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tinued learning, studying, or reading is critical to the successful police offcer or police offcial. This process is akin to what we expect of and what medical doctors do. They test, acquire certification, read medical journals, and stay current on new treatments, methods and technologies throughout their careers. We expect nothing less than that from them and you should expect nothing less of yourself. Police offcers have at least as much power, authority and infuence over others as medical doctors. Both professions are afforded a great amount of discretion. In fact, the police have the authority to deprive someone of their freedom and exercise non-negotiable deadly force. The bottom line is this: Offcers of all ranks should know, had better know, what they are doing. The only way to accomplish this is by staying up to date on court rulings, changes in the laws, new departmental procedures, and engaging in some maintenance work on what you know. All police and law enforcement agencies have annual, semi-annual or even more frequent frearms qualifcations. Everyone recognizes the need to be profcient in using their frearms. Everyone recognizes this is a diminishing skill that must be maintained, and that often new tactics, skills, frearms, or ammunition are introduced, and added, and the old removed. As critical as this is, is it not just as critical that police offcers have the up-to-date knowledge to perform optimally? ���I did not know��� does not work. Some time regularly dedicated to brushing up on the old and exploring the new will go a long way in the reduction of mistakes, misconduct, poor judgment and errors; some of which could be critical and / or very costly in many ways; in citizen confdence, in the reputation of the department, for police morale, life, property, and monetarily. Everyone has on-duty down time or slow periods. Take advantage of that time, perhaps one hour a week, but do something. You owe it to yourself to be the best. You owe it to your department and you owe it to the public you have sworn to serve. To be effective, respected, competent and confdent, the learning / study of your profession must be a career-long commitment. LaO Post your comments on this story by visiting www.lawandordermag.com Ross E. Swope is a retired Commander, Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, D.C., and retired Chief of the US Supreme Court Police. He may be reached at rswope@supremecourt.gov. Photos by Mark C. Ide . Arm Every Offcer Detect Suspect Thermal Tactical Advantage See Gun Drop Guide Suspect to You NEW FLIR LS-Series Thermal Night Vision Monocular Portability, affordability and performance: The power of thermal imaging for every offcer. Stand off and pinpoint targets in complete darkness, through the dust you kick up or smoke you send in. Locate Evidence FLIR LS-Series Key Features: ��� On stakeout or in pursuit, detect suspects up to 1,000 yards out ��� At 12 ounces and 7 inches, LS is easier to handle than your baton ��� Select zoom, palette and laser features with one fnger Watch LS-Series videos and set up a personal demo at FLIR.com/LSLO. Click on EInfo at - www.lawandordermag.com reader service #18 www.lawandordermag.com 41