"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the
strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have
done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually
in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and
blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again
and again because there is no effort without error and
shortcomings, who knows the great devotion, who spends
himself in a worthy cause, who at his best knows in the end the
high achievement of triumph and who at worst, if he fails while
daring greatly, knows his place shall never be with those timid
and cold souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
Hi. My name is Ed. I'm a peace officer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. I began my
career as a deputy with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (Sheriff Joe Arpaio);
worked as a narcotics interdiction and K-9 officer in Pinal County; and am now a
police officer in a suburb of Phoenix. I enjoy
law enforcement work immensely. In addition to feeling like I'm doing a small
part to make my community a safer and better place, I like the idea of being
able to show a few "bad guys" that crime doesn't really pay.
I also enjoy doing traffic enforcement--an area of law enforcement
misunderstood by a lot of people. Automobiles kill more people in this country
than do all robbers, burglars,etc. Drunk driving has become an epidemic.
Motorcycle officers and those "radar traps" many people dislike may
save more lives than any other type of police work. Also, traffic stops are the
source of MOST warrant and drug arrests!
One of my favorite on-duty activities is operating radar in school zones. In
Arizona the MAXIMUM speed limit approaching the crosswalk in a school zone is
15 m.p.h. I cite people going 20 m.p.h. or passing another car. Also in
Arizona, driving over 35 m.p.h. through a school zone is a CRIMINAL offense and
the driver may be arrested!
Finally, always remember to stop for a school bus that is
picking up or dropping off children. I have two small children who attend
local schools and I have NO patience with people who disregard the school
zone laws.
I know...you think that people become cops to drive fast. Well,
the number one cause of serious injury and death for police officers is vehicle
collisions. So, of course, there is NO WAY I would ever even consider driving
125+ mph on the freeway, "code 3" with red lights flashing and siren
startling the complacent drivers in my path.
Unless I HAVE to. :)
It's real gratifying when I am able to apprehend someone
who has been preying upon innocent citizens and:
Arrest him...
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AND BOOK HIM!
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To get a better understanding of police work you might want to
consider a "ride-along" with an officer. If your agency offers it, the
"Civilian Police Academy" is an excellent way for civilians to gain
insights into how officers do their jobs. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office volunteer posse
program allows you to work right alongside a deputy sheriff. A few posse
members even go on to become Qualified Armed Posse (QAP). QAPs carry weapons
and have law enforcement powers when activated by a deputy sheriff. If you're a
teenager, you may be interested in the Police Explorer program.
Below are some links to websites where you get can answers to most of your
questions regarding law enforcement agencies in the Valley of the Sun. If you
have any additional questions, please write me at the e-mail address shown at
the bottom of the page.
