq, British Virgin Islands, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Poland, Russia, France, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Malaysia, Uganda, Tunisia, New Zealand, Belgium, Greece, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia
Happy New Year to you ALL and Thanks for allowing me to be a small part of your day!!!!!!!!!!!
