Messy Murders - new book!

Available for pre-order now!! 

To be released on 12/12/17:

Messy Murders: Death and Dismemberment by Chainsaw
by P. O. Doe

Link: http://a.co/0T13EVf




P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Reasons for violating probation

I've found a variation of the statutory reasons for violating probation:

3 basis to arrest a probationer

• new criminal offense
• Violation of terms and conditions
• Has become abandoned to improper associates or a vicious life

Have any of you ever used the third reason, or a variation of it, to violate someone's probation?



P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Latest book live on Amazon!

My latest book is now live on Amazon!

Fifteen 15 Minute Training Topics: Quick Training Topics for Probation Officers
http://a.co/5D00uHI



P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/

Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Things to expect when your loved one becomes law enforcement, including probation!!

1. At parties and BBQs, your loved one will lose their personal identity.

They are no longer introduced as Dan or Susan. It becomes, this is my friend [insert name here]. He’s a [cop, probation officer, parole officer, etc]. Plumbers, teachers, graphic designers, and chefs will all be introduced without mention of what they do for a living. Law enforcement officers are always introduced by what they do, whether it's cop/police, probation, parole, etc.

2. Your loved one will speak differently after becoming a law enforcement offier.

They no longer “get out of a car.” Instead they “alight from a motor vehicle.” They do not “carry a nightstick.” They instead “utilize their service batons”. They don’t “turn on a flashlight.” They “illuminate the area.” They do not “throw stun grenades during SWAT raids.” Instead they “deploy distraction devices.” A vehicle is no longer a “car.” It’s a “cruiser.” They don’t “pull a gun.” They “draw their service weapon.” While this language is more specific to police, language changes for all law enforcement.  For probation officers, this will be reflected in their assignment (juvenile, adult, etc), the frequency they write reports and other factors.  The language listed above is reflective of the legalese that law enforcement is required to write in.  It is required by the courts and it reduces the ways that a defense lawyer can twist your meaning.

3. Weekends no longer include Saturdays and Sundays.

You often work a four-and-two schedule, getting an actual Saturday and Sunday off once every six weeks. That is of course if you are not ordered for overtime on your day off, as often happens.  This is going to vary again by your assignment.  If you work in juvenile institutions, than you will have 7 day based shift work.  If you work on a specialized unit, you may be subject to call outs and overtime.  If your position requires you to answer your phone 24/7, the same applies.

4. Holidays will now have different meanings.

While the whole world is enjoying a day off, crime and trouble are open for business 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can’t stay home with the kids on Christmas morning while they play with their presents. On New Year’s Eve if you are not scheduled to work, you most likely will be ordered to work.  Same as above related to weekends.

5. Your loved one’s appearance will change.

All the T-shirts and golf shirts they wear will soon have badges, emblems, or specialized unit insignias displayed on them. Once they get assigned to the drug unit they will start to grow their hair long and grow out their goatee or full beard. Over time, the attire reflects the law enforcement officers occupation. 

6. Get ready for your loved one to laugh at the weirdest things and during the most inconvenient times… often to keep from crying.

After exposure to the evil in this world, little things such as sights, sounds, and smells can trigger bad memories, cause anxiety, and change moods. It’s nothing against you, but if they admitted that these things bothered them, then they would be human. But we didn’t hire them to be human. They were hired to be law enforcement. Humans have spontaneous human reactions and make mistakes. Law enforcement can’t afford to, and aren’t allowed to.  If you do the job of a probation officer long enough, regardless of your assignment, you will encounter death, abusive family, mental health issues and a myriad of other things that the general public does not deal with.  And we get a special issue to deal with called compassion fatigue, in trying to have compassion for our population and their families.  They don't meet expectations.  It takes its toll.

7. Your loved one will make a whole lot of new friends.

They will have friends from the academy, their district, the other 20 offices, the drug unit, vice unit, detectives, homicide, SWAT, K-9, the State Police, and the federal agencies. One thing is for sure, their friends will all be law enforcement. They will golf with law enforcement, drink with law enforcement, debate politics and current events with law enforcement, go on vacation with law enforcement, and so on. And when they are not WITH law enforcement, they will be talking about law enforcement. God forbid you watch a cop show with them and someone on screen isn’t doing it his or her way. You’ll be sure to hear about it. If left unchecked their entire world will consist of law enforcement(Please ensure it doesn’t happen. Having healthy friendships outside of work keeps officers more grounded and healthy, and relationships intact.)  Take a look around your life and see if this hasn't happened - you will be surprised to what level it does happen.

8. Your loved one will look at the world differently.

Often when dealing with those committing crimes all day, and constantly being lied to, can change their view of the world. We are so used to dealing with people who constantly lie to us. If not careful, law enforcement can treat those we love as suspects.

9. Your loved one will lose their ability to have an opinion…more accurately, their opinion won’t be allowed.

Everyone has freedom of speech, except law enforcement. You have a right to speak freely, you just don’t have a right to be a law enforcement officer and do it. I.e.: A staunch Irish Catholic can agree with the Catholic Church and be anti-abortion. They however, must stand and be ready to risk their own life to protect the rights of pro-life individuals to freely express themselves. There is no conduct unbecoming a carpenter, but there is conduct unbecoming an officer. Off-duty behavior can impact your job.  Be especially conscious of this with social media!!

10. Your loved one will get very frustrated when the public and the media spread the message that cops/law enforcement doesn't care.

For the most part, law enforcement officers work hard, believe they can make a difference, and will put the job’s needs over theirs and their family’s needs. They will sacrifice time with family to keep others safe and will occupy their off-duty hours with issues from the job.  While the majority of what we see in the media relates to police officers, don't believe for one second that probation officers and other law enforcement isn't lumped in with that.  To the general public, we are all cops...

