6 minute read
Teaching and Learning - CDPSE
MOVING UP THE RANKS
How many children want to be a police officer when they grow up?
Chief Reed Baer did not always envision himself as an officer, but his combination of life experiences made him fit for public service. He was a determined student. He was a positive influence on those he worked and lived with. And, growing up the child of a social worker, he understood the benefits of community development firsthand.
For his mother, social work was more than a job—it was an avenue of changing lives.
“My mother worked for social services in the area of adoptions and child protective services,” explains Baer. “ I would hear about things that went on at work. Her position required that many of the children she served came to our home. I would spend time with these children, talk with them, do things like watch TV and eat cereal together.”
Even during those formative years, Baer realized the importance of public service and what it could do for people who found themselves in bad situations.
As years passed and Baer came through school, he realized he loved History and wanted to pursue a teaching career. When it came time for college, he attended East Carolina University (ECU) with plans to major in History; but the more he studied, the more he realized his interests fell in line with Criminology and Sociology.
His interest became more evident when one of his classmates, who then worked as a police officer for the City of Greenville, talked about his line of work and why Baer should get involved with the local police department. He learned that Baer had a heart for public service. As further incentive, he invited Baer to try the department’s ride-along program. Very soon, Baer joined his classmate for a 12-hour shift. The classmate drove Baer in the police car, moving from call to call and sharing the full experience of an officer.
Baer noticed the multitude of ways his classmate impacted others’ lives in just 12 hours. That semester, he changed his college major from History to Criminology and Sociology.
“What I realized during that time—the ridealongs—was that police never stand still,” Baer reflects. “I grew up as an outdoors person. I still am; I like to spend a lot of time in outdoor activity, so that aspect of the role contributed to my interest.” It wasn’t long before Baer realized he made the right switch.
During senior year, ECU hosted several career fairs and recruitment events. Police departments from cities such as Charlotte, Winston-Salem, or Greensboro travelled all the way to Greenville in search of qualified candidates. Most were interested in hiring graduates with four-year bachelor’s degrees. Baer fit those credentials. The world of policing was ready for him. They wanted him, which was even more exciting.
After networking and much consideration, Baer settled on a job with the Winston-Salem Police Department. He called his mother that week with the exciting news. But before anything has been finalized, his mother was quick to share some advice: “You owe your hometown department an interview.”
So, respecting this advice, Baer returned to Catawba County and interviewed with the Hickory Police Department (HPD). He came home around the same time that HPD adopted a citywide community policing approach to service. HPD held the notion that police officers and community members were partners and were most effective when they worked together to problem solve— something different from what Baer had learned or practiced in school.
In college, Baer heard that he was the exact fit for law enforcement, but his expectations were usurped the moment the HPD interview ended. “You may not be the person we’re looking for,” they told him. Most people would feel discouraged by the message. Baer saw the statement as a challenge, an opportunity to grow. The new community approach opened doors to a new way of thinking; and though the interview was not what he expected, it inspired Baer to invest in training like never before.
He enrolled in CVCC’s BLET program, developed his technique, and, upon graduation, proved himself ready to enter HPD as a patrol officer. It was the time to watch Hickory’s progressive, partner-based policies in action.
“I think you must come into this with a servant’s heart,” Baer states. “This is a challenging public service career. You have to accept that. As you move through these challenges, though, know that your experience will only make you better.”
Policing philosophy has continued to progress during the past decade, even the past five years. Officers must adopt a mindset that moves beyond themselves. It is a people business. Officers must be “on” at all hours. They cannot work remotely, they can’t just call it in, and they can’t perform their roles without the help and support of others—this includes forming strong partnerships with the community. At HPD, holistic wellness is an important part of employees’ training. This includes learning how to take care of oneself outside of the force. Every person is different, but no matter your outlet or your source of wellness, it is important to adopt healthy, effective habits that make you mentally strong and keep you full of that positive mindset.
Along with knowing how to use their tools, police officers must understand when and where those tools should be used. That’s why BLET at CVCC involves so much physical practice and scenarios. Students should feel not only physically prepared, but also mentally prepared. “When you show up to a critical situation,” Baer emphasizes, “be prepared to be fluid and handle your environment. The first thing that people see is you, the police officer. When you’re in the field, we want people to look at you and think—Yes! This person can help me.”
Baer has held multiple roles at the department, including Sergeant of Special Investigations, Lieutenant assigned to Support Services, Captain/Division Commander of Support Services, Division Commander of Criminal Investigations, and Deputy Chief of Police. Today, he continues to faithfully and proudly serve the Hickory community as Chief of Police.
CVCC is here for you just like we were for Reed Baer. Whether you are just starting a BLET program, looking to enhance your career, or want to explore your options in the public services field, there are many mentors who want to set you on the right path. The ultimate goal—for our program and our community—is to help the next generation of law enforcement professionals feel confident, competent, and honored every time they step out to serve.
