The Weekly Update #4

For my past two internships, I have been able to network and work with many different law enforcement officers at Branson Police Department and Taney County Sheriff's Office.

At Branson Police Department, I have been able to do ride-alongs and go out on patrol and observe in investigations and dispatch (911 call center). I have taken notes on how everything works and is communicated throughout the city. I have learned how to safely approach someone, answer a 911 caller, and keep a fun but professional work environment. From all of this, I will take away how safety is most important, especially as a first responder. Keeping the community safe before your well-being is important but also making sure everything is as controlled and safe as it can be.

My time at Taney County Sheriff's Office was a real eye-opener on the differences between the county and the city. Seeing how they work differently in traffic stops, dispatch, and overall work tactics was very interesting. At the Sheriff's Office, I have been able to work on my communication skills, ability to multi-task, and forming professional connections. I was also blessed to get the opportunity to sit in court with Judge Amy and even got to do some work in the court room with him.

These experiences have been so impactful for me and my future career path. I will be using these skills and experiences to stay on track to become a dispatcher and then a homicide detective.

My past two internships have been at Taney County Sheriff's Office and Forsyth Police Department. I have experienced and learned so much from each organization, including how to conduct traffic stops, write tickets, communicate with officers, handcuffing techniques, MILO training, and dispatch. Sergeant Jeremy Wilson at Taney County Sheriff's Office showed me the administrative side of law enforcement. Sergeant Wilson showed me where everything was located in the Sheriff's Office. I sat with everyone in their offices and learned more about what they do. Sergeant Wilson explained their training protocols and how everything works. Seeing behind the scenes of law enforcement was cool, because they also need the administrative side in order to be able to function. The administrative side handles warrants, registering of sex offenders, etc. It gives a good look at what all there is in law enforcment and the opportunities you have.

I also completed two days of patrol with Jeff Inmon at Taney County. Deputy Inmon showed me how to complete a search warrant, how to conduct traffic stops, and how to have effective communication with others. I learned more about how to communicate over the radio and how deputies communicate. I also learned how they communicate with citizens as well. I learned how deputies run plates and how they handle different situations they are in. Also, while I was at the Sheriff's Office, I met a judge for Taney County. I spent a day in the courtrooms to see what a day in the life of a judge is like. Each judge has different types of cases. They are either civil or criminal. I learned how the judges handle certain situations and also how they communicate with inmates or others. I learned a lot based off of the communication and watching what was happening around me.

During my time at Forsyth Police Department, I experienced communicating with local businesses and learned how important it is to memorize your surroundings while patrolling. I patrolled Forsyth City Limits with Chief Grey. I've learned how important it is to pay attention to what is going on around you. I've memorized street names and sub divisons. I also learned how to get fingerprints from a piece of evidence. At Forsyth Police Department, I was rewarded with a certificate, badge, and a challenge coin for connecting with the professionals and for my interest in law enforcement. I learned the importance of building relationships with the community and being observant of your surroundings. Overall, my experiences have been great, and I've learned a lot from these professionals..

My first two internships of the year were with Branson West Police Department and Reeds Spring Police Department. I have been able to experience traffic stops and medical calls, and I learned what to look out for during a traffic stop. For example, your attitude and their attitude can either calm a situation or escalate it, so just try to have a positive reaction to every situation in the best way you can. When I went on the medical calls, I learned that officers are there to protect the firefighters and paramedics that arrive on scene, but officers can do something if they are the first ones to arrive and it is needed.

On my very first day of internship at Branson West Police Department, I was able to join a leadership meeting that happens regularly in the department. It showed me that they work to continually improve themselves as leaders and the department they work for. I learned that Branson West recently expanded their jurisdiction. I have been on patrol most of my internship, doing stops and responding to calls and learning the everyday procedures of law enforcement. I have learned how different every day is. Every officer I have rode along with on patrol has been amazing at explaining their job and how they do it. The conversation never gets dull, and there is always something to talk about. I also received life advice, and I feel like what I have learned is what I need for my professional life and how to do my job.

At Reeds Spring Police Department, I have experienced and learned about medical calls and community policing, which is where they work on building relationships with the community and the individuals they have encounters with. I had the opportunity to patrol with Chief Eaton at the Reeds Springs Police Department. I learned about the jurisdiction, and we visited City Hall and the new police station. Reeds Spring is a lot bigger than some think, and I thought it was pretty cool. I really enjoyed my time and the experiences I had with RSPD!

My first internship of the year was with the Kimberling City Police Department. My first week was packed full of learning and observation while doing ride alongs with Chief Todd Lemoine, Officer Clinton Bray, and Officer Lance Walker. I learned a lot about the process of a traffic stop and what to look for while on patrol. I am excited to use the skills I learned in my future career!

My second internship was with Branson Police Department. I was given a tour of the Branson Police Department and was able to see all that goes on in the department. While on the tour, I ran into some old friends that my father used to work with at Stone County. After seeing them, I was shown around the rest of the department and told about the history and future of the department and how it is going to change. While at Branson, I experienced a lot of traffic stops and learned the process in which officers execute them. Overall, I am grateful for the experiences I have had and will use them in my future career in law enforcement.

My first two internships have been with Reeds Spring Police Deparment and Kimberling City Police Department. Overall, I have experienced many things, including traffic stops, and I have learned how to speak differently than I would to a friend or family member. At Reeds Spring Police Department, I went on patrol with Chief Eaton and connected with many different community members.

At Kimberling City Police Department, I learned what tools they use and how to get into locked vehicles. I learned how to approach the door for different calls and how to search a building upon entering. I learned the importance of talking with community memebers. I did a couple traffic stops, of which I learned what to do when someone pulls over in an unsafe environment- either unsafe for them, us, or civilians. I also got to look for a missing vehicle and learned how that process works. I am grateful for all I have learned and will use it in my future career!

I am Danica Stottle and a junior at Branson High School.

I plan to graduate early next December and will pursue my career in 911 Dispatching while attending college at Drury University.

My favorite GOCAPS experience is being able to sit in with people who are trained in what I aspire to do one day; it is such an honor to hear their advice and experiences.

GO CAPS has prepared me for my future, because I already have agencies wanting me to work for them as soon as possible, and I get to connect and build a bond with people who might hire me someday. My advice to my peers is to jump in; this program can’t hurt you but can only help you. It looks good on your resume and helps you grasp a better understanding of the different career paths available to you.