Borrowed and adapted from PoliceOne.com


Stay safe, stay sane!!
P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Things life has taught me

1. Most of our life is spent chasing false goals and worshipping false ideals. The day you realize that is the day you really start to live.

2. You really, truly cannot please all of the people all of the time. Please yourself first and your loved ones second, everyone else is busy pleasing themselves anyway.  Trust me, they aren't pay you no mind.

3. Fighting the ageing process is like trying to catch the wind. Go with it, enjoy it. Your body is changing, but it always has been. Don’t waste time trying to reverse that, instead change your mindset to see the beauty in the new.  I'm not saying don't keep fit!  You need that to stay safe!

4. Nobody is perfect and nobody is truly happy with their lot. When that sinks in you are free of comparison and free of judgement. No more keeping up with the Jones'! It’s truly liberating. 

5. No one really sees what you do right, everyone sees what you do wrong. When that becomes clear to you, you will start doing things for the right reason and you will start having so much more fun.  If it's not already, let it become a core fundamental of who you are!

6. You will regret the years you spent berating your looks, the sooner you can make peace with the vessel your soul lives in, the better. Your body is amazing and important but it does not define you.

7. Your health is obviously important but stress, fear and worry are far more damaging than any delicious food or drink you may deny yourself. Happiness and peace are the best medicine.

8. Who will remember you and for what, become important factors as you age. Your love and your wisdom will live on far longer than any material thing you can pass down. Tell your stories, they can travel farther than you can imagine.  If you really look at it, we do some pretty incredible and amazing things that should be shared with others.  Write your own story and publish it!  With technology these days, you really have no excuse...

9. We are not here for long but if you are living against the wind it can feel like a life-sentence. Life should not feel like a chore, it should feel like an adventure.  Perspective matters!

10. Always, always, drink the good champagne and use the things you keep for ‘best’. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one. Today is a gift that’s why we call it the present.  Don't live beyond your means, but make sure that you live to the fullest!!


Stay safe!!
P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/

Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Eight Lessons

8 Lessons Every Probation Officer Learns (or should learn!)

Lesson #1: There is a culture in many segments of society that says, do not cooperate with law enforcement. It is Us versus Them.  It's not just on the enforcement aspect, I sense this when dealing with some drug rehab programs.  They seem to make things more difficult and are slower to respond to contact from probation.  One of my coworkers was refused a tour by staff.


Lesson #2: “Us” takes care of our own business. Never let “Them” tell you what to do, when to do it, or how to do it.  We are in a politically correct society gone awry.  There may be times you are forced to make decisions based on this, but always do what your moral compass tells you is the right thing to do. 

Lesson #3: No matter how much wailing and pleas to “stop the killing” the culture will not violate lessons two and three.   If you help law enforcement, you're a "snitch."  But law enforcement isn't doing what they supposed to by stopping all the crime and killing...

Lesson #4: This is an important one – lessons #1 through #3 have nothing to do with race. These lessons are not unique to any one ethnic or racial group, or economical status. Across the board, police officers hear repeatedly two statements: “I don’t know nothing about nothing.” And, “I really don’t want to get involved.” This seems truest at homicide scenes.  It doesn't matter where you work or who it is, the culture is imbedded and reinforced through the media, music, etc.

Lesson #5: If you don’t have live witnesses to take the stand you don’t have a case.  How many people on your caseload have been a witness to a crime?  And how do you advise them the proceed?  It is a difficult call, because they still have to live in the community and they will have to deal with the thug culture retaliating. 

Lesson #6: Everybody lies to law enforcement.  If you don't realize and acknowledge that your probationers act differently in your office than they do when they are in the community, then you need to take a step back and open your eyes.  They will lie at every turn that they think they can.  And this also applies to the ones that are doing "good," that have jobs and are finishing school, etc.  It applies to normally law abiding citizens that aren't on probation.  Make sure to ask questions that you already know the answers to. 

Lesson #7: When you lie to your probation officer, there are consequences.  You need to hold people accountable to help them to change.  And the consequences don't always have to mean jail.  Make them applicable to the situation.

Lesson #8: People will disregard lessons #1 through #7 to save their own butts.  Having worked in roles that dealt with some pretty serious criminals, the ones that involve the people that most are afraid of, most people will cooperate or "snitch" if they are caught dead to rights and feel they can do it with minimal risk of being exposed.  You will encounter those people on your caseloads that are working for a police officer to avoid further prosecution or because the money is good.


Be safe!!
P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Warrior or not?

A modern and encompassing definition of a warrior for law enforcement is "one who is engaged aggressively or energetically in an activity, cause, or conflict." I believe this to be a better working definition because it broadens the scope and therefore who can be involved with it.  Look at how it can be applied to the field of probation and parole.  It doesn’t just encompass the war aspect, but can be applied to all aspects of the many hats we wear.  Do you energetically work to place your probationer into the best program for their needs?  Then also energetically apply yourself to officer safety so you can go home when the probationer doesn’t want to go with the program.

Stay safe!
P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Things I wish I knew before I became a Probation Officer

Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Probation Officer
 

Expectations versus reality can sometimes provide a strong shock to those of us who have grown up believing that life should be a certain way. When you begin working for a law enforcement agency, there are many changes and challenges to adapt to. Not only the challenge of facing the public and dealing with their issues, but also challenges from within your own respective department as well.
The following challenges were some that I faced, and it may not be the same for you. But if you do find yourself in these situations, then I have offered my own commentary plus some remedies for perhaps dealing with them and addressing them yourself.

Deception . . .

