Challenge 2: Difficulty building communication skills
For many newer officers (regardless of age), interacting with the public in a uniformed capacity can feel awkward at best and crippling at worst. It’s not just the generational dynamics at play — with the heavy prevalence of text and online communication. If we’re honest with ourselves, it’s a very strange concept! For years or decades, a recruit has only seen police interactions through the entertainment industry or the news… and now they have to be it.
You have to be the calm in the storm. You have to be the authority… The Law. You have to tell people what to do decisively — and sometimes, that comes with heavy threats of repercussions if they don’t obey your lawful commands (i.e., arrest or use of force). That’s not an easy transition for most people.
Solutions for success
1. Start small, with low impact/low risk
Does walking around in uniform, with everyone staring at you, feel awkward even without the added stress of an unfolding violent call? Then start by getting out and making contact with people in less intense environments. Even the term “contact” sounds too official — let’s call it conversation.
Any sergeant or field trainer will appreciate the initiative you show by engaging with people. Start with those who look at you, smile, and wave. Ask how they’re doing and what’s going on in their day. Then, graduate to business owners. Whip out your notepad and ask if they’ve had any recent issues. Some may wrinkle their faces at your proactive approach; others may pull out a bunch of notes and show you photos of thieves and offenders on their phones — so be ready (to serve!).
After a series of repetitions, you’ll realize that communicating in uniform is nearly the same as communicating without it — it’s just talking to people. The only difference is that your uniform announces to the world what you’re there to do. People may have their own narratives, but by your demeanor and how you speak to them, you can quickly prove that your why is to help.
2. Practice articulation in simulated stress
Most of us watch bodycam footage — it’s a free, accessible, and in many ways, priceless training tool. But when it comes to the stress of giving commands and providing pertinent radio updates, we can learn a lot by analyzing what officers say — what works and what doesn’t. Even better, try this:
- Play a body-worn camera (BWC) video you haven’t seen — or better yet, have a friend pull one up.
- Mute it.
- Role-play as the responding officer. Talk through what you would say to fellow officers, suspects, and bystanders on scene.
- Narrate what you would communicate over the radio.
- Put your hand on your shoulder and tilt your head as if keying the mic.
The more you immerse yourself in the exercise, the more you’ll get out of it. You may find yourself stumbling over words or having to “drop your mic” to address a threat with your finger gun.
Although physical acting isn’t required, this type of unconventional training can help you literally talk through some of your sticking points in patrol operations.
Challenge 3: Feeling “dumb” or inexperienced
There’s an old adage about there being no stupid questions. Cops will quickly argue that’s not true — we’ve all heard plenty of stupid questions. But another saying claims the only stupid question is the one that isn’t asked.
I don’t fully agree with that either. Instead, I offer this: There are no stupid questions, except the ones that aren’t asked — unless you’ve already asked them and can easily find the answer elsewhere.
That may not fit on a bumper sticker, but the point is this:
- Cops, new or seasoned, need to get over the fear of looking or sounding dumb.
- Shooting from the hip is risky business when it comes to legality and high-stakes decisions.
- Seeking clarification isn’t a weakness — it’s a sign of humility and a willingness to check your ego.
Solutions for success
1. Rebrand asking questions
Asking questions doesn’t make you deficient — it makes you a high performer. Staying curious and hungry means you’re the kind of cop who will keep growing, striving to be better, and adapting to the inevitable changes in legal, societal, and technological landscapes.
2. Layer on scenarios to cement understanding
Taking a concept and applying different factors to it can deepen your understanding—and benefit your team.
For example: Let’s say you and your partner respond to a domestic dispute over property. One of you believes it’s a criminal matter; the other thinks it’s civil. You call your sergeant for clarification, and it turns out you were wrong.
Back at the station, ask if the three of you can talk through what factors would change the situation from civil to criminal. This conversation will not only strengthen your understanding but also help your partner and demonstrate to your sergeant that you’re committed to learning and growing. Win-win-win.
3. Know your resources
In the example above, calling the sergeant may have been appropriate — but there are often other options. Consider turning to your trainers, senior officer mentors, or subject matter experts. Following up on cases can help you build relationships with detectives and prosecutors, who often appreciate officers seeking constructive feedback.
Embracing the mindset of a perpetual student also means tapping into a variety of resources, from your local prosecutor’s office to state leadership groups to training periodicals like this one.
Summary
Policing is a multi-dimensional profession requiring countless overlapping skills. Gaining confidence as a new police officer starts internally — by recognizing what you can control and focusing on improving key skills through intentional study, practice and continual learning.
Adopt the mindset of a career and life learner. Perfection is not only unattainable but also paralyzing. Instead, strive for gradual, meaningful growth to ensure an engaging and rewarding career.
Stay curious, hungry, humble and GRITTY!
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