mistakes on beat

[T.COTE]

Hey,
To all of you cops out there, how do you deal with your own feelings when you think you made a mistake? In hind sight I think I might of screwed up a little bit the other night. To make a real long complicated story short I think I gave a written warning to someone for drinking in public that wasn't even old enough to drink. The fact is I didn't see him drink, but I did see his friends. However it was his actions that were loud and unreasonable that brought attention to the group. I gave them all warnings. I do believe that he was drinking and possibly drunk, but I never saw him nor did he have a drink in his hand or within his contol.

Any suggestions, I hope I made that all sound clear.



T.cote

[Drakor]

Hmmmm.....probable cause.....but then again who doesn't know a teenager that isn't mouthy......Question is? What warrants your probable cause, did you see his friends drinking? Were they standing around empty beer cans? Did you smell the odor of beer on his breath or was he just in the wrong place at the wrong time and decided to push your buttons ;D
Your best judgement was fine and you did the right thing. After a while using your best judgement and being busy you won't even think twice about these types of events.
Short story A rookie and his FTO they were standing a post at pimlico race course. There was a big sign that said DONT WALK ON THE GRASS well people were and the rookie was getting pissed. The FTO said "don't worry about that sign because the grass will grow back" the rookie thought about it and realize he had more important things to worry about. You will too
Good Luck

[Charlie]

T.Cote-- Drakor stole my story about the grass thing!!! ;D

BUT, he's right. I would not sweat it. There is more than one way to do things and sounds like you handled it. I know it is easy to second guess yourself but as long as your actions are legal, moral, ethical etc. You should be fine. Also make sure you add a dash of sommon sense and good judgment too!

Finally, your human like anyone else and will make even more mistakes down the road in your career. Hind sight is always 20/20. And believe me, there will likely be other teens you encounter in similar circumstances down the road. Just note to yourself what you may have donw and wish to do differently or in a better way. Then, when the time comes, you know what to doa little better than before. So, don't beat yourself up over this.

Charlie

[Drakor]

;D ;DSorry Charlie I knew I had heard that story somewhere but I couldn't remember. I didn't mean to thieve it but that tells you its a good one.
I also like the one where the young bull tells the older one lets run down this hill and F us one of those cows and the older bull say naw lets walk down and F them all. I know that was on that movie Colors.

[T.COTE]

Thanks,
Thanks to all that responded. I appreciate it. I had heard both the stories before, and I agree that they do apply. Thanks for the encouragement.

T.COTE

[Hopeful]

Try watching that new real life court show "Law and Order - Crime and Punishment" if you want to see cops getting grilled about nitpicky detail. Rookies are not the only ones who make mistakes.

[Cpl Mike]

Haven't been on this site in awhile! Tcote-its okay! Rookies, Boots,newbies,etc are supposed to make mistakes!!!! This job is not something you are naturally inclined to do!in a few years you will be able to develop prob.cause while driving 65 mph and drinkain acup of java on a guy you just passed about 3 blocks behind!But it takes time and experience(and believe me, afew ripped/dirty uniforms,and a few butt chewings from joe citizen or your watch sgt,are to be expected) follow Dept. guidelines,ask senior officers advice(you won't look bad if you radio for a veteran officer to come over to some of your calls), and abide by your states penal code laws or statutes and you'll be fine.......