When you work somewhere such as a law enforcement agency, you should be able to trust those that you work with. You should be able to take someone at face value, or as they present themselves, and know that they are the person you think they are. However, this is not always the case and can cause issues with you during your career. Some officers will do what they can to get you to open up to them, only to use what you have said against you or tell other officers in the department. Unfortunately, by the time whatever information they are sharing is widespread throughout the department, it has likely become largely falsified.
For those of you that are working in law enforcement or thinking of a career, the best solution I can tell you is to ignore this. It is hard, but you have to stay true to yourself. You also have to realize that though those that practice this art may be co-workers and supervisors, you also have to set those differences aside and work as a complete unit. Division within the department can destroy it and therefore, do not allow yourself to be a contributing officer to such detriments.
And there is also the deception that is used with the people that we supervise.  You have to find out how comfortable you are with this concept and using deception.  That level of comfort will also dictate what kind of assignments you will be more successful in than others.

Toxic Leadership . . .

Yes. Though many will tell you otherwise, leadership in the law enforcement profession can be vindictive and toxic to the organization. If you make someone mad, whether directly or indirectly, the impact it has on your career can be destructive. You will read of officers that are terminated because they speak up. I suffered retaliation for challenging unethical behavior. Other officers have experienced the same events.Wherever you work, be it in the private sector or public service, there will be toxic leadership. There are truly no remedies to this. Some believe that a person cannot be taught to be a good leader. Leaders are either good or not. I believe that good leaders are made through training and role modeling, in part because they want to be that way. As a subordinate, you have a duty to still respect the rank and ensure that you are operating within the parameters of policy, procedure, and law. If you find yourself working for someone that is a toxic leader, document everything that person does that is not within policy and procedure. If they behave in an unethical manner, document that as well. I would also find someone within your chain of command or someone with the government organization you work for to voice your concerns with about the person’s leadership. Essentially, if someone is made aware that toxicity exists within the leadership channel of an organization, it will (hopefully) ensure that attention is paid.
Many work places have organized and have membership in a union.  Don't be afraid to use this avenue in dealing with toxic leadership.  They have many more resources and political clout that you don't have as an individual.

Secrecy and how to deal with it . . .
You walk into a room and everyone gets quiet because they are talking about you. Or someone has filed a complaint against you and you are being investigated, even if you have not had a chance to explain your side of things. This was one of the greatest issues I encountered when I first began my law enforcement career. I come from a military background. Therefore, I believe communication is the key to success in an organization.
In dealing with secrecy (or gossip!), the simplest solution is to simply ignore it. Unless it has something to do with you, do not let yourself be concerned with it. Even if there are those talking behind your back about you, it does not matter what they say so long as you know who you are and that you contribute to your organization in an honorable manner and stay true to the oath you swore. There will be secrets so long as there is a law enforcement operation in place.
Also be aware that there may just be issues that you don't have a need to know.  Have a little bit of faith when it comes to this type of secrecy.  What you don't know can protect you.

Brown-nosing . . .
I never knew the influential stance that brown-nosing would take in the law enforcement world. I have always concluded that hard work and results should be the indicative factor in determining an officer’s position within the department.
What I learned after getting hired was that it is not always the hard work of the officer, but the hard work of the officer’s ability to work his/her way into an inner circle based simply upon their ability to stroke the ego of an appointed official.  And the tide changes with each change of appointed official.
Again, there is no single remedy for this issue. However, as an officer, you should try to fit in with your co-workers. You do not have to participate in the same mannerisms as everyone else. Rather, simply be courteous to your supervisors and your elected officials. Hard work may not always determine your character as an officer in the eyes of those previously mentioned officials, however, it will define your character to yourself. At the end of the day, you only have to live with your own conscience.

If you’re married, then your spouse is married to the job . . .

Being married to a probation officer is not easy. We work long hours. We work swing shifts or get assigned shifts that consume our family life. As hard as it may be to balance your family life with your work life, as an officer, it is just as hard for your family to balance their life around your work schedule.
Spouses, try to understand that this job is not easy. To have any longevity in the filed, realize that it is more than just a job, it is a calling.  On the other hand, officers, try to be understanding that your spouses are balancing being both mom and dad when you are at work. On either end of the spectrum, it is not an easy lifestyle to adapt to and can challenge even the strongest of people to stay true to the original reason they married their spouse in the first place.  Make sure you take time to maintain that relationship.
There is a cultural fear of seeking help from counseling and psychiatric services, even when it comes to needing it to help your relationship.  Don't be afraid to seek help through an EAP program or though your health insurance.  We see a lot and take a lot on board in dealing with the people we deal with and their problems.  Sometimes it can take an outside professional to sort through personal and relationship issues.

Co-worker relationships . . .

Law enforcement is one of the most diverse professions in the world. Officers come from different cultural backgrounds as well as different lifestyles. One of the biggest challenges I face, even to this day, in my job is fitting in with my co-workers. My interests are different from almost everyone that I work with. As a result, I often find myself feeling awkward when I converse with other officers or simply not saying much at all.
Diversity is one of the beauties of this world. Many people in small cities are not as acquainted with diversity, as opposed to those who have traveled outside of the small cities or live in larger areas. Luckily, throughout my military career, I have been able to travel and meet a diverse range of people. If you are working in an organization that you find yourself facing the same issues, simply remember that it is not like that in all organizations. Larger organizations have a wide range of diversity. As such, I would encourage you to reach out to officers that work with other agencies if you find yourself having trouble relating to the officers that work at your respective department.
And as simply put as I can put it, don't get caught up in a work romance.  No matter how tempting, it rarely works out and there are rules in place because of that. 

In closing . . .

