Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Has your Lt., Capt. major, chief or boss thanked you lately for doing a good job, or is it only when you've done a little something off center, or when it's time to get a performance rating that you hear from him/her?
It's sad that there are so many supervisors who seldom if ever praise an officer for doing a good job, but won't hesitate a moment in hauling that officer in on the carpet and chewing his a$$ out.

My agency had a de facto policy of only promoting people after they'd been suspended for a Policy violation ... something pretty serious..., for a term no less than 5 days.

Likewise, if a person earned an award, it drew deliterious consequenses forthwith.

Does that count as praise?

Oh man, you just made my morning bringing this up... I've been wanting to start a thread similar, but more particular to my situation, but didn't want to do the typical rant.

My previous supervisor didn't EVER thank me unless I put the words in her mouth! And what the heck good is THAT? In fact, it got so bad that I had to go to the Chief on MULTIPLE occasions because she would pull me off of patrol to b!tch me out on the carpet. And she'd have me sign counseling sheets every time too, at least 2 times per week! I got so scared of being near her that I wouldn't even come into the station for ANYTHING unless I was called by dispatch or her. I hated life working every day looking back over my shoulder to see her staring down and nitpicking every single thing I did!

One time I exploded at her during a counseling session when she handed me a "verbal reprimand" sheet for not letting her know that I was taking a 1 hour a day class that the Chief told me to go to! Ended up not getting the reprimand, but got a letter from the Chief in my file for losing my temper and directing me to three sessions of mandatory counseling. Talk about a career killer...

That Sgt. was out sick one day, but not so sick she couldn't call the station and ask the dispatcher to "spy" on me and see how much time I spent in the station and report it back to her (not all the officers mind you, just me). That's when it got so bad the Chiefs secretary and my dispatcher arranged a meeting with Chief and informed Chief that I was going to quit and move into another line of work (which I had stated to them both). They didn't want to lose me from their department, or from LE in general, AND they saw the Sgt. was singling me out over all the other officers in her command.

Chief wrote a letter assigning me to the other Sgt. the next day.

Life has been SO much better since then! This Sgt. doesn't have a hidden agenda and actually thanks me for the hard work I do along with chewing a little A$$ when it's needed! :D

Okay, rant over. Thanks for letting me vent! :D

Has your Lt., Capt. major, chief or boss thanked you lately for doing a good job, or is it only when you've done a little something off center, or when it's time to get a performance rating that you hear from him/her?
It's sad that there are so many supervisors who seldom if ever praise an officer for doing a good job, but won't hesitate a moment in hauling that officer in on the carpet and chewing his a$$ out.

Sadly, I think this is true in any profession. I remember when I worked at Meijer, I had a couple people tell me they wanted to talk to my manager and would tell them that I was a great cashier, etc. and they just wanted to let the management know; then they'd tell me what they had said...had they not told me personally, I never would have heard about it. But if someone complained, that's when you're taken in the office and chewed out about customer service...Sad, actually. I'm a fan of the 'publicly praise privately criticize' management practice, but I've rarely seen it used.

Heck, I don't even know who my supervisor IS. My regular one is out on long term medical. :confused:

My supervisor thanks me on a weekly basis, but I go above and beyond everyday at work, I have started and made many policies that we have to this day. Now its time for a promotion soon, so hopefully everything I have done will show up in that interview!!!

The first Sgt I worked for never told me that I did a good job. My LT, however, would. The LT would say he knows my Sgt wouldn't say anything but wanted me to know I was doing a good job.

The other Sgts I worked for would tell me on occasion. I've never been one to crave attention or needed to be told that I'm doing a good job. As long as I did my job and didn't get fired I was OK with that. But it does make you feel good to hear it.

I don't get a pat on the back unless I do something out of the normal. I pretty much agree with that. And I do the same. Your arm would start to hurt if you did it for every time one did their job.

We're adults, and shouldn't need constant praise. Leave us to ourselves unless we screw up or do something extraordinary.

I'll speak for myself ... and for myself only.

I'm well paid and WILL do the job I'm paid for. Some weeks I'm lucky and pull out "good shots" from my daily interventions. Other weeks I can't find a thing. I will always say "good job" to others when they get the jack pot, but not to the point of raising them to such a level where they think they are "the best".

When I make a good shot... I take it as part of my daily job but it doesn't make me any better then anybody else that I work with. Some of the guys I work with are always showing off whenever they do a good shot! They think they are "soooooo good". I can't stand that! I'm not competing with anyone!

