Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I don't know about you guys, but 50% of my explorer work usually consists of standing a post...looking pretty for the public. I have an event coming up, where I'm going to be standing posts.....a lot. So, I'm wondering how you guys pass the time when your stuck standing with no one to talk to. (Assuming that at the time you have no 'work' to do at said post)

I've given up on texting, too much cash.
Scouting attractive females is always a possibility.
Help would be appreciated :)

Scouting attractive females is ALWAYS good idea!

Otherwise, just try to think of new things to do with the explorers!

I don't know about you guys, but 50% of my explorer work usually consists of standing a post...looking pretty for the public. I have an event coming up, where I'm going to be standing posts.....a lot. So, I'm wondering how you guys pass the time when your stuck standing with no one to talk to. (Assuming that at the time you have no 'work' to do at said post)

I've given up on texting, too much cash.
Scouting attractive females is always a possibility.
Help would be appreciated :)


If you can "scout" the wimmenz then you can use the time to sharpen your observation skills. Look for people who could be carrying guns or other weapons. How can you tell, what makes you think they are?


How about watching for pickpockets and other criminals. Determine the "threat level" of persons walking by.

Make a game of it and use the time to better yourself. You'll be surprised how time moves.

Planning Saturday night meal.



(The only day I have to cook. :mad: )

I don't really know what you mean. In my case, I've had something to do or had the freedom to make something to do. In a normal explorer detail, I may be directing traffic. Then I have something to do.

When I'm working security at basketball games, it is partially looking pretty for the public, but last year I had the freedom to do what I wanted. I had no assignment so I would just be in the area of the court or go around the huge school. No activity on the radio, so I would go enforce rules and if I had another explorer, we would "search" open rooms of the school.

People watching is pretty interesting. OR enhance it like txinvestigator recommended. I've done that sometimes.

Once, one explorer was posted at a drop off in front of the school. Someone (they always do, and never get ticketed) parked in the no parking zone. So I got this lady's description from him and went looking for her. I never found her, but it was something to do.

I think txinvestigator takes the prize for this one. (Sorry Norm...you were a close 2nd :) )

I like the idea of seeing who could have weapons, why they would have them. Good practice for later in life. Thanks for the advice.

PS....Norm, when in doubt, order out.

Like tx said, run scenarios. Everyone you see is a potential suspect or victim. Have a plan of action should something occur and change it up depending on who you're looking at. If you see the obvious gang banger or crackhead, suspect weapons and/or random violence. If someone will need directions for an alternate route, have that planned out for every direction. If you din't do something so well on your last RAL critique yourself and start theorizing. Monitor the radio and think of responses as though you were the officer. Or if the foxy lady you've been blatantly checking out decides to come talk to you, have a pick-up line ready. I.E. pull out your front pockets and ask her if she's ever kissed a rabbit on the nose. :D

In any case scenarios are the best way to pass the time. That and making sure your shirt is tucked in tight.

Hey I honestly dont know how i would pass the time on a detail. Although i really wouldnt want txting to be an option, after all you're in uniform and you really want to project a pro. appearance. The threat level thing sounds like fun so does scouting:p. But what ever method you chose make sure that you look pro. and dont make it odvious. (i'll give them a try to come this aug.23[crim] and let you know how both went.):D

Like TX said. People watching is one of the most useful things you can do and learn from people.

If you get that bored, take two people and make up a conversation between the two.



Yeah I know I'm probably certified crazy...but it passes the time :p