SandBox Comments: Delta County Independent "Advice for cops good for all '

'SandBox Nanny' wonders what the 'kids' have to give in career advice to these new law enforcement officers.

"Tom Chinn, Montrose chief of police, was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

His 38 years worth of career advice to the new peace officers had less to do with busting bad guys than with how officers can best handle themselves and their own lives – both professional and personal.

Chinn framed his advice as "suggestions" for successful career lives. "People have to believe in you and trust you in everything you do," he said. His suggestions included the following:

• The training and learning that new officers have just received at the Academy is only the beginning. Learning is a lifetime endeavor.


• Continue with formal education and get a college degree, and then keep building on that.


• Be proactive in career pursuits in order to be an effective officer.


• Don't watch the "cop shows" on TV. They don't portray the life or work of professional law enforcement officers.


• Always treat people with respect. There are a lot of arrogant, egotistical cops, and no one likes them.


• Always be honest and positive, both on and off the job. Always pay your bills on time and avoid unnecessary debt.


• Credibility is key. When you have lost your personal credibility you have lost your job.


• The new officers will see lots of death and abuse of all kinds in their careers. "It's a tough, demanding life," Chinn said. He advised, "Spouses, be patient."

Adding a personal anecdote, Chinn said he has known officers who had the attitude of, "This is what I do, but it's not who I am." He encouraged the graduates to cultivate a professional attitude of, "This is what I do and this is who I am...."
(Hank Lohmeyer)

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