A day in the life of a cop

No amount of training qualifies an individual to become a devoted police official, but pure dedication and determination are the primary qualities one needs to give a thought before even contemplating to join the police force.

This notion I came to allow to sink in my head after spending my morning with the men and women in Blue last Tuesday morning.

The Kabokweni local police had invited me to join them for a school safety operation where they were raiding schools, searching for weapons and other harmful items posing danger to learners.

Beginning their day with a morning parade, the officers do not necessarily stick to a diary or a to do list for the day, they tackle the day as it comes.

Hopping into the police van occurred in a split second and while I was strutting my way to the van, I could notice the cop who was driving getting impatient with me.

Time is money for these guys!

“This job can’t be for a ladies, how do you throw yourself into a vehicle like that!” I thought to myself.

Just before we reached the first school, a suspicious looking duo by the road was suddenly searched by the police that I did not even see getting out of the car.

Lightning tactics!

“We often have planned operations like the one we are going to attend to now, but if we come across something suspicious on the way, we do not turn a blind eye but swiftly act,” said Capt Shirley Ngomane.

After an intense search at two local secondary schools, only two knives were seized from the learners and I had to pass a journalistic comment.

“So you guys did all that hard work, police dogs and all, for nothing. I mean you only found two blunt knives, there’s no glory there, no story at all,” I said.

The response from one of the cops then taught me that working as a police officer brings on a range of emotions.

It can leave you feeling satisfied, content, sad, displeased and fulfilled, all in the same shift.

“We were not merely interested in busting the children, but to ensure that they are safe.

We take glory in knowing that these operations are yielding good results since at first we would seize heavy weapons.

This is an achievement for us. These are children, not worse criminals and the fact that we didn’t find a lot of weapons satisfies us,” he said.

Before I knew it, on our way back to the police station, I was left alone in the van, a chase had ensued after one of the police had smelled a rat from two guys who were “just chilling” by the bus stop, according to me.

They were found with Nyaope and one of them had fled.

This time I was getting too excited, another story in the bag! My excitement was suddenly killed by a veering action of the van I was in, like you see in the movies.

Wait, gunshots! I just had to keep my head covered, by my hands of course. I was then torn between getting cover and witnessing the story first hand.

Then the suspect was on the ground within a few seconds and as I was applauding like a little kid, he was handcuffed and thrown in the same van I was!

Looking at the suspect, shame written all over his face made me feel a bit sorry for him, just a bit.

I guess I’m allowed to feel sorry for anyone, I’m human after all.

“Do you ever feel sorry for these suspects?” I asked the cops.

“We are on a mission to strive for a crime free society and we stick to it, period!” one of the officers told me and I had to keep quiet.

So, if you happen to be one of the people who think police officers are lazy people who loaf around while crime takes its course, get to spend a day with them in a police van.