A Day In The Life Of A Police Officer

A Day In The Life Of A Police Officer;

Living on a highway means that one becomes accustomed to usual traffic noises, including emergency services. However this time it was different, it seemed more than just the “usual,” as I heard not just one or two but what seemed like 5 or more emergency services rushing past. So naturally I went outside to have a look, what I discovered appeared to be an accident a km away, the reality sinks in, I begin to feel sick.

I notice the traffic, its flow and the unaware drivers. Cars continue pilling up towards the accident, this is the last thing emergency services need. I consider the length of time it’d take police to start traffic redirection, with this realisation I begin to redirect the traffic, slowly but gradually the cars begin to get the message and turn down a side road. Meanwhile more and more emergency vehicles begin to arrive until eventually, a police car stops near me, he approaches me and introduces himself, appearing rather glad someone had the courtesy to redirect the traffic.

Over the next two hours through casual conversation, I begin to hear the concerns of just another day in a police’s life. I hear things like “hope they are ok” “head-on collision” “someone is still trapped” “car upside down,” and the constant background chatter of the police radio. I begin to notice my own internal emotions, the sickening feelings, somebody’s life is on the line and feelings of adrenaline, I realise these emotions are just part of a police’s day to day life, something I could never put myself through. I also hear humour; something I’d never expected from an officer “can you spray this aerogard on me” “Doesn’t work too well that spray does it?” “We make a great team,” As well as consideration such as “would you like a water,” even though I said no he still passed me a bottle of water.

I notice the traffic being redirected down the side road, somebody must be giving directions from the other side of the accident. I begin to notice the concerns of drivers, winding down their windows asking if those involved are ok, unfortunately, I cannot give them a clear answer. Meanwhile, I hear the helicopter overhead arriving. Eventually the helicopter leaves, along with other emergency services and witnesses. At this moment I think for all involved their lives have changed significantly today. Then to top it all off I see the tow truck, with two cars being towed, one with a smashed windscreen. Finally, the cones are placed across the road, and with that, the police leave, with the scene clearly over and nothing more I can do to help, I walk back inside and return to my normal everyday routine.

I peak my head out again one last time, thinking its all over and I’m shocked to see another tow truck, this time the car’s front bonnet appears smashed. At this point, I get into my own car and head into town. I like everyone else have to take a detour into town, through the back roads. I see how the road work officers direct the traffic, and I’m shocked to say although I don’t know for certain, I could have sworn I saw a lady using her phone whilst driving. Returning from town, I see the roadwork officers driving home and no cones on the road, realising those on the road have no idea what just happened this afternoon.

This story is based on true events but is in no way 100% accurate and is merely to demonstrate that what occurred today, was just a usual day in the life of a police officer, and the message “our police do a fantastic job, drive safe and never ever speed” is very clear in my mind.