1. Lack of Concentration: If you fail to
keep your mind on the job while on patrol or carry home problems into the
field, you start to make errors. It can cost you and your fellow officers
their lives.
2. Tombstone Courage: Just what it says, if
time allows wait for backup. There are very few instances where you should
try and make a dangerous apprehension unaided.
3. Not Enough Rest: to do your job you must
be alert. Lack of sleep or being sleepy can endanger yourself, the
community and fellow officers.
4. Taking a Bad Position: Never let anyone
you are questioning or about to stop get in a better position than you
are. THERE IS NO SUCH ANIMAL AS A ROUTINE STOP!!!
5. Not Heeding the Danger Signs: As a cop you
will get to recognize "danger signs". Movements, strange cars,
warnings that should alert you to watch your step and approach with
caution. Know your beat and watch for what is out of place.
6. Failure to Watch the Hands of a Suspect:
Is he or she reaching for a weapon or getting to smack you? WHERE ELSE CAN
A KILLER STRIKE FROM, BUT FROM THEIR HANDS!!!!
7. Relaxing Too Soon: YES, the rut of false
alarms are accidental or whatever. Still, observe the activity. NEVER take
any call as routine or just another false alarm. It could be your ass on
the line.
8. Improper Handcuffing: Once you have made
the arrest, handcuff the prisoner CORRECTLY! See that the hands that can
kill you are safely secured.
9. No Search or Bad Search: There are too
many places to hide a weapon that if you fail to search you are guilty of
committing a crime against other officers that will have contact with your
prisoner. Many people carry weapons and are able and ready to use them on
you. Never assume that the next guy or the jailer will do a
"GOOD" search.
10. Dirty or Inoperative Weapon: Is your
sidearm clean? How about the bullets? Did you clean your weapon since the
last range? Or have you even shot or practiced drawing your weapon
recently? Can you hit your target in a combat situation? You must practice
faithfully and religiously.
