The time is winding down…

Week 16, Day 5

Well, we had a really long week and I mean LONG. It seems as our time in the academy gets shorter…the days get longer. I can remember in week one when the instructors said, “You only have 100 days to go”, and I thought that is an eternity. Now I am saying…where has the last 100 days gone? I am really…where has it gone? This last week was so jam packed with tests, practicals and more tests…that week 16 has come and gone.

We had 2 days worth of accident investigations, where we did various things. We learned how to interpret skid marks that could be seen during an accident. We learned how to take measurements of a traffic accident and then wrote an accident report, during a practical exercise. It really was interesting.

This week we also had the practical application of RAID, which means Rapid Emergency Deployment. This is where we learn how to go into a building when there maybe an active shooting. We have been practicing this type of training for the last couple of weeks, but this time we did it with simmunitions rounds. This is basically a bullet casing that is loaded with a paint ball. We did a dry run before the paint started flying, then the scenarios began.

During all of our past RAID sessions we never had anyone shooting back at us. So when we entered the building this time, it was a whole different training session. And like we say in the military…all the best laid plans go right out the window as soon as the first bullet is fired. It was interesting to see how easy it was to get tunnel vision and only focus on one thing. Adrenaline rushes can be a bad thing if you can’t control them. That is why we practice so much and try to get all the techniques into muscle memory. Without muscle memory…it would be easy to freeze up in these situations. We all did really well throughout the practicals and it was a great learning experience. Not to mention the large, red welts from the paint balls.

We also had written exam #7, the written exam for arrest control and then the practical exam for arrest control. I think I was more nervous about the practical exam then anything else. Don’t get me wrong…the other exams were just as important, but the hands-on test was the most stressful. We were tested on everything we had learned in arrest control from week 7, until week 16. That is A LOT of information to cram into this brain. I paired up with one of my classmates and we went into the test.

We both did really well, right up to the point the instructor said, “demonstrate 5 baton strikes.” Now, I heard 5, my partner heard 3. Yes, I continued with baton strikes 4 and 5, as my partner was lowering the pad and I struck him in the wrist. OOPS!!! Sorry John. Well, at least I know I did it right…because John’s wrist was really red and sore. Ever heard the phrase, “pay backs are a …?” John then had to demonstrate 5 baton strikes on me…well…I was hiding behind the pad for strikes 4 and 5. He didn’t pay me back…but I did feel really bad about that. Anyway…just a little story about arrest control.

So that’s week 16 in a nutshell. The best part of the week…well the 4 day weekend, of course. We are off for the next 4 days, due to Memorial Day. I just want to say something about Memorial Day.

I hope everyone will take the time to have a moment of silence for those that have given their lives in the line of duty. In 2003, I was sitting in Iraq on Memorial Day and it gave me a different perspective about this day. Especially when I was so far from home. Anyway, I don’t want to get on my soapbox but…we should be thankful EVERYDAY, not just one day a year. And we should be thankful for not only the military personnel, but the law enforcement officers serving here at home. They are fighting everyday, to keep this country safe and soon…that will be me and all of my classmates. Have a great weekend.

Practicing for RAID

I wouldn't want to see this end of a gun

Looking at skid marks

How to carry out the wounded

Getting ready to go into the RAID scenerio

Going after the active shooter

Working through a scenerio during arrest control

Breaking up a fight, during hands-on training

O.C. Spray…what more can I say???

Week 15, Day 5

Well, this academy really knows how to conduct training. I know I have talked about this before, but we are learning and training at lighting speed. There is so much to do during a day and during the week, it is mind numbing. We have progressed through the following areas (in no particular order):

• law classes
• arrest control
• firearms
• report writing
• SWAT
• explosives
• more firearms and arrest control
• first aid
• pedestrian contacts
• vehicle stops
• traffic codes
• firearms qualifications
• building searches
• hostage negotiations
• gangs, to include motorcycle gangs
• terrorist threats
• identity theft
• crowd control
• traffic direction
• crime scene investigations (CSI…look out)
• vehicle searches

Let’s not forget the uniform inspections, the memorial formations for all the fallen Colorado Police Officers and the PT sessions (including Red Rocks). Most of these training classes include hands-on practicals, where we are expected to take what we have learned in the classroom and apply it to real life scenarios. We are really learning to adapt and work as a team. People you never thought you would work with; you now have to count on. You have to be able to trust that they will be right by your side if something happens. These last couple of weeks, the instructors really turned the heat up and I mean that literally.