I do no regret my decision to become a probation officer. I (mostly) love my job and the ability to interact with others and help them. However, I wish I would have been less naïve and knew what to expect.  I also wish I'd known how much this job would change the way I look at the world. The job is tough on the inside and outside of the department. It is difficult on you and hard on your family. The most helpful piece of advice I can give you in dealing with issues within your own agency is to remember why you are doing the job in the first place. There is no blueprint to being a probation officer that will make the job any easier. I only hope that after reading this someone will find better ways to cope with the stress they feel in their job.


Stay strong! Stay safe!
P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Ten things your boss wants you to do without being told

All of this may seem obvious to some, but not to others.  It is perspective.  Do you want to be good at your job?  Do you want to advance?  Are you grateful for the job that you have?  Do you want to make your work place a better environment for everyone? 

I realize that we all don't work in perfect places.  Management often takes us for granted.  It is easy to build up resentment, but where does that really get you?  It is your choice how you react.  It is your choice to find satisfaction and meaning in your work, regardless of external factors.  Some of these may be tilted towards the concept that the boss is a good boss.  But you can't control that factor, you can only control you!

So, that being said, here is a list of ten things that can make your job better as a result of making your bosses job easier.  Don't be the disgruntled, angry, resentful employee.  It is much harder to make a difference in the lives of our probationers when you are being a curmudgeon at work!

DO YOUR JOB.

Yes, this sounds obvious, but actually delivering results is the primary thing your boss needs from you. After all, it’s why they hired you.

“You have the tools and the knowledge to deliver results, and it’s up to you to do so,” says Rob Mead, head of marketing at Gnatta, a customer service company. “Your leader will be there for advice, support and to get you through the tough times, but you need to provide results and she will then fulfill her end of the bargain by helping you get to the next level.”

Coasting along won’t win you any points with the boss, nor will it advance your career.  Even if you aren't interested in advancing, doing your job goes a long ways to making your work life smoother and not drawing unwanted attention.

BE ON TIME.

“Whether it’s to a meeting, for a deadline or just to a team happy hour, nothing is more off-putting than someone being late,” Mead says.

Yes, sometimes being tardy is unavoidable — traffic, family emergencies and other conflicts arise — but it’s on you to have the grace to communicate with your boss and your colleagues when these things happen. “Leaders remember who’s there on time, and those people will be the ones they can count on,” he adds.  We have so many tools available to communicate.  Use them in these situations. 

This is also one of the things you should be emphasizing to your probationers.  To get and keep a job, you need to be on time!

PROVIDE CONTEXT.

Bosses are typically busy managing everything from people to crisis situations while trying to lead a business.  This is no easy task. So giving yours a frame of reference when speaking or sending an email about projects and clients can make a world of difference, according to executive coach and TEDx speaker Lynn Carnes.

“Recognize that you have incredible power to shape how the boss sees something if you go beyond the typical vague question of ‘What do you think?’” she says. “A quick sentence of context — like, ‘This is about the XYZ client' or ‘I’ve been thinking about our ABC project’ gets her on the same page as you quickly.” Plus, the forethought that your boss has many other things on their mind is also much appreciated. 

Think about it in the probation world.  How many probationers do you have on your case load?  How many probation officers are assigned to your unit, working for your supervisor?  If you have ten people in your unit and each has a caseload of 50 people, then there are 500 possible probationers.  Hard to keep track of, so context becomes even more important.

GET TO THE POINT.

Coupled with providing context, Carnes says, is getting to your point quickly. “Nothing drives a boss crazier than for you to beat around the bush waiting for her to connect the dots,” she says. “Trust that your boss can ‘handle the truth’ and make your statement or ask for what you need as clearly as possible.”

If you’re writing an email, take the time to edit your message for length and break down what you need to say into bullet points so your boss can easily read and understand what you’re trying to relay. Any opportunity you can create to save your boss time and help them avoid unnecessary frustration will benefit you too.  Efficiency is important!

SCHEDULE TIME.

It happens to the best of us: You stop by your boss’s office and ask, “Got just a second to go over this?” and 20 minutes later you’re getting to the end of your “quick second.” At which point your boss doesn’t seem to be paying attention. “You think it’s because he doesn’t like your ideas or doesn’t care about your problem,” Carnes says. “In reality? It’s because he is now running late for a meeting and is trying not to be rude by cutting you off.”

Be realistic about the time you need with your boss, and don’t pop into their office for a “sec” if whatever you have to say will inevitably take longer. Instead of showing up unannounced, have the forethought to schedule time with them and get on their calendar.  Try to be realistic about the amount of time you will need to talk about the subject and schedule that amount of time.  And let them know when you are scheduling the time what the topic of the conversation will be, so they have context.

HAVE A CAN-DO ATTITUDE.

Sure, being an overly positive Pollyanna might just annoy your boss (and everyone else in your office, to be honest), but there is something to be said about an employee who willingly takes on the challenges of their job. If you don’t agree with a decision or a direction the boss wants to go in, then by all means push back and explain your position.  But don’t be the person who continually gripes over how difficult or insurmountable your tasks are.  Don't be the unit curmudgeon or disgruntled employee. 

“As someone for whom being positive doesn’t come naturally, it took me time to master this, but it’s key,” Mead says. “Being told that something is impossible is a switch off for any senior person — there’s always a way to do something. Stating that something can’t be done is never the right answer.”

I'm not talking about having "helium hand" that goes up and volunteers for everything.  Take on reasonable amounts of work and volunteer for additional tasking where it is doable within your schedule.  But don't be the employee that doesn't to anything "extra" or won't take on anything outside what they perceive as their job.  There is always other things that need to be done and putting yourself out there to do them is good for everyone.

SOLVE PROBLEMS, DON’T CAUSE THEM.

We’ve all heard this one: Don’t bring problems, bring solutions. “It’s a massive cliché, but, as with all clichés, it contains a grain of truth,” Mead says. “If you always bring problems, people will eventually stop listening. If you bring solutions, however, you’ll be remembered positively — even if they don’t always work 100 percent of the time.”

