Giving explanation is a key feature to being awarded High Professionalism in TRULEO. Twenty-five (25) or more words during a call is the first step to being awarded a High Professionalism label.
Here are some examples of 25 or more words during a call:
- Order of Protection - DV
- Instead of: She has an order of protection against you, you have to stay away from her.
- Try: Because you were arrested for domestic assault the court automatically gives the victim an Order of Protection against you. You cannot go near her, her home, or her place of school or work. If you see her in a public place it is your responsibility to remove yourself from the location. Does all that make sense? Was that a helpful explanation?
- Terry Stop
- Instead of: You fit the description
- Try: The reason you were stopped is because we got a call for a robbery and the complainant gave the description of a light skinned male wearing a dark hoodie and ripped jeans. We saw you walking, and see that you are wearing a dark blue sweatshirt and the pocket is ripped on your jeans. Does that make sense to why we are here? Would you mind doing us a favor and answering a few questions?
- Summons
- Instead of: You are getting a summons for drinking in public. All information is on the back of the summons.
- Try: I have to give you a summons for Open Container because it's against the law and there have been many complaints about disorderly conduct especially on this block, so we have to address the condition. I appreciate your understanding. Your court date is June 3rd, if you can't go on that date, make sure you call the number here, or go in person to reschedule, so the court doesn’t issue a bench warrant. Do you have any questions about what I have explained to you?
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No Report
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Instead of: We don't take a report for that.
- Try: I'm sorry, I understand you are upset. The reason we cannot take a report for an argument is because there was no crime that was committed, they didn't threaten you or anyone in your family, or break any other laws. So for those reasons, we cannot fill out a report. I hope you understand. Is there anything further you would like to ask, or that I can help you with?
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- Towing a vehicle
- Instead of: We are towing your car because it is not registered and not insured.
- Try: Your car is being towed because it's not registered and not insured. For your safety and the safety of others, I can't allow it to be driven on the road. Once you have the proper documents the registered owner can come and get the car from the impound lot located at… Here is the address and phone number of the tow yard. Make sure you call ahead of time if you have any questions about cost. Sometimes what they have listed online isn't accurate. Do you have any questions?
- Traffic Stop
- Instead of: License and Registration or Do you know why I pulled you over?
- Try: Hi, my name is Officer Smith with the Evergreen Police Department. The reason for the stop is your license plate tags are expired. That needs to be active in order to operate the vehicle lawfully on the roads. I know it can be a pain, I have to register my vehicles also and I hate going to the DMV. Can you do me a favor and show me your license, the old registration, and proof of insurance?
- Try: Hi, my name is Officer Smith with the Evergreen Police Department. The reason for the stop is your speed. The speed limit in this zone is 35 and I locked you in at 48, which is 13 miles per hour over the limit. It gets pretty busy around here, I just want to make sure everyone gets home safely. Can you do me a favor and show me your license, registration, and proof of insurance?
- Try: Hi, my name is Officer Smith with the Evergreen Police Department. There are multiple reasons for the traffic stop. One, I watched you drive by me while holding your cell phone up to your ear. Two, I also observed you not wearing a seatbelt. Being distracted is the number one factor that causes traffic accidents and if you did not have a seatbelt on, you'd probably end up injured, and no one wants that. I'm just looking out for you and the other drivers on the road. Can you do me a favor and show me your license, registration, and proof of insurance?