Day three of working in law enforcement: What happens next?

Zane Hogue
·3 min read

[Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a five-part series on careers in law enforcement in Acadiana. Click here for part one, here for part two and here for part three.]

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)– News 10 continues to explore what it takes to start a career in law enforcement.

We previously learned about working in corrections and attending the law enforcement training academy. Once those steps are complete, it’s time to begin your journey as a patrol deputy.

A look at day two of working in law enforcement

After experiencing the jail and hundreds of hours at the academy, the hard work has paid off and deputies are ready to hit the road for patrol. While no two shifts will be the same on patrol, News 10 rode along with a deputy to see what a day on the road can consist of.

After extensive training in the academy and training on the roads with your fellow deputies, the time has come to begin your job on patrol.

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Chris Cormier has been in law enforcement for 18 years and said his morning may be routine, but there’s no set schedule for patrol deputies.

“What I like to do in the morning is go hit traffic,” Cormier said. “A lot of folks speed and drive recklessly because they’re running late to their jobs, then take on whatever problems and needs that the citizens may have throughout Lafayette Parish.”

With each patrol deputy having a designated part of the parish to patrol, Cormier frequents neighborhoods, apartment complexes and shopping centers where crime is prominent. However, no matter where you are, the call for help can come at any time.

As we traveled the roads of Lafayette, Cormier responded to a call regarding an argument between family members. Upon arrival emotions were high. Luckily, officer training has deputies ready to respond.

“Showing them compassion, concern, and trying to meet them where they’re at. I’ve learned to always try to deescalate,” Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mark Garber said.

With other deputies already on the scene when we arrived, teamwork was essential as deputies each spoke to different family members to understand the situation and how to resolve it.

“You don’t get to pick your team when there’s a cry for help. Whoever shows up, that’s your team,” Adam Arnold, a deputy, said.

With the situation resolved peacefully, Cormier and News 10 moved on to the rest of the ride, giving Cormier time to reflect on his career and advice he would give new hires and any of those who want to take a chance and serve their community through law enforcement.

“There’s a lot of challenging days in this career, however there are moments of good, and, at times, they’re some of the best days you might have, depending on if you arrested an abuser beating on their spouse, or a burglar that preys on our business owners, of just handing a kid a sticker. It’s little moments like that keep you coming back and remind you why you go dressed to come to work,” Cormier said.

That sense of fulfillment felt by serving a purpose much bigger than just a single person is why officers like Cormier continue to wear the badge, and why they believe there will always be those ready to protect and serve.

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