He explains that leaders are always looking for people who care enough about their roles to improve both their own areas of responsibility and those of others. Having the creativity and ingenuity to at least try to resolve complications will get you recognized for being resourceful and for being a team player who looks out for the greater good.  Be known as a problem solver, not as a "problem child."

TAKE INITIATIVE.

Being a self-starter goes a long way toward impressing the boss, yet taking initiative is seldom done, says Jessica Tsukimura, head of the New York Client Services team for Stag & Hare, a global branding and design agency. In fact, she says that this quality is usually the main piece of feedback for her team in every performance review.

“See an issue or a need internally or with a client? Why not try to develop solutions before it’s assigned to someone? This showcases your willingness to pitch in as well as your ability to problem solve and be effective,” Tsukimura says. “Your proactive nature will make you stand out among your peers, and your boss will no doubt take notice.”

In a government organization that most of us work for, it is always a good idea to match this one with the prior tip.  Take it to the boss first with a solution and work it out if possible.  But there is also something to be said about it being easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.  If it needs to get done (and the solution won't get your fired), get it done.

TAKE NOTHING PERSONALLY.

To quote “The Godfather” (and “You’ve Got Mail”), what happens at the office “isn’t personal, it’s business.” This is especially true when it comes to the feedback your boss gives you.

“Bosses need to give constructive feedback on your work without worrying about hurting your feelings,” Carnes says. “And if you do find yourself having taken things personally, you don’t have to react. When you get defensive, it sends a warning signal that there is something to worry about.” Instead, she advises taking a deep breath and remembering that feedback will help you flourish and grow.

Everyone gets frustrated when you make a mistake.  But you can't take it too personally or you won't ever get better at your job.  And take that feedback from all sources.  Just because it comes from the grumpy employee that doesn't do much or the fresh out of school new hire doesn't mean it isn't valid and worth listening to.  You may also get good feedback from your probationers.

DON’T JUDGE.

Bosses have to constantly make decisions. Some of these are very difficult, and many of them cannot be discussed in detail with employees. Chances are that you won’t agree with all of them. But it’s up to you how you react to them.

“While it’s OK to ask the boss why a decision was made, recognize that she may not be at liberty to share all the details,” Carnes says. “It’s a great time to assume positive intent and give her the benefit of the doubt given the set of circumstances she was in.” Passing unnecessary judgment can come off as childish and even discourage your boss from envisioning you in a more senior role down the line.

If you look at the privacy issues, Human Resource restrictions, HIPPA restrictions, etc., there are many things that may restrict your boss from fully discussing why the decision was made.  It may also be that all of it was above your pay grade in the need to know category. 

But, if you calmly and rationally don't agree or understand, and you are represented by a union, taking it to a shop steward is another option.  Just be careful not to overuse this or you will be labelled as a "problem child" even if you are right.

This was borrowed from:
http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/13400147-10-things-your-boss-wants-you-to-do-without-being-told/#slide=1

When I see articles like this that are helpful, I am trying to add to them to make it more applicable to our specific field.  Is there anything you would add to this list?



Be safe!!

P. O. Doe


#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Updating availability of books - paperback now an option

Now that Amazon offers the option of print on request, I am able to most of my titles now as paperbacks. 

These are all of my available titles to date.  The ones with an asterisk at the end are also available as paperbacks.

Maximum Exposure: 42 Stories from Probation*

http://amzn.com/B013NUJ8NS

 

Newbie Status: A Guide for Probation Officers to Navigate their First Five Years and Beyond*

http://amzn.com/B014NF1EQ6

 

Left on Vacation Came Home on Probation: A Guide to Successfully Completing your Probation*

http://amzn.com/B013N8T2YU

 

Gang Conditions: A Guide to Supervising Gang Members on Probation*

http://amzn.com/B013N7D8BY

 

Sustained: Probation Internal Affairs Investigations and Your Rights*

http://a.co/0wZJ0jw

 

Just the Facts: Report Writing for Probation Officers*

http://a.co/3N02f93

 

On The Stand: Courtroom Testimony for Probation Officers*

http://a.co/7DOYgMZ

 

The Killing Frenzy: Profiling Mass Murder*

http://amzn.com/B0163JZG0U

 

 

The Woodchipper Murder: The Forensic Evidence Trail in the Homicide of Helle Crafts

http://amzn.com/B013N6DYDM

 

Set and Run: A Profile of Timothy McVeigh

http://amzn.com/B015F9S908

 

96 Minutes of Hell: Shots from the Tower

http://amzn.com/B013N8BCIO

 

Disciple or Partner: A Profile of Charles “Tex” Watson

http://amzn.com/B0163JNEEK

 

Disgruntled: A Profile of Joseph Wesbecker

http://amzn.com/B01652QUGY

 

Annihilator: A Profile of John List

http://amzn.com/B0163WTU54

 

I'm still working on more titles!  The one that will take the longest is the compilation of all the adventures and cases that I worked on over the years.  There have been some real interesting ones!!

P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

On The Stand: Courtroom Testimony for Probation Officers

I've finished my 14th book and it is available for purchase. 

Courtroom testimony can be a frightening prospect, even if you don't mind public speaking!  It is a unique environment with it's own rules and protocols.  You can take a lot of the fear out of the situation by preparing yourself and this book is meant to do just that.  Available in eBook and paperback.





On The Stand: Courtroom Testimony for Probation Officers
by P. O. Doe
Link: http://a.co/hVYr3gi





P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/

Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Judging Law Enforcement Use of Force

I know it's in the news often, even as little as I watch the news anymore.  Everyone has an opinion and the main stream media focuses on the bad.  It's what sells advertising because it gets people all worked up and they keep watching.  So, what is it that the average person, and even some in law enforcement, don't understand about use of force?  Why is it that these police officers are getting found not guilty?  It's not complicated.  It's based on a Supreme Court Decision called Graham V. Connor. 

