We’ve followed the new class of Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputy recruits through weeks of high liability training where they practiced and perfected the kinds of skills commonly associated with law enforcement: firearms, driving, defensive tactics, and deadly force decision making. Through instruction and scenarios, trainers taught them the physical and tactical skills they’ll need to be effective and safe while on patrol. But the high liability component is only half of their in-house training.
For the rest of the nine weeks they learn more about the agency and some of the more typical kinds of calls they will handle. They learn how to work vehicle crashes, issue traffic citations, and conduct thorough DUI investigations. Domestic violence accounts for a significant portion of calls, as do citizens experiencing a mental health crisis. Detectives teach deputies how to be the first responders to property crimes and crimes against persons. The Child Protection Investigation Division (CPID) members and Crimes Against Children (CAC) detectives teach deputies how to handle some of the most sensitive cases of abuse and neglect.
Through it all, trainers emphasize the need for compassion.
There is a stereotype of law enforcement as strong and stern, even emotionless, but nearly every incident a deputy is dispatched to requires understanding and compassion. Taking care of victims is at the heart of what deputies do. Almost every time a deputy encounters a criminal, they also encounter a victim who is probably having one of the worst days of their lives. How a deputy responds to them in their time of crisis can have an impact on their lives both in the moment and long term.
“CPID and CAC were the classes where they placed the most emphasis on compassion,” said Deputy Recruit Max June. Imagine the feelings of a child who has just witnessed domestic violence, or who may be removed from their home because of neglect – and think of the difference it may make to that child if a deputy soothes and comforts them instead of just stoically doing their job.
The trick is to be able to do both – sometimes to move seamlessly from objective professionalism to deep compassion and sometimes to display both at the same time. “There’s a fine line that has to be taught,” said Deputy Recruit Luis Hernandez. “Understanding how to be nice, to show compassion, and also in the back of our heads be ready to react to anything.”
“Each instructor has been good with having everyone understand that with this job we go call to call from small things to more escalated issues, and it’s like a rollercoaster,” Deputy Recruit Hernandez said. “On each call, we have to be able to put ourselves in their shoes and have some compassion – ask ourselves if this was our family or friend dealing with this issue, how would we handle it?”
One of the most difficult calls for a new deputy is an unattended death. Many of the recruits have never seen a deceased person, while others with prior law enforcement or military combat experience have seen far too many. If a person dies at home alone in an unsuspicious manner the deputy will be responsible for finding their doctor’s contact information, securing their valuables, and notifying their next of kin if necessary. They may spend hours with the deceased and their family, a task which requires great compassion.
“Deaths are tough,” said Deputy Recruit Hernandez. “I’ve had my fair share and consoled many good friends and families of those we lost in combat.” He’s ready to be compassionate on unattended death calls once he’s on the road and adds, “the better we do our job in these situations, the better the families can be.”
Showing compassion can go a long way toward encouraging a positive perception of law enforcement. “Without compassion you can’t build trust,” said Deputy Recruit June. “Without trust, we won’t change anyone’s perception.” A moment of understanding from a law enforcement officer can influence someone for their entire life.
When Deputy Recruit Hernandez was a child he had a memorable moment with an officer who took the time to teach him about the Golden Rule – the idea of treating others the way you would like to be treated yourself. “I don’t even remember that officer’s name or what he looks like, but my entire life, every time I hear people talk about the Golden Rule, I think of that moment. Small acts of compassion and kindness can last a lifetime.”
Deputy recruits need to learn to balance many aspects of their nature and their training and there can be times when excessive compassion could get in the way of them doing their jobs. Deputy Recruit Hernandez says you can never “let your compassion cloud your judgement on the reality of what is really happening.” He adds that “it’s hard to find that balance, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible.”