We'd be surprise to see how many of their cases are thrown out and refuse by the Crown Attorney.

Personnally I don't expect any "pat on the back". I can live without it. I do however expect my supervisor to trust my judgement and let me work my way out. If I do need him.. I'll call him in! I just can't stand being "oversupervised".

That is my way of working... does'nt mean it is the best one but it is mine. I'm more of a loner then a "group therapy" guy!:D

The captain will, but I believe his sencerity like I believe there will be a bikini contest in Iran tomorrow.

My LT was my FTO back when I started, and got promoted to sgt right as I finished FTO, got assigned to my shift, and turned out to be my sgt. I've known him my whole career. When he says good job, I know he means it. He's pretty good about giving the shift praise. He's not too far out of touch that he doesn't BS with us on a first name basis.

My sgts are a great bunch of guys. We have one that will usually end up being the first one on scene to jump in a fight with you. The others have been friends of mine since before they got stripes as well. Very loose shift on midnights as long as the capt isn't poking around. They're very quick to praise for a job well done, or "unofficially" reprimand us by calling us a knucklehead when we do something wrong.

As a year and a half as a Sergeant now, I make a point to always tell officers "good job" after an arrest, or even when I'm a call with them. I still remember :D But I will say it is a little weird, at least at first, because a lot of these guys are people I worked with side by side in the past. But I do try to say it regardless.

My agency only doles out negative feedback. Even positive actions are met with negative comments. For instance, when an infant was having an allergic reaction and the parents were on the phone with 911, one of our officers stumbled upon them. He took the phone and the dispatcher walked him through administering an epi-pen, saving the baby's life before the FD Rescue could arrive.

Our Chief yelled at the Lt. for letting the patrolman get involved instead of waiting for the ambulance. :rolleyes:

My agency only doles out negative feedback. Even positive actions are met with negative comments. For instance, when an infant was having an allergic reaction and the parents were on the phone with 911, one of our officers stumbled upon them. He took the phone and the dispatcher walked him through administering an epi-pen, saving the baby's life before the FD Rescue could arrive.

Our Chief yelled at the Lt. for letting the patrolman get involved instead of waiting for the ambulance. :rolleyes:

Ours is the same way. An officer was written up one time for jumping in the river and saving a drowning woman that was near immanent death. He saved her, and was written up for not waiting for the fire department. :confused:

As a year and a half as a Sergeant now, I make a point to always tell officers "good job" after an arrest, or even when I'm a call with them........ But I do try to say it regardless.

While I understand the reasoning, I do not agree, respectfully.

When I attended First Line Supervision years back, they say to do this also... Give "Thanks" and "Good Job" comments regularly. They say its geared more toward the newer, younger Officers, as they are in need of praise, as the Generation "Y" crowd.

Personally, I say give "Thanks" and "Good Job" comments when the duty completed is not of the normal day to day mundane type, or the Officer does something not of his normal routine.

I personally think it opens people up to more ego, as if there isn't enough ego involved in this Type A mentality line of work as is :D

I personally think it opens people up to more ego, as if there isn't enough ego involved in this Type A mentality line of work as is :D

I disagree. I don't see how saying "good job" opens you up to more ego. Now if you keep saying that and "you're the best cop ever!" everytime someone opens a car door then I can see your point.

Now that being said, we are adults and as such we shouldn't need our fur stroked. But we are in a thankless job and hearing "good job" from time to time maybe will pick you up when you need it.


Just my $.02 amd since we are in a recession :rolleyes: it's worth zip. :D

I disagree. I don't see how saying "good job" opens you up to more ego. Now if you keep saying that and "you're the best cop ever!" everytime someone opens a car door then I can see your point.

Now that being said, we are adults and as such we shouldn't need our fur stroked. But we are in a thankless job and hearing "good job" from time to time maybe will pick you up when you need it.
Getting a "good job" or "thanks" from a victim, complainant or just someone in line at the quick mart is one thing.... getting your fur stroked by the guys that do the same thing is another. We know our place, our job, its benefits and its downsides.

I should have been more detailed; Answering a 911 call, calming a family squabble, stopping a speeder is our "opening a door" for someone.... its what we do.