Graham held that determining the "reasonableness" of a seizure "requires a careful balancing of the nature and quality of the intrusion on the individual... against the attempt at "countervailing" and under the guise of governmental interests, being at stake." These rights of which, are well documented, and established, of the people, by the people, and for the people, of the United States of America. It acknowledged, "Our Fourth Amendment jurisprudence has long recognized that the right to make an arrest or investigatory stop necessarily carries with it the right to use some degree of physical coercion or threat thereof to effect it." However, it then noted, "Because the test of reasonableness under the Fourth Amendment is not capable of precise definition or mechanical application, “the test's" proper application requires careful attention to the facts and circumstances of each particular case."

The Court then outlined a non-exhaustive list of factors for balancing an individual's rights and an officer's: "the severity of the crime at issue," "whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or others," "whether he is actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight."

The Graham Court cautioned, "The "reasonableness" of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight." It also reinforced, "As in other Fourth Amendment contexts... the 'reasonableness' inquiry in an excessive force case is an objective one: the question is whether the officers' actions are 'objectively reasonable' in light of the facts and circumstances confronting them, without regard to their underlying intent or motivation."

The Court rejected the notion that the judiciary could use the Due Process Clause instead of the Fourth Amendment in analyzing excessive force claims: "Because the Fourth Amendment provides an explicit textual source of constitutional protection against this sort of physically intrusive governmental conduct, that Amendment, not the more generalized notion of 'substantive due process,' must be the guide for analyzing these claims."

This reasonable officer standard has been defined as what an officer with similar knowledge skills and experience would find to be reasonable under the same circumstances.  Not what a civilian sees a reasonable.  Not what the media sees as reasonable.  This is why, after the defense has presented it's expert witness on use of force and the prosecution has presented it's expert witness on use of force, the jury is left to evaluate it under the instructions of this standard.  They have all the information, from both sides, to determine the facts of the case.  And given this, that is why many of these cases are being adjudicated not guilty.

If you are reading this as a probation officer, you may ask how it applies to you.  As a probation officer, this means that when looking at the Graham factors, you should write your report as to describe the totality of circumstances, and why you used force. Additionally, you want to avoid boilerplate language when writing your report.  You do want to insure that the use of force is described as it applies to your departmental policy, as long as it is an honest description.  You need to describe what you saw and felt and why you decided to use any particular force option.  Write a thoroughly descriptive story describing what happened, because you may have to defend your actions under Graham in court.


Stay safe!!

P. O. Doe

#probation

#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Why should probation officers get a law enforcement type of retirement package?

It’s just not fair that probation gets a safety retirement!  I’m sure you have heard the old saying “if I had a nickel for every time (insert witty, sometimes arrogant remark here)”! Well, here it comes again.  If I had a nickel for every time someone said how lucky I am to be being able to retire at age 50 (or 55 or 57, now depending on the pension reform and your employers version) I usually respond with a smile and patronize them with ”you’re right, I’m lucky”.

After that, I continue the conversation but fall into my own thoughts at the same time.  Initially my brain jumps right to “idiot” or “moron” or “did they really say that or are they just being an a$$hole”? This all happens within a matter of seconds. As I walk away, my own self-doubt creeps into the logical side of my brain and wonders.  Am I lucky to retire at such an early age? Do I deserve to retire at an age well before most are allowed to get their gold watch?

These thoughts quickly vanish as I contemplate the absurdity of these questions.

Here are just 4 reasons why probation officers get to retire “so young” and are (or should be if you are not!) considered safety or law enforcement category for retirement.

1. Stress

You would think that this one would be a no brainer. There are people out there that think they have stressful jobs.  Unless you are a police officer, front line combat grunt, air traffic controller or a sky-diving instructor, everyone else, please sit down.

“But you don’t know man, I’ve got deadlines and a lot of pressure on me at my job, why do probation officers retire before I get to?”

And I get that. I really do.  But, really?

I will spare everyone the same old “we face armed felons and don’t know if we are going home at the end of our shift mantra.”  That is a big part of the job.

It should be blatantly obvious to everyone. Oh and I’m quite sure if you screw up, or have a perceived screw up, at work it won’t cause the city you work in to riot or change your industries culture on a global level.  Does it happen often in our industry? Not really, but it hangs there in our minds.  Potentially affecting our decision making and slowing our reaction times. 

This applies to probation officers as much as police officers.  Where cops deal with all of the population, we deal with all of the people that cause them the most problems.  They are who we supervise.  We have to go to their homes, armed or not.  We have to hold them accountable, often by arresting them. 

Plus there is compassion fatigue.  It is draining working with the population that we work with.  Full of mental health issues, addiction issues, etc., this is a difficult population.  You have to allow yourself to open up and care about people to be effective at your job and this takes a heavy toll, regardless of how well you take care of yourself. 

2. Schedule

It sucks.  I’m not talking about the building rats (PO’s who never leave the building).  I’m talking about task force work.  You are always on call. 

I have worked days and nights, holidays, birthdays, elections, hurricanes, and high school plays. I have worked 30 hours without sleep and have come back to work 20 more with only a few hours of sleep in between.

While most PO’s never work in a task force, there are a lot doing shift work.  That takes it’s toll.

3. The uniform

While most probation officers don’t have a designated uniform, it is ridiculously uncomfortable wearing a protective vest and 30 pounds of law enforcement gear.  Whether it’s in a carrier/tactical outer cover and/or on a duty belt, it effects the way you sit, stand, and walk.  It creates injury. 