The last real life scenario we did was on Friday, when we underwent OC spray training. Those of you who do not know what OC spray is…well…it’s like taking the oil from a Habanero pepper and rubbing it in your eyes and all over your skin. It’s on a volunteer basis…but who doesn’t want to be a team player and go through this training? Not me. Some of my classmates couldn’t go through the training for medical reasons, but for the rest of us…we were not going to back out. We got sprayed in the face (including one eye) and then had to fight our way through 3 different scenarios. We did it…and we did it as a team. We were all together, suffering, coughing, gagging and the most important part…cheering each other on. I can tell you…I am glad I went through the training to know what it feels like. I can also tell you, I am glad it’s over. One last note…you should make sure NOT to hit the hot water in the shower accidentally…because it reactivates the oils. WOW!!!

Another training session I want to talk about is…a particular PT session we had with one of the class’s favorite Sergeants. (Trying to get my brownie points in) He really likes to PT and he took us all with him. And when I say he really likes PT, I mean he really likes to PT. We were given a taste of what some of the SWAT officers like to call a “Normal” PT session. If running up and down a steep dirt hill (8-9 times), approximately 300 push-ups, lunges, flutter kicks, pull-ups and a 2 mile run…is what you call “Normal”…then you would fit right in. Most of us didn’t see it as very normal. But again…we hung in there and pushed through together. It really was a lot of fun and the Sergeant and the academy staff made sure we all finished. (Even the few people that threw up breakfast)

So the common thread for these last couple of weeks has been…teamwork. I know I haven’t talked much about it lately, but it really is so important in this profession. We have learned to count on each other. When something goes wrong…we stand by each other and learn together. We push each other, we learn from each other and we learn from each other’s mistakes. That alone is some really good training. So far…I am really enjoying this training and I think I am really going to enjoy being part of this “Brotherhood”.

The instructors doing a traffic stop with the K-9 unit

Charlies Angels or building searches?

Recruit Brown getting sprayed in the face

Recruit Brown after OC Spray

Cold water feels so good after OC

Where is the air?

Class 2009-1 after OC Spray

SLOW DOWN!!!!

Week 14, Day 5

Week 14….say it with me, WEEK 14!!! I can’t believe it. This training is flying and I feel like I don’t have time to catch up. I know I say this a lot, but it is so true. I just want to yell…SLOW DOWN!!! I can’t catch up with everything we are learning. Sometimes it feels like I am in slow motion and when the instructors speak…I hear “Blah,Blah,and Blah.” I will give you the recap of the week…so hang on!!!

We started our week with arrest control and building searches. I don’t think I have talked enough about arrest control in my past blogs, so I will give you a little insight. We have learned how to defend ourselves in a fist fight and we have learned handcuffing techniques. We have learned how to defend ourselves if a suspect gets us pinned to the ground…(Scary thought). But this week we learned how to defend a knife attack. Basically the common theme is…do the best you can…but you will get cut. I don’t know about any of you but, I don’t like the idea of being cut with a knife. We also covered what to do if someone is trying to choke us out. Again…I don’t know if I really like this idea either. Especially being a woman and thinking about someone coming up behind me and wrapping there hands around my neck. SCARY!!! I don’t think I will have any problems remembering these defense tactics.

So we also moved into building searches…which is really cool and very frustrating. Just when you think you have the movements down…something happens. So again…there’s not such thing as a routine call. Building searches can feel like a really intense game of hide and seek or for the new generation out there…a really intense game of “Solider of Fortune.” We enter a building with little or no lighting. We search every room (methodically), looking for someone who is just waiting for us to come around the corner. You should try this at home. Turn all the lights off in your house...have someone hide in a room (preferably someone you know) and then try to find them. I guarantee it will raise your heart rate.

