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We were then paired up with officers for a ride-a-
long. I was out with a relatively new officer so it
was great to compare training and experiences.
The incidents were very similar to what we would
have in the UK although it was interesting to
note that everything was attended and relatively
quickly – no telephone resolution or diary cars
etc as we would.
Levels of paperwork were very similar with
reporting being surprisingly formal and detailed
even for minor reports with no suspects/
witnesses. Paperwork was aided by the
impressive mobile data solution used – a full
size laptop on a dock next to the driver’s seat
meaning it was unusual to return to the station
at all in the course of a shift.
It was interesting to see that traffic stops were
relatively low profile compared to how they are
portrayed on TV, there was a greater level of
caution than we use but it remained broadly
similar.
I had another ride-a-long with one of the
Sergeants. Broadly speaking the roles were
similar, but two significant differences stood out.
First was supervisor reports, Sergeants have to
attend incidents such as any use of force and
produce a report on it.
Secondly was the actual promotion process, in
the US there is no national promotion process
with it being decided individual agencies focus
more on leadership and management and were
far simpler than the UK process.
Saturday was a chance to experience life away
from work in the US. Matt and I went out for a
walk in the morning (apparently not the done
thing in South Florida) then in the afternoon
we went to a waterfront bar to watch a college
football match.
University sports in the UK would not be
televised or supported to the scale they
are in the US.
From there it was back to Miami with a stop off at
an outdoor centre.
This was an experience in itself – it was what
we would consider a garden centre in the UK,
but stocked a selection of rifles, shotguns and
hundreds of handguns. Elsewhere were an
impressive collection of crossbows and combat
knives.
I think John was a bit bemused as to why we were
so surprised by it all – the best explanation
I could offer was that it was to us the equivalent
to walking into a supermarket with a large display
of cocaine and heroin etc freely on sale!
Conclusion
I cannot thank those responsible for making this
week happen enough, the IPA were fantastic
in responding to emails and making initial
arrangements. I have been asked several times
since returning how I managed to go on the trip
and people seem surprised at how easy it was.
I would really recommend the active officer
exchange to any IPA member – it is fascinating
on so many levels and an experience you
cannot get any other way!
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POLICE WORLD
Vol 62 No. 1, 2017
Professional Development