4. The exposure to unspeakable suffering

It eventually comes up.  You’ll get asked if you had ever seen a dead body. Other than your grandma at her funeral, most have not.  There are things in this world that humans are not meant to see or experience.

As mentioned from reason #1, law enforcement is a highly stressful and dangerous occupation.  New PO’s arrive in this profession with an eagerness that is almost unrivaled in any other job.  “I’m going to change the world, one probationer at a time”.

Until they see their first dead baby. Or they have a probationer murdered that they’ve been working with for months or years.  Or one of their co-workers or one of the police officers they work with in their community is murdered.

The seduction of becoming a probation officer and serving the greater good enables the new PO to overlook the inherent dangers and traumatic scenes that he or she may face or see.

As they become fully immersed in the law enforcement culture, the old life they had prior to becoming a probation officer begins to fade away. They are forever changed by the things they experience in the work we do.  It becomes harder to relate to the mundane realities of the lives of people that don’t work in law enforcement. 

 

I am definitely not the same person that I was when I started this journey into law enforcement as a probation officer.  I am jaded.  My filter isn’t the same as it was near the beginning of all this.  I don’t look at people the same way.  I sit with my back to the door, just in case.  And how many of you have an emergency plan for your family for dealing with potential problems with people you’ve supervised in public?  That surely isn’t something that those normally complaining about our early retirement have to worry about.

Stay safe!!

P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

13 things about life and society we learn on the job

Since so much of this information crosses over to what we as probation officers do, I thought I'd continue with the previous blog entry theme.  Again, borrowed from PoliceOne.com

13 things about life and society cops learn from the beat

Jun 18, 2014

---

• A question posted recently on Quora asked, “What have you learned as a police officer about life and society that most people don't know or underestimate?” Former Police Commander Rick Bruno gave his opinion on the topic, below. Check it out and add your own thoughts in our comments section.

1.) A life can change permanently — or end — in an instant, without warning or second chances.
We see this with our probationers and their families all too often.  I managed to go almost 8 years before I had someone murdered on my caseload.  He was gunned down in the middle of the street.  He did choose the life, but he didn't choose the end or deserve it. 
It does also happen to our coworkers - and their families.  I've lost one coworker to violence, a fellow probation officer, as well as too many officers from police agencies that I had worked with.  If it hasn't happened to you, if you stay in this field long enough, it will.

2.) A suicide has more than one victim.

And we deal with this more directly with the population we serve than the police officers do.  Although they deal with the immediate aftermath, we deal with the long term with the families and with our probationers. 

And, we are in a profession that has a high rate of suicides.  Law enforcement in general.  I have lost several friends from agencies I worked with to this tragedy.

3.) Children should not have to see some things.
This is something that I will never become immune or dead to.  It affects me more than just about anything.  The conditions that I have seen first hand people live in with their children are appalling.  The things that people expose their children to are equally atrocious.  We are mandatory reporters.  Use that reporting, as well as filing charges for child neglect or endangerment. 

4.) The "safest" neighborhoods can be the deadliest.
Just because you feel that you aren't in the worst of neighborhoods, don't become complacent.  If you were to conduct a probation search in Beverly Hills, is it really any less dangerous than Watts?  Yes and no.  All it takes is the actions of one person to ruin your day and that can happen anywhere.  Stay frosty.

5.) Most people don't really know their neighbors.
I don't.  Especially in California.  There is a different attitude here about your neighbors than in many other places, especially the South.  But even then, people are different when they let their public face down.  We don't see our probationers the same way in the office that we would at their homes or in prison.  We don't see them acting the same way as they do when they are around the police either. 

6.) It is one thing to catch a person "red handed," it is quite another to convict them.
I really saw this from watching how the Court system works in the plea process and with how things are done with Pre-Sentence Reports.  If you haven't done work as a representative of your department in a court room, do it.  It is eye opening to how things are negotiated out.  It really isn't like you see on television...

7.) The police uniform is a symbol. It is not protection. The emotions of the people you serve go right through it.
Most probation departments don't have uniforms, but the badge or jacket serve as the same symbology.  We carry many of the successes and failures of our probationers.  To be good at your job, you have to take things personal to some degree.  When a probationer is in crisis and having a meltdown aimed at you, it is emotionally draining.  When bad things happen, they can follow you into your dreams and beyond.

8.) Many, many people will never see their own situation as their own fault, when they should. They therefore miss the opportunity to heal.
This pretty much sums up why we have job security.  So many of the people we supervise do not take responsibility for their own actions.  It is a microcosm of the larger society as a whole, but it gets our people into legal problems that end up with quality time spent with us.  Without accepting responsibility for your part in your situation, how can you move on?  How can you mature?  How can you learn?  So many fail to do so.  That is why so many probationers act like overgrown teenagers.

9.) Many Americans insist they know their rights. Some do, most do not.
People watch too much television.  And listen to too many street hustlers that claim they know the law.  Then they get all crossed up.  People - read the Constitution if you want to know your rights.  Or actually talk to a rights attorney.  Do you really think you know my job better than me?  Or that I am intentionally walking over your rights, thus risking my career and civil lawsuit?  Just because of you?  Get over yourself.  You are not that important...

10.) If a person repeats something three times, he is intoxicated. ("No wait, no wait, no wait ...")
Or under the influence.  Or they think that you are going to believe their lies the way that their mama does.  If you haven't gotten Drug Abuse Recognition training, take the class.  It will change the way you interact with people in our field.

11.) If we listened to each other we would avoid most of the problems we have with one another.
But that means that I have to stop talking. That means I have to think about someone else besides myself.  That means that I have to have a grasp of the concepts of sympathy and empathy.  If this was easy for the population we serve, they likely would not be on probation. 