So the rest of the week was centered on firearms. We had the written exam, which everyone passed. We then moved up to the range to cover the qualification course. I can say…the perfect score of 200 still eludes me. I scored a 195…not bad, but not what I was hoping for. In my firearms group, we had 8 perfect scores…congrads to the “A” Team. I will let my Blog partner talk about the “B” Team…I know they all passed…I am not sure how many perfect scores there were. The other portion of firearms training involved shotguns. I must say…I really like this weapon. I have shot a 12 gauge shotgun before and it is always an experience. If you have never done it, I highly recommend it (just please do it legally). We learned how to load the weapon, fire the weapon and how to shoot it in 3 positions. We start out at the standing, which is easy…then kneeling…even better because it’s a stable shooting platform. Then Deputy Johnson has us move to the prone shooting position. This position is basically for one reason…to feel the pain of your skin on your elbows being scraped off on the concrete. No…I am not kidding. I will prove to you in the attached pictures. We have to be able to continue shooting through any pain and I mean any pain. So this is a technique that is used to see how we will shoot and to keep our concentration as blood is running off our elbows. (Deputy Johnson loved this exercise a lot) But as we say in the Army, “It’s all good training, Sir.”

That is the weekly recap for…say it with me…WEEK 14!!! We are moving into week 15 with even more intense training. Now that firearms is done and over…arrest control will get more and more intense. We start moving into “Red Man drills.” I will talk about that more when we get to it. Oh and let’s not forget the big event we have to look forward to in week 15…OC spray in the face. I will say this again…I don’t know about you…but I don’t think I really like this concept. So until next time…be safe.

Building Searches

Is this Recruit Harris or George Lopez?

How to get out of a choke hold

Learning how to shoot an automatic rifle

Shotgun training

Prone position

The aftermath of prone position

The days get longer…

Week 13, Day 5

It seems to be a common theme in the academy…we just don’t have enough time. I feel as though the days get longer and the hours I sleep get less and less. I am learning how to survive on roughly 5 hours of sleep a night. It feels like the schedule is getting not only tougher, but there’s a lot of stuff to get ready for. While I was writing this blog, my mom called. She wants to know why I don’t call her and let her know what is going on with my training. It’s hard to tell her…I just don’t have time for her. I am sure my family and friends are all tired of hearing the same thing come out of my mouth…”I am sorry, but I don’t have the time to come over…I have to study and get my uniform ready for tomorrow.” I should just tape record this saying and leave it as my voicemail announcement. I know for the most part they understand my dedication, but it is hard when I am both physically and emotionally unavailable.

To recap week 13 may be hard to do, because we covered some many different areas of law enforcement. We started out the week with death investigations, which for me is a no brainer. I have investigated over 350 deaths and it was actually nice to just sit and listen to a lecture and not be pressured to learn new material. I had some of my classmates approach me with questions about the material that was presented and which was really cool. I like to teach and if I can help them through a death investigation, I would be honored.

On Tuesday, we did some hands-on work with vehicle contacts. This was very interesting and a lot of things to remember. Vehicle contacts are basically what we have to do when we pull a vehicle over, for a traffic violation. We not only have to remember what to do with our vehicle, but what to say to dispatch, how to approach the citizen’s vehicle and…how to make the vehicle stop safe for everyone. I can honestly say…this will take a lot of practice to get comfortable. I actually made it to dinner with some friends on Friday night (don’t tell my mom) and one of my friends is police officer. I was picking her brain about traffic stops and how she does them. She told me…they do get easier…but to always be cautious when approaching any vehicle. She graduated from this academy a couple of years ago…so I know I can go to her for advice…which is always a nice thing.

Conducting a traffic stop

In the middle of the week…we had a lecture on building searches and traffic direction. The lecture on building searches is just the foundation (no joke) on several things we will do in this job. Building searches in law enforcement are not only done by the SWAT team, but they are conducted by whatever officers arrive on scene first. They are also conducted when there are alarms set off in a building. We have the responsibility of doing a search to make sure it is all safe and no one is inside. As you can see…there’s a lot to know and a lot to be aware of.

