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A lot of talk today about police training today in the wake of #DuanteWright's death.
Well, here's a short #Thread from someone who served as an officer. It's worse than you think. /1
Well, here's a short #Thread from someone who served as an officer. It's worse than you think. /1
My knowledge:
Firearms instructor in the military.
Us Army Infantry
Criminal justice degree
A handful of different public safety positions including jailer and patrol officer....
Now, let me tell you what I've experienced. /2
Firearms instructor in the military.
Us Army Infantry
Criminal justice degree
A handful of different public safety positions including jailer and patrol officer....
Now, let me tell you what I've experienced. /2
I was hired by a small dept. In Oklahoma. I received 2 days training with a fellow officer before being allowed on solo patrol (I had not had their academy training yet and could be allowed up to 11 months work without it).
During this time - /3
During this time - /3
Day 1: racist group rant directed toward indigenous persons. "Taught" how to manipulate a traffic stop in a warrantless search that would "hold up in court."
Day 2: manipulated into arresting a man. I later learned it was a hazing incident because the man was black and gay. /4
Day 2: manipulated into arresting a man. I later learned it was a hazing incident because the man was black and gay. /4
Day 3: spent 1 hour riding with chief and then given clearance to solo patrol based on my previous experience (military, college, and park ranger) and my "demonstrated" capabilities.
Day 5: called in by my "training" officer (a state certified academy instructor) early... /5
Day 5: called in by my "training" officer (a state certified academy instructor) early... /5
Day 5 cont.: they suddenly realized they had no firearms training or qualification record for me.
I was taken to a makeshift range and provided 15 minutes of training and 2 qualification runs. I passed (thank God I already knew firearms). /6
I was taken to a makeshift range and provided 15 minutes of training and 2 qualification runs. I passed (thank God I already knew firearms). /6
A week or so later: I was finally sent for my "psych eval" - a 2 page questionnaire and then a 10 minute meeting with a state psychologist. I was cleared to work the street that I was already working.
Note: There was no POC in the dept. /7
Note: There was no POC in the dept. /7
This is just the tip of the iceberg, and not an anomaly. States all over have a various time allowance allowing officers to work prior to a academy training; between 3 months and 1 year.
Most places non academy officers are supposed to be partnered up with a senior officer. /8
Most places non academy officers are supposed to be partnered up with a senior officer. /8
In reality that doesn't always happen.
Firearms training is woefully inadequate and qualification standards are of a minimum needed to show competence.
1 to 2 times a year are the requirements for range quals.
My dept. Had no implicit bias or equality training. None. /9
Firearms training is woefully inadequate and qualification standards are of a minimum needed to show competence.
1 to 2 times a year are the requirements for range quals.
My dept. Had no implicit bias or equality training. None. /9
I'm not an officer today because I realized I was wrong for the job. My then untreated PTSD made me wrong for the job (amazing how the psyche eval noticed nothing).
Now let me add what has happened since.......... /10
Now let me add what has happened since.......... /10
In treatment for PTSD I once had a med change that caused a manic episode. I was suicidal. I had a run in with officers, who knew I was unarmed, a PTSD suffering vet in crisis, and I was approached by 4 cars, 6 officers with guns and tasers. /11
The 1st officer who went for his gun (I was across the street and not physical) claimed later he was reaching for a taser (sound familiar?).
My physical exhaustion and my skin color is the only reason I'm alive today, though I was face planted, had my shoulder messed up, /12
My physical exhaustion and my skin color is the only reason I'm alive today, though I was face planted, had my shoulder messed up, /12
and was taken to jail, not a hospital.
My hometown gives volunteer reserve officers 1-2 week training, a gun, a car, and allows them to patrol solo.
I know a sheriff in Oregon who refuses to obey or enforce the no guns in school or federal bldg. laws, and has even made a. /13
My hometown gives volunteer reserve officers 1-2 week training, a gun, a car, and allows them to patrol solo.
I know a sheriff in Oregon who refuses to obey or enforce the no guns in school or federal bldg. laws, and has even made a. /13
Blanket challenge to any other LEO to try and enforce that on his watch.
I know officers who've sold drugs from their cars. I've seen officers mishandle firearms on the daily.
Are there good cops? /14
I know officers who've sold drugs from their cars. I've seen officers mishandle firearms on the daily.
Are there good cops? /14
Are there good cops?
I used to think so, but until they stand up against bad policies, bad training, bigotry and implicit bias, and bad cops, then no, there doesn't appear to be any left.
We need to overhaul the system. We need accountability & proper training. Now. /end
I used to think so, but until they stand up against bad policies, bad training, bigotry and implicit bias, and bad cops, then no, there doesn't appear to be any left.
We need to overhaul the system. We need accountability & proper training. Now. /end
P.S.:
I could keep going with examples of failings in attitude, policies, and training.
I have numerous suggestions and have heard even better ideas.
The point is this thread shouldn't exist, and my story is not an aberration in a vacuum. This is America. #PoliceReformNow
I could keep going with examples of failings in attitude, policies, and training.
I have numerous suggestions and have heard even better ideas.
The point is this thread shouldn't exist, and my story is not an aberration in a vacuum. This is America. #PoliceReformNow
