As a driving instructor, firearms instructor, and speed measurement device instructor, I have been dragged on the carpet many times, for bruising the delicate feelings of new officers. The incident that stands out for me, is at my former agency we received four new hires, that had been sworn in, but had not yet attended the academy. I would as a matter of course have the new hire drive, because learning the city is instinctively easier from the drivers seat. The other three baby officers saw this, and went crying to the Lieutenant. When confronted by the Lt. about it, I told him that (1) I am the shift Sgt. and whatever happens during my shift, is my responsibility, (2) I'm a state certified driving instructor, (3) the "baby rookie" has a valid drivers license, and (4) the baby rookie has already been sworn in, so he's a cop. That didn't sit well with the Lt. and he said the Chief doesn't want me to let the new hires drive. Why didn't he just say that in the first place? The lesson that I learned about Millennial's is if one is offered an opportunity, the others will whine, and cry, until that opportunity is denied to the one, or everyone gets it, regardless of merit, or any other circumstance. They mistakenly believe that life is supposed to be about fairness, and equality of outcome, no matter the circumstances. I would have let any of the rookies drive, but they couldn't wait until the next shift. It disgusted me so badly, that I no longer spend time with rookies at all. They can learn on their own, just like I did
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