Then there was the lecture on traffic direction. It’s basically standing in the roadway, directing traffic. These techniques are used when the traffic lights are out, or there’s a major accident or if we need to divert traffic another direction. Now what better way to practice these techniques then to…shut down a couple of intersections in Jefferson County and practice? We shut down the intersection at 44th and McIntyre and I-70 and Colfax. WOW!!! This was actually a lot of fun. My group had the intersection at 44th and McIntyre, which included the train tracks that come from the West and head towards downtown Denver. The instructor we had for my group was Deputy Campbell and he was great. He turned the lights off in the intersection, told us what he wanted us to do and when we felt comfortable he stood with us as we directed traffic. We all took turns and it all went well. Deputy Campbell kept telling us if a train comes through the intersection, we will definitely have to work harder. Thankfully, the train came through just as we finished up…so we got off a little easy.

My group getting ready to direct traffic

Getting the traffic under control

Time to get out of here, as the train approaches

This week we also had firearms and arrest control. We are really working hard at the firearms range. We always practice timed drills, tactical shooting and of course the qualification rounds. The unnerving things about the qualification rounds are…no matter how much I settle down and think about what I am doing…I seem to just miss that perfect score. I know someday it will come…I just hope it is next week when we do the “Real” qualification round. I have to talk a minute about the tactical range. This is the side of the range where we shoot at targets that are approximately 4 inches in diameter and are made of metal. The purpose behind this type of shooting is…when we hit the target, it falls. So it is a way of determining “Under Pressure” how we are shooting. The instructors tell us…anyone can shoot a paper target and score well…it’s another thing to think through a scenario and shoot a target that is very small and sometimes moving. We have been shooting these discs for a couple of weeks now…but this week was different. The instructors attach the discs to a metal stand that spins…that’s what we call the “Texas Star.” There are 5 discs on the star and depending on how you shoot the discs…the faster the star spins. It’s almost like a carnival game…however it’s all timed and the instructors are literally in your face…yelling at us to shoot the target. Like I have said before…NO PRESSURE!!! The instructors do this for several reasons…to see how we react in a chaotic environment, how to think through the yelling and also how to communicate to our partners. Just on a personal note…I don’t like the Texas Star…no offense to Texas. I will leave it at that.

The instructors surround a student on the tactical range

Adding the pressure during a shooting scenerio

Last but definitely not least…we had a very somber, but memorable day on Friday. We were invited to attend the Law Officers Memorial ceremony at the Colorado State Patrol Headquarters. They were honoring the Colorado police officers who had given their lives in the line of duty. Unfortunately there were 4 names added to the memorial wall. Three names were from the early 1900’s and one name was from 2008. What really made this day special was…we were the only law enforcement academy to represent the newest breed of police officers. We were all dressed in our Class A uniforms and went there to pay our respects and to represent Jefferson County Sheriff Department academy with pride.

I have attended a handful of police officer funerals and this was by far one of the best ceremonies I have been to. It is almost a guarantee that my eyes will well up with tears when the bag pipes start to play Amazing Grace. Not to mention the 21 gun salute and of course the playing of Taps. But the one thing that hit home for me…was seeing the family of the police officer who died in 2008. This particular officer was only 30 years old and only got to serve his community for 9 years, before he died in the line of duty.

Attending the Law Officers Memorial

Paying our respects

Marching back from the Memorial

We are the newest breed of police officers and deputy sheriffs. We are the people that will be protecting the streets and upholding justice. We want to serve our communities with pride and honor…but there’s always the reality that it could end with just one routine call. We have been training for 13 weeks now and we hear over and over from our instructors…there is no such thing as routine in this job. We have to always be ready for ANYTHING. So yes…all the training we are doing is intense and time consuming. No, I don’t get the chance to spend a lot of time with my family. But in the end…it’s this training that could save my life someday. So instead of being upset about hitting the Texas Star, or getting the perfect score on that qualification round…I need to concentrate on doing a good job on every call and most importantly…not having my name added to that memorial wall too soon.