First off, I'm NOT a cop yet, and not claiming to be one. Just looking ahead, and had a question.
I just got done with a week of role playing on traffic stops. We had a bunch of FTOs as our actors, and they did a great job trying to rattle us and distract us as we tried to do our job. One thing they hit me with repeatedly was "How long have you been a cop?" or "Are you a rookie?" I imagine this is something rookies really encounter on the street. So I'm wondering how some of you have responded to that question or suggestions you have for how I should respond on my next roleplay or my first real traffic stops after I graduate, especially during FTO.
Also broadening it a little more, how conversational are you with suspects/contacts during a stop, especially if you're the backup officer? I had a lot of trouble finding a good balance. Obviously my primary concern is officer safety. But if a suspect is asking dumb*** questions and being a pain while your partner is running them or writing a ticket, would you just ignore them, tell them STFU, or play along with their little game?
I just got done with a week of role playing on traffic stops. We had a bunch of FTOs as our actors, and they did a great job trying to rattle us and distract us as we tried to do our job. One thing they hit me with repeatedly was "How long have you been a cop?" or "Are you a rookie?" I imagine this is something rookies really encounter on the street. So I'm wondering how some of you have responded to that question or suggestions you have for how I should respond on my next roleplay or my first real traffic stops after I graduate, especially during FTO.
Also broadening it a little more, how conversational are you with suspects/contacts during a stop, especially if you're the backup officer? I had a lot of trouble finding a good balance. Obviously my primary concern is officer safety. But if a suspect is asking dumb*** questions and being a pain while your partner is running them or writing a ticket, would you just ignore them, tell them STFU, or play along with their little game?
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