10 Essential Tips for Your First Month as a Police Officer: Advice from a 30-Year Veteran

Beyond Recruitment: Thriving When You First Join the Force

You've succeeded in the recruitment process, completed your training, and now you're about to step out on patrol as an operational police officer. That warrant card in your pocket represents years of hard work and determination—but in many ways, your journey is just beginning.

That first month on the job can be overwhelming. Every day feels like your first day at school, and the comfort blanket of training college is suddenly gone. After three decades as a police officer across three different forces—and 40 years in the police sector—I've seen what makes new officers thrive or struggle during this critical transition period.

Here are my top 10 tips to help you not just survive, but excel in your first month and beyond.

1. Listen Twice as Much as You Speak

As my first sergeant, Don Blacker, used to say: "God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason." When you first join, your greatest asset is your ability to absorb information from those around you.

Pay close attention to how experienced officers handle difficult situations, communicate with the public, and manage the practical aspects of the role. Make notes about techniques and approaches that impress you—the best officers are amalgams of the finest qualities they've observed in others throughout their careers.

2. Ask Smart Questions (But Not the Same Ones Repeatedly)

No one expects you to know everything—in fact, asking questions demonstrates your eagerness to learn and improve. However, asking the same questions repeatedly suggests you're not retaining information, which can frustrate your tutor constable or sergeant.

If you're still unclear after an initial explanation, try framing your follow-up question differently to show you've processed the first answer but need clarification on a specific aspect.

3. Be the Most Helpful Person in the Room

When you see an opportunity to assist a colleague, take it. These moments of support build your reputation and create lasting impressions.

I still vividly remember an officer named Darren who stayed behind after shift to help me when I was completely lost after transferring to Greater Manchester Police. Decades later, I can recall exactly where we were standing and what he said—that's how powerful these gestures can be.

Aim to be that memorable officer for your colleagues. You're not creating debts, but you are building an emotional bank account that will serve you throughout your career.

4. Volunteer for the Challenging Tasks

When your sergeant has a job that no one else wants to take on, be the first to step forward. Check with your tutor constable first, but develop a reputation as someone willing to tackle difficult assignments.

This approach serves two purposes: it marks you as a team player who contributes beyond expectations, and it accelerates your development in areas where you might otherwise remain uncomfortable.

5. Face One Uncomfortable Task Every Day

Related to volunteering, make a personal commitment to handle at least one task daily that pushes you outside your comfort zone. Whether it's dealing with a challenging member of the public, writing a type of report you find difficult, or addressing a particular type of incident that makes you nervous—facing these discomforts directly is how you grow.

Focus your development efforts on these areas of discomfort rather than building on existing strengths. This balanced approach will make you a more versatile and confident officer.

6. Present a Professional Image

Arrive early, look immaculate, and take pride in your appearance. People—including your supervisors, colleagues, and the public—will make judgments based on how you present yourself.

Keep spare uniform items in your locker for emergencies. I still remember a sergeant sending an officer home because they arrived for early shift still dirty from wrestling with a suspect the night before. Their excuse of not having time to clean up didn't hold water—professionalism requires planning ahead.

7. Put the Kettle On

I don't care what they told you in training school about not being obligated to make tea—just do it. There will be times when you can't yet contribute to complex tasks, but you can always contribute to team morale.

Making a round of tea isn't servitude; it's practical support for your colleagues. Don't forget to knock on your sergeant's and inspector's doors too—leadership positions can be isolating, and small gestures of inclusion make a difference.

8. Embrace Feeling Out of Place

Every day will feel like a new day at school for quite some time. This is normal and, actually, it's part of what makes policing such a dynamic career.

I felt out of place when I first pinned sergeant's stripes to my shoulders. I felt out of place 18 months later working as a custody officer. I felt out of place when I put on inspector's epaulettes and heard someone call me "boss" for the first time.

These moments of discomfort are signs of growth. Relish them—they're why you joined the job in the first place.

9. Talk About Your Feelings

When you attend your first sudden death, deal with a traumatic domestic incident, or handle a cot death—talk about it. Debriefing isn't just procedural; it's emotional maintenance that will preserve your wellbeing throughout your career.

I didn't talk enough about difficult incidents during my service, and decades later, I still feel the impact of experiences I bottled up. There's no pride in silence—the truly resilient officers are those who process their experiences through conversation and reflection.

If you remember only one tip from this list, make it this one. Your future self will thank you.

10. Maintain Your Life Outside the Job

Once your shift ends, protect your time for family, friends, and personal interests. Don't let your hobbies fade away or allow the job to become your entire identity.

Early in my career, I lived in a police hostel on station grounds, surrounded by colleagues, constantly immersed in police work. If I could go back, I'd have created more separation between my work and personal life from the beginning.

Give 120% when you're on duty, absolutely—but when you're off duty, invest in the relationships and activities that keep you grounded and fulfilled. Remember: if you can't look after yourself, how can you look after others?

Bonus Tip: Take Pride in Your Achievement

You've earned the right to carry the warrant card and wear the uniform. Never take that for granted, and resist the temptation to join in when colleagues complain about "the job"—because it's not just a job; it's a vocation and a privilege.

You are a servant of the Crown, part of a tradition of public service that stretches back nearly 200 years. The work will be challenging, but it's also the best job in the world. Never forget that.

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