Do and Do Not Do

Dear Ask a Prosecutor,
I recently graduated from the police academy and I’m eager to do a good job serving my community. Can you give me some pointers on what to do and not do?

Thanks,
Still A Bit Green

Dear Still A Bit Green,
A good case starts with a good investigation; a good investigation starts with the police officer screwing up as little as possible. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for a brand new cop:

• DO be polite and courteous, especially with difficult civilians.
• DO NOT call the victim of a crime a liar, especially when your belt recorder is turned on
• DO carefully document every piece of evidence collected.
• DO NOT give any evidence back to the defendants.
• DO use a  spellchecker
• DO NOT take liberties with the rules of grammar
• DO check for weapons
• DO NOT pull cars over because you’re bored
• DO treat all people fairly
• DO NOT bone hookers in the back of your squad car

Finally, don’t taser old ladies.

Enjoy the graveyard shift,
AAP