Maybe I didnt get hugged enough as a kid :o

Maybe I'm too old school... not as old as a lot of you fuggers though! :D

Good job AC


:D :p :D :p :cool:

My agency only doles out negative feedback. Even positive actions are met with negative comments. For instance, when an infant was having an allergic reaction and the parents were on the phone with 911, one of our officers stumbled upon them. He took the phone and the dispatcher walked him through administering an epi-pen, saving the baby's life before the FD Rescue could arrive.

Our Chief yelled at the Lt. for letting the patrolman get involved instead of waiting for the ambulance. :rolleyes:

I remember that (I was the backup officer and used to work with SS5) and couldn't believe they were mad at the Bartman and me. However, the kid was fine and that's all that mattered. I was prepared for the onslaught of idiotic Monday morning quarterbacking from the lame excuse of brass there.

We were however recognized by VAnguard Magazine. A first for the police in that particular periodical.

Back on thread topic, my current employer seems to go out of their way to give "atta boys" to the troops. Such a better work environment and am 10x happier because of it.

If they "thank you for not screwing up today" does that count?

While I understand the reasoning, I do not agree, respectfully.

When I attended First Line Supervision years back, they say to do this also... Give "Thanks" and "Good Job" comments regularly. They say its geared more toward the newer, younger Officers, as they are in need of praise, as the Generation "Y" crowd.

Personally, I say give "Thanks" and "Good Job" comments when the duty completed is not of the normal day to day mundane type, or the Officer does something not of his normal routine.

I personally think it opens people up to more ego, as if there isn't enough ego involved in this Type A mentality line of work as is :D


I will be part of that NEW generation, I don't NEED to hear "good job" or "your doing great" for me to know that I am doing my job. If the supervisor wants to give me a compliment awsome but if not then just let me do my job and be on my way because I have things to do and people to see. I would rather the supervisor gave the guy/gal who NEEDS the "good job" give them that insted because I don't need it and I will be more than happy to do my job with little or NO praise!!!!

Just the other day my Sgt. thanked me for being such a pain in his a$$.

Does that count?:confused:

As the shift commander, my philosophy is "criticize in private, praise in public." I've worked for too many bosses that like to "strut their stuff" and will chew an officer out in front of his peers as an example. I'd rather praise them as an example. That doesn't mean I'm going to thank them for every little thing they do, but I take notice and give praise when it's appropriate. Oh, and "No," I haven't been thanked for doing my job lately.

Getting a "good job" or "thanks" from a victim, complainant or just someone in line at the quick mart is one thing.... getting your fur stroked by the guys that do the same thing is another. We know our place, our job, its benefits and its downsides.

I should have been more detailed; Answering a 911 call, calming a family squabble, stopping a speeder is our "opening a door" for someone.... its what we do.

Maybe I didnt get hugged enough as a kid :o

Maybe I'm too old school... not as old as a lot of you fuggers though! :D

I think you are 100% correct. Doing your job shouldn't rate continuous "Good Job" congratulatory remarks from a Supervisor. Its disrespectful to those who actually do the "better" jobs by not becoming "Boss gnats", and in a lot of aspects is dismissive and ingratiating at the same time, as if the Supers have it in their head they are supposed to say it, so there, they said it.

I had a Super tell me "Good Job" for showing up at a Crime Scene ready to go to work one day... like I was supposed to do. I had to stop him as he was walking away, wanting to know what I did that was so good to rate the comment. He couldn't explain it... and he was the on-call Staff Command Officer. Unfortunately he wasn't in my Chain of Command, because the ones I answered to were quite the opposite... :cool:

Now if they had told me I did a good job by being "the always on-call, ready to go to work, dependable guy who actually got the work done accurately, efficiently and most thouroughly", rather than "the guy who got the job done half-assed the quickest if he actually answered his call-out", THAT would have meant something... but the other guys usually got those... :rolleyes:

I know that I'm doing a good job when I don't get called in or written up :p

I know that I'm doing a good job when I don't get called in or written up :p

Exactly!!!!!!

Just the other day my Sgt. thanked me for being such a pain in his a$$.

Does that count?:confused:

Sure it does.:D

My Capt thanked me this week for dumping a couple problems above my pay grade in his lap. Don't think it was a heart felt thank you though:D

Eh..I figured I'd step in on this one... :D

Now, since I pay your salary with my taxes....:rolleyes: , in my opinion; I am in fact....your boss. :rolleyes: :p

So....GOOD JOB everyone!!!!!

