Answering the Call

Hello, partners. During the past few weeks, several senior SSOs have reached out to me regarding issues with our classification.

I am very fortunate to have partners willing to speak up to help keep our partners safe in their careers. That being said, I would like to touch on a few topics you should consider to be prepared, safe and effective.

Before responding to any call, gather information. This will help you determine what tools you need to resolve the issue and if more resources are required. When you obtain the information and the situation permits, slow down to figure out the next step.

Once you determine what is needed and appropriate backup is on the scene, coordinate the approach. Whether it’s the partner you work with every day or an outsider from a different unit of assignment, you will likely be the one they look to since it is your home field and you have the most knowledge of the RD. Communicate with your team before contacting the subject/suspect(s) and ensure everyone knows their roles during the contact.

During your response, keep your head on a swivel and have situational awareness of other potential suspects and hazards that may hurt you or your partners if you do have to be hands-on with someone. Everyday objects can potentially be used as weapons by someone attempting to harm you, so, situation permitting, move them out of the way and away from the suspect’s reach.

Remember, whether at work or just out and about on your day off, criminals are watching your moves and sizing you up — that is why command presence is important. When contacting someone, be professional, be assertive and demonstrate that “this is not someone to mess with.” As Sun Tzu said, “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”

This is always the best approach, but as we know, every situation is unique, and not every call can be resolved by just talking. Despite all de-escalation attempts, if the suspect decides to take it to another level, your response to their actions should be appropriate to the situation. That is why it is important to know your force policy and understand what appropriate legal actions are permitted to subdue the violent attacks of a suspect while ensuring the safety of you, your partners and the public.

Once the situation is safe, debrief. That way, you can determine what went well and what could have gone better. Also, be willing to accept constructive criticism. After every incident, there is an opportunity to learn and grow. The majority of people are not saying things to be malicious; rather, they are saying things to ensure your safety, the team’s safety and that everyone makes it home at the end of their shift.

I hope everyone reading this understands that they have signed up for a world of uncertainties. In life, there is no guaranteed tomorrow, so how could there be a guaranteed “easy shift”? Route 91, Uvalde, Sutherland Springs Church — time and time again, we have witnessed what was expected to be “just another day” quickly turn to hell on earth. When it happens here, that LASD logo on your uniform not only makes you a target but also puts you in a position where people expect you to get them out of that hell. It is important to be honest with yourself — are you willing to answer that call? Your answer will not only impact you but also your family, your partners, their families and the community. Be safe.