Week ten- Always, each and every time, consistently...

Another bitter sweet week.  This was the final week at the range; the bitter part.  The sweet part is that we are over the halfway point of the academy.  On our final trek down "the hill" at the range we all laughed remembering our very first day at the range.  We were wet behind the ear recruits.  We have come far.  Now, all decked out in our duty belts loaded down with newly issued equipment and vests our first day is only a memory.  That first day we must have looked like little kids at Christmas opening our new gear, but no idea how to wear it! Now hopefully we look like we know what we are doing. 

This week we learned a lot about contacting a pedestrian.  As simple as some of this might seem, there is so much more to it than meets the eye. We are taught that the unexpected is always the normal.  We cannot let our guard down.  At the same time it is important that people we contact are treated with respect.  Often there is a fine line.  It is vital that we remain true to who we are and not try to be someone we are not.

We did some more report writing and although not near as exhilarating as the shooting at the range, just as important.  The repetition we are getting with our report writing is very helpful and every report is getting a little easier to write as we learn how to "tell a story" in each report.  The goal is not to reduce the time taken to write as every detail is needed in the report.  Ultimately the flow should be smoother.

Many of the things that are getting smoother could easily be done quicker, but that rarely gets you anywhere.  For example, cleaning your gun should be to perfection constantly, shining your boots should be perfected every time, doing Cross Fit workouts should be done with full range of motion on every exercise consistently.  Reports should be spell checked and revised without fail, ironing your uniform should be to a nice crisp crease always, arrest control should be done with attention to detail every time, etc.... 

We learned more moves in arrest control that could save our lives one day if ever needed.  I am amazed every time we have arrest control at the new holds, escapes, and take downs we learn.  My dogs are not too impressed with the take downs I practice on them but I tell them to be grateful they do not have thumbs or wrists otherwise they would get the cuffs.

We all did great on the test which always makes Fridays more enjoyable.  There is a huge relief around 9 a.m. every Friday once we know we have all passed the test.  We are each other's biggest fans and we all want to see each other do well.  I have an awesome little study group that I have worked diligently to find.  Thank goodness we found each other because it has been so helpful to learn from other people and hear what they learned from each presentation.  We all have our strengths and we all have our weaknesses but each of us is an important part of the puzzle.

Next week....vehicle stops and a guest blogger!