Editor’s note: This series of articles is intended to be used as quick topic discussions at the beginning of any meeting. They are meant to create discussion among your teams and to get your officers thinking on their feet about training topics, in order to encourage learning and training.
Losing your temper literally means losing you hardness.
Professionalism
Treat detainees as you would want some other deputy to treat your loved one, even if they had made the same mistake.
Speak in a controlled, polite manner. When you use profanity directing a detainee, you are showing a lack of control. You are showing your fear. You are entering a triggered adrenaline rush, which is your body preparing to fight or run.This makes you less capable of making a good decision.
Choose the attitude you want to project.
Professional Deputies
Do not: lie/ make idle threats/ use unjustifiable force
Do: use a well-placed compliment, statement, or question. This helps develop respectful relationships with deputies and then detainees.
Attitude
The only control you really have is projecting the attitude you choose!!!
Always choose the positive, i.e. “the cup is half full.”