12.) Someone wants what you have, even if your only possession is a dryer box.
If you look at your case load, you will likely find someone on probation for petty theft, probably with prior petty theft arrests.  Depending on what the cut off dollar amount is and the way your state laws are written, they stole something of very little value.  This is often due to addiction and/or mental health issues.  This is very common in our population.  Then there are those that just want what you have and will use violence to take it.  Their mental health issue is likely that they are sociopaths.  A lot of them in our population too.

13.) There are some amazingly evil people in the world. They will hurt you just for fun, and they lack the ability to feel bad about it.
These are the worst of the sociopaths or psychopaths that we deal with.  And the people that are just plain a-holes.  If you stay in the profession long enough, you will deal with them.  Even if you work in an area with a smaller population.  They are everywhere...


Stay safe out there!

P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Inspired from a post from Police One

From PoliceOne.com

I was recently asked, “What have you learned as a police officer about life and society that most people don’t know or underestimate?”

Here is my reply...



1.) One of the things my upbringing did not prepare me for was the complete lack of civility that some people have. I didn’t think of myself as having been sheltered from evil as a child, but I did not learn that some people have absolutely no regard for the welfare of anyone but themselves, and lash out at anyone who tries to make them aware they are not the only people on the planet.

If you haven't seen this with people you supervise, or their families, you've been very lucky.  There is a strong sense of entitlement that seems to feed this.

2. ) Everyone has a “hot button.” Calm and even-tempered as you might be, there is some topic that will set you off, especially if it’s referenced to you personally. It might be your height, your weight, your sexuality, your education, how much money you have, your mom, whatever. Rational people can become maniacs if someone pushes their buttons.

Get to know what this is, if you haven't already.  Be prepared for it and hold your temper.  You must act as if you are always being recorded, because you probably are.  Go to the field with someone who knows you and can help step in if you need to walk away and collect yourself.  And by all means, don't be the person who tries to find these buttons in the people they supervise.  You will end up getting hurt or getting someone else hurt.

3.) Although they may not know it, there are people who find these hot buttons instinctively, and they live to push them.

And the drama swarms around them.  Recognize this and develop a plan ahead of time to deal with it.  It may just be that you need to terminate the appointment until they can collect themselves and behave appropriately.  If it continues, provide the court with that information in your progress report or revocation petition.


4.) Never underestimate what people will do for sex, money, and/or power. That applies to everyone, from the basest criminal to the most saint-like person you know.

I just posted an article about a probation officer who was convicted of sexual assaulting someone he supervised.  And how many of us know one (or more) people that have been walked out of the job for something related to sex, money or power?


5.) People can be sexually aroused by almost anything. There are practices people engage in for sexual reasons that you will find baffling and utterly disgusting. You can gain some limited insight here by going to a reasonably-well-stocked adult bookstore and examining the diversity of the materials. If your thing is watching overweight Asian women give each other enemas, there are not just other people who enjoy the same thing, there is probably a regular magazine and series of videos devoted to it.

Or take a look (not at work!!) at any internet porn site.  Peoples paraphilia's are diverse and amazing.  This includes the people that we work with... 


6.) No matter how bizarre you find other folks’ sexual preferences, you have to be at peace with knowing that what consenting adults do in private is their business alone. If they decide to take it public or engage people who either don’t consent or are too young to do so, you can get involved.

Be prepared to encounter some of the oddest things during your probation searches and always wear gloves!  And if you are supervising a sex offender case load or doing some of the heavy duty presentence reports, you will have to read about some pretty horrendous things.  Don't take it home with you.


7.) Law enforcement is a very stressful occupation, but most of the stress comes from the political interactions and power games within each law enforcement agency. The stuff on the street can be stressful, but you learn to deal with that quickly or you get out. About half of the people who become law enforcement officers leave before they have five years on the job. Some get fired for unsuitability, incompetence, or misconduct, but others find out it’s just not for them.

You do see this with Probation Officers also.  And how many of us work for an organization that is rift with political games, favoritism, etc?  Especially if they make it clear through actions that they won't back you up if you are accused of wrongdoing...


8.) High-speed chases look like fun because they are.

Most Probation Officers will never engage in this.  There are some that work in specialized units that will and I have heard that it is a blast!


9.) Once you become a cop, very few of your non-cop friends will ever again treat you the same way. You will be introduced by your profession for the rest of your life. People are never going to be comfortable with the group charged with detecting and making them accountable for their bad conduct.

People will not differentiate a Probation Officer with a Police Officer when it comes to this.  You will soon discover who your true friends are.  And they must also be okay with how the job changes you over the years.


10.) Many criminals can be reformed, and eventually do come to the point in their lives that a criminal lifestyle is more trouble than it’s worth to them. Unfortunately, by the time some of them do that, they have incurred a prison sentence that will keep them behind bars until they die.

Either the light comes on due to something happening, like going to adult jail for the first time, or they just get old enough to understand that it just isn't worth it.  It is a rewarding part of your job helping and guiding them to come to that realization. 


11.) Criminals who do not fit into the above category are mostly predators, and should be locked up permanently.

You will have them on your caseload.  Learn to recognize them and trust your instincts.  A part of our job is protecting the community, not just trying to rehabilitate people.  Their actions will guide yours and you must hold them accountable.


12.) Never say, “Now I’ve seen it all.” There will always be innovators.

This is so true.  Whether it be new criminal conduct or the excuse of the month, there is always creativity!


13.) Take away alcohol and stupid, and the world would require about 90 percent fewer cops.

Add in drugs and the percentage goes even higher with the people on our case loads.  The ones that don't do the drugs, alcohol or stupid are likely part of item 11 above.




Be safe!!

P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com