The Badge, the Vest, the BeltStephanie Alvarez

Some ArtifactsThis is a picture of the police station that I visit from time to time. It is my district Police Department.

This picture is of the sweater my sister was provided in the academy. She passed it down to me. They wear these sweatshirts when they are training in cold weather

ContinuedThis picture is of my sister's patrol uniform. This is the uniform most Police officers wear. During my first year as a police officer I will be wearing this color uniform

This is the standard CPD baseball cap. Provided for obvious reasons.

This is one out of the two bullet proof vests you have. One is provided by the department and the second one you have to purchase

This is a leather jacket provided by the department. It is used during cold weather mostly.

The Badge. The Vest

The Belt

Everything on this belt is the standard requirement. You have the option to carry more things. Two magazine clips, mace, GUN, flash light, hand cuffs, cable ties.

This is standard mace. Additional ones are provided by the officer that wishes to purchase more. One of the non lethal objects on an officers belt.

Standard flashlight provides by the department. Used to investigate many things in lightless places.

Typical Handcuffs. Only one set is provided. One size fits most, adjustable wrist cuffs

Crucial

This is one of the two walkie talkies that is provided by the department. This one is channeled directly between you and your partner.

This is a baton. It is made from light wood. Another object that is non lethal.

Cont’

All batons are made by wood. Although they are still made by wood, they are not made by heavy wood any more. They are very sturdy and are one of the most non lethal objects an officer carries.

This is a mask that is versatile. Smoke and tear gas mask. Usually used during riots etc.

Artifacts

Artifacts, and Trainer.This is a riot helmet. There is a shield to protect the officers face from objects that can blind them etc.

This is Officer W. He is my instructor and my trainer. He is preparing me for when I am called for duty.

ResponseOfficers respond to all calls within their best ability and availability. This is a picture of officers responding to an abandoned dog call. It was a pit bull. Animal Control was called but one of the officers took the dog in his squad car instead. (Thank God)

This is a picture of an accident involving three cars. One of those cars was a wrong way driver

Message to civilians There are many things cops witness, go through, and have to

perform that we as civilians do not understand. I want my break down of what officers are provided with and carry with them on a day to day basis, help you understand that they are provided with those objects to protect themselves and everyone else from criminals. Criminals who are a human just like you and I. Sometimes some officers do abuse their authority, just how a lot of people with power do. But not all officers should be judged, just how no individual should be judged by the color of their skin, their gender, their orientation, their class, etc. It is a shame that police officers have to be provided with objects that disable a person momentarily. We as a society should be questioning, parents, teachers, psychologists etc, why it is necessary for a police officer to protect a community if when they perform their duty by any means necessary they are judged, and disrespected. If you “hate” cops, you are first generalizing all cops, and second who are you going to call then?