Where I'm at.......

     Well, I have been a busy boy!

     In August, I put in a transfer to the permanent midnight platoon, and was granted the move.

     Shortly thereafter, I was selected to attend D.A.R.E. Instructor school, which is an intense two week, dormitory style, course with training lasting almost 16 hours a day.  We would have 8 hrs of classroom, followed by group sessions and meetings, and 4 hours of homework a night.  It was the most intensive, yet rewarding, training I have ever experienced.  I graduated with a new respect for the program, and community policing as a whole.

     When I came back to my department, I was talking to my "new" Lieutenant about my experience, and shared with him my desire for the department to reinstate the program in the schools (it was removed from the public schools about 14 years ago).  He encouraged me to write a proposal for a pilot program and send it to the Chief.  Which I did.  Now, I'm waiting to see if there is any feedback from his office.

     I also recently met with the chief in reference to the promotions.  He confirmed my suspicion that I was, indeed, "skipped".  He used the "incident" that sparked this whole blog as his reason for the denial of promotion.  He stated that while my discretion was not a "hanging offense", and that I have been "punished" long enough, he could not promote me on this cycle.  He encouraged me to study, and sit for the test again this cycle, which I am doing.

     Now, I have very mixed feelings about this meeting, and conversation.  First, I am perhaps, honored (?) that he would reach out to me and explain his reasons to me.  HOWEVER, it also made me feel that I am not valued as an officer, just regarded as a "uniform" and a badge number.  It makes me feel like he looks upon me based on my reputation and personnel file, not my potential as an officer, or a leader.  I also feel that I am stagnated in my career, and have no possibility of growth and improvement.  In the meeting, I came away with some feelings of self doubt, and that I am not trusted to make the appropriate decisions as a leader.

     Well.......I still decided to take the test again, and go through the promotional process.  I have 3 years until I am eligible for retirement.  This will probably be my last attempt at promotion.  I don't know if I want to continue to pursue promotion if I don't get selected this cycle.  Not out of feelings of "butt-hurt", but practicability.  I don't know if I want to stay beyond my 20 year mark.  To go through the process with less than a year left is impracticable, and not smart planing.

     With three years left, I am starting to weigh some possible career choices, and see what I need to do prior to retiring.

     Well, That brings us up to speed.

     Take care, and be safe.

     Shamus.