by JOHN HOAG SNYDER & HOAG, LLC With Assistance From: FORCE SCIENCE INSTITUTE, Ltd.

 I made it through probation: So now I’m home free.  I will get to that call fast. (Even if it’s a cat in a tree.)  You are not going to save the world, but handle every call as best you can.  I’ve got the badge so I’m “The Law”. 1. IN THE BEGINNING: THE YOUNG AND FOOLISH PHASE

IN THE BEGINNING: THE YOUNG AND FOOLISH PHASE  Relationships are quick and easy.  The grass may not be greener in another Department as each one has its problems and chiefs come and go.  Off duty: It’s party time.  If this is not the career for you, get out. Don’t stay and commit professional suicide.

2. DURING YOUR CAREER  Do you still practice officer safety at every call?  Do you assume that every call is being video taped?  Have you trained for the trauma that you may experience? What about the cumulative effects of PTSD?  Beware of the tough guy phase. The fact that you experience PTSD does not mean that you are not tough enough. Don’t be afraid to use the EAP program.

DURING YOUR CAREER  It’s your friends that can get you in trouble: Are you going to flush your career down the toilet for their mistakes?  Beware of entitlements: You don’t have a right to avoid the rules. The defense of “everyone does it” may not work.

 Are you prepared to see every or text message that you send be on the front page of the local newspaper?  Beware where you can go on the office computer. The delete button means store and discipline. DURING YOUR CAREER

 Alcoholism - The #1 law enforcement disease: It’s patient and denial is an element of the disease.  Do you believe you are being screwed over by management, your employer, the justice system and society in general?  If so, you are at risk to break all the rules because of what everyone else does.

DURING YOUR CAREER  Relationships: My spouse doesn’t understand me. (And will not unless you share what you are experiencing at work. Marriage is a full time occupation.) A. That coworker sure looks good. B. That waitress, nurse, etc. really likes me. (Or is it my uniform?) C. The informant or person in custody will do anything for me.

DURING YOUR CAREER  Manage your money: You can’t buy happiness and do not need every toy.  Manage your stress: Take care of your body, exercise, eat right, get 7-8 hours of sleep and alcohol is not a sleep aid.  There is a life outside law enforcement. Be part of it.

 It can happen to you.  Are your use of force skills sharp?  Do you know what happens when the shooting is over? 3. SURVIVING AN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING:

SURVIVING AN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING  You will feel awfully alone. A. Who will represent you? B. Who will contact the representative? C. Who will contact your family and what will and can they be told? D. What will you be asked to do?

SURVIVING AN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING E. When will you be asked to give what type of statement? F. How will the statement be taken? G. What occurs next? You should see a competent police psychologist for a debriefing. H. Then will you prepare yourself to go out and have to do this again.

 Will you be financially secure? Don’t count on PERS.  Your relationship with your spouse or partner: Your best friend or a stranger? 4. ENJOYING YOUR RETIREMENT: You need a plan for it

ENJOYING YOUR RETIREMENT: You need a plan for it  Are you prepared to spend a lot of time with that person and is that person prepared to spend a lot of time with you?

ENJOYING YOUR RETIREMENT: You need a plan for it  What will you do? A. More law enforcement? B. Another career? C. Leisure activities?

ENJOYING YOUR RETIREMENT: You need a plan for it  When you retire don’t think that you will be called for advice. You will cease to exist at the office. The new employees take over.  PTSD doesn’t stop at retirement – it can actually get worse as the old memories bubble up when you think that the lid is closed. Are you ready for that?

"Retire from work, but not from life." M.K. Soni