Playing the Rookie Card

[GPD840]

Well last night I experienced probably the most taunting since I started. People out there, especially the younger crowd, seem to like to play the "oh, he's a rookie" bit with me. They don't cooperate seeing that I'm the young-guy or whatever, and I know that they are just talking to the badge every time they say something, but it still makes me angry.

Anyone else experiencing/experienced these problems/set backs. What did you do in order to gain control in the situation?

Thanks in advance guys!

GPD840

[WILawman]

As you already know, there are going to be people who will not listen to what you say or do what you tell them to. This is part of the job and you will get used to it.

However, regardless of whether or not they play the "rookie card", they should comply when you give them a lawful and appropriate order. Always be professional even when faced with disrespectful people. Lose your temper and they win. Good Luck!

[pintsizedpi]

say what you want....but do what i say!

my instructor in the academy used to say this. as long as they do what i say, i don't care what they say. They must obey your commands. if they do not an alarm should go off in your head and you should react exactly as you were taught.
too many people think our profession is some kind of game or something. this is no game brother, this is life and death and you don't know who this guy is from a hole in the wall.
don't overreact but don't under-react either.
let them know you mean business.

[996s]

You have to learn to let things by. Verbal Judo, dont build the situation up to be more then it is, cause your feelings are hurt. But at the same time, if they are not doing what they need to be. Toss them in jail. They love that game.

[K9 Police]

LOL :D

Sorry, those verbal judo videos are excellent, but man are they also funny.

K9

[relative]

WOOOSHA!

-r.

[Horse Cop]

GPD840,

My first solo call was for an incorrigible juvenile. Father and 17 year old son were not communicating. Dad wanted to kick the boy out...boy wanted to leave.

I informed both parties that in the state of Indiana juvies do not have the right to leave home legally, (unless emancipated) nor do parents have the right to kick them out. Neither party seemed to accept my explanation of the state statute...so I called in assistance from the county.

A veteran Merit Sergeant arrived and told the arguing pair the exact same thing I had told them...but in a much more convincing manner. I learned then that it is all in the communication. Sieze the upper hand of authority and communicate in a no nonsense civil manner and the point will get across. Refrain from yelling or being baited into a debate. You must make them understand that your word is what you represent...the law.

Stay Safe

HC

[GPD840]

Thanks everybody for all the input! I use the Verbal Judo stuff too, or as they call it up here The Tactical 5/8 Step- depending on the situation, and it seems to work well in most cases-

Last night seemed to go much better by the way :)

[Birky]

Well it is all in how you communicate with the parties involved. I had a guy I was going to arrest for DUI and he told me I was a rookie and didn't know what I was doing. When he said this to me I had six years as a cop and I just laughed at him and yes I am and took him to jail.

[Bravo8]

When faced with this type of situation, I follow the Officer Eric Cartman of South Park PD tactical protocol. I immediately yell, "I AM A COP! RESPECT MY AUTHORITAAAAHHHHHH!" (Be sure to get the emphasis right...). I then begin to beat them in the knees with my baton. Afterwards I return to my patrol Big Wheel and ride off into the sunset. ;)

[relative]

Nice...

Do you where the 10x too big pilots sunglasses too? I need a pair of those...

-r.

[Bravo8]

Yeah, I wear the aviator glasses. Those other kind are hella-lame.

Now where are my cheezy poofs?