NJ Cops | Page 74

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 73 What were the keys to progressing? I studied continually. I never stopped. After I made sergeant, I continued to study the criminal code, case law and all the other pertinent categories that at the time were relevant. They change all the time, maybe only a little, but they change, so it’s important to stay on top of all the categories. And it will absolutely make you a better cop. As an instructor, I hear a lot of cops say that doesn’t work, but for the test I will do it. What I’m teaching them works for the promotional test and the streets, because if you don’t follow the law, you could have problems. What if you don’t get the promotion the first time – how do you keep from getting discouraged? Students must understand the reason for failure most of the time. It’s not because you didn’t pass. It’s because you didn’t score high enough. In my experience, most of the time students miscalculate the hours they need to spend studying. Remember, if you are studying