:D:p:D:rolleyes:

I hope you all see the humor here......;)

Eh..I figured I'd step in on this one... :D

Now, since I pay your salary with my taxes....:rolleyes: , in my opinion; I am in fact....your boss. :rolleyes: :p

So....GOOD JOB everyone!!!!!

:D:p:D:rolleyes:

I hope you all see the humor here......;)

What did you say, you wanted to be BANNED???? Did anyone else read that/ see that????:D:D:D:D!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hahahaha @ my supervisor thanking me. If that sustained me, I would have quit long ago!

In fact, just last week I worked 12 hours on my normal task force operations. I get home for about 2 hours of kids' homework and seeing them off to bed, only to get paged out. The supervisor woudl not answer his phone and I had to go to the Chief with some issues. I ended up working something like 30 hours straight, made arrangements for the problem to go away (even having a fallback so no work detail would need to be spun up), arranged for relief at the beginning of their workday (instead of trying to get myself out a little earlier), and left them with less than an hour of work to finish things up.

After all that, not even a peep from my supervisor. He's a punk, though and no one seems to care for him (from above or below). :) The Chief was appreciative, though.

My Sgt. doesn't thank me, but my LT who I work with more often does all the time. It gets kind of annoying when he is constinly saying "good job" "thanks for a good job." I told him one day "LT, please stop, I don't need to be thanked for doing my job, save that for when I do something worth thanking me for, go tell JOHNSON a good job, he had a rough night last night, his GF dumped him!!" He did and JOHNSON had a good rest of the night!!!!

I know that I'm doing a good job when I don't get called in or written up :p

MMmm, nice try, but no.;)

The job you are doing is exactly the job you should be doing without any extra petting. Its also known as "Par". It ain't bad, but it ain't "good" either.

Doing more than you should is doing a "Good" job.:cool:

Me and another deputy busted two guys dumping stolen vehicles in a grove, i setup perimeter and called for air and k9. The other guy tracked with k9 while I continuously adjusted perimeter for a 5 mile track. ended up catching them both. Only thing my Sgt told me at the time was "hurry up, i can't go home until you get your report done." And other gripes.

Today she did something that irritated me on a call. I griped for a few seconds about it to another deputy I thought I could trust. No big deal, small gripe. Deputy went and ran to the supervisor later and tattled on me. Got a nice "do you have a problem with me?" computer message after I left the jail processing a DUI I found.. :rolleyes:

Not only do I have a supervisory that doesn't like good jobs.. but I have a snitch on the shift as well. :rolleyes:

Let me be the first to say GOOD JOB cntryboy!!!!! :D

Not only do I have a supervisory that doesn't like good jobs.. but I have a snitch on the shift as well. :rolleyes:

As I have been told,


Welcome to adulthood :p



Its too bad to be like that though.

Looks like a lot of these problems translate to my job as well. Guess people are people, no matter what they do for a living.

Not only do I have a supervisory that doesn't like good jobs.. but I have a snitch on the shift as well. :rolleyes:

There is only one person in my entire unit that I feel I can talk to. She is great, I can talk to her about anything and vice versa!!!

I got so scared of being near her that I wouldn't even come into the station for ANYTHING unless I was called by dispatch or her. I hated life working every day looking back over my shoulder to see her staring down and nitpicking every single thing I did!

That must have been a crappy situation marinepilot. I think this is everyone's worst nightmare considering how much time we spend at work. While we are on the topic, does anyone have any tips on how to deal with a situation like this? Do you go above the supervisor? Talk to them one on one?

That must have been a crappy situation marinepilot. I think this is everyone's worst nightmare considering how much time we spend at work. While we are on the topic, does anyone have any tips on how to deal with a situation like this? Do you go above the supervisor? Talk to them one on one?

I would start one on one, if they still don't listen......(more then likely they won't:rolleyes:) Than go up the chain of command. Try to handle something by yourself before you go up the chain of command.

As a line sergeant I have offered praise to my troops both new and old for doing a good job. I do not think however constant reassurance for doing your job is necessary. As some mentioned earlier you get paid to do the job so I expect you are expected to do it. With that said if the only time you hear from your Sgt is when you are getting your but chewed then that is a problem also.

My boss just thanked me with a time off award, which was damned nice of him.

In general, though, I'm willing to forgo the attaboys, as long as the paychecks keep clearing.

I forgot about this thread, my boss thanked me because I went though and put the new header on ALL of our documents, as well as updating 4 of them, and makeing 2 new ones!!!! It was third shift working security nothing to do, so I decided to do something other than watch youtube!