My Regrets As A Police Officer

In this revealing video, I share my personal experiences and the lessons learned from my time as a police officer. As I reflect on my career, I discuss the regrets I have accumulated along the way and offer valuable insights into the world of law enforcement. This is not just a tale of mistakes but a guide for current and aspiring police officers seeking to navigate the complexities of a career in policing.
Through candid storytelling, I offer law enforcement advice and career insights that can help others avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're in the police community or are just interested in understanding the life of a police officer, my reflections touch on critical aspects of police officer life lessons, mentorship, and the wisdom gained from my experiences.
Join me, Randall Arsenault, as I delve into the regrets I've faced and the vital advice I wish I had known earlier in my journey. This video serves as a resource for those looking for police guidance and a deeper understanding of the challenges within law enforcement. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from my journey and enhance your own career with the lessons I've learned. Tune in and discover how you can make the most of your path in law enforcement.
Leave your thoughts in the comments - I'd love to hear your perspective!
Please check out my website: www.officerarsenault.com
#PoliceOfficer #LawEnforcement #PoliceRegrets #CareerAdvice #Policing #PoliceLife #PoliceCareer #OfficerLessons #RookieOfficer #LawEnforcementAdvice #PoliceMistakes

[@OfficerArsenault]

Pulled over by police? Now what? Here’s the process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q56ydnR5j71-bNksi=yfyZbDH4_Wk7xp8S

[@KathyR1964]

Randy, you're one of the good guys. With all the people you have dealt with over your career, yes, you will have regrets but there are many more people who you have changed the course of their day or even their outlook on life just by having that chance encounter with you. You have been a positive force including with these videos you put out. Keep up the great work! 🙂

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you very much 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lmAIone]

What you are describing is Rational thinking. Once you realise that less than 10% of people are capable of being rational beings you start to realise you have a gift. You definitely have that gift. I loved this video man… thank you buddy

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you very much, sincerely 🙏🏼

[@andreaCoral78]

My dad always said "Youth a blunder, middle age a struggle, old age a regret." But I would tell him we go through things in life and I believe it helps build character and growth as a person... Our past doesn't define us.. Our struggles don't define us... I think sometimes we go through things for a reason and people enter our life for a reason as well... One should never give up based on past choices, mistakes or decisions... Each day is a new day to start again... ✨️✨️

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thanks you for that insight and your dad was a wise man 🙏🏼

[@TeresiaR]

Yes, as a retired teacher, I get it. Some things can bug you to this day. Thank you again, Randy. Always such a pleasure listening to you.

[@OfficerArsenault]

I suppose you would have those as well, thank you for the comment! 🙏🏼

[@barbaraoerding8157]

No one is without regrets, but it sure is an inspiration to me when I hear of sons, especially more than one, following in their father's footsteps in law enforcement. It really speaks of great respect. Wonderful.

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you.

[@feruzaferuza8337]

In the world, no person exists who does not have regrets. Every individual has regrets. We grow from our mistakes; without them, we would never grow. I have a million regrets, but I’ll share just one. At the last event you organized, I left early when I really wanted to stay longer. Unfortunately, my health wasn’t good at the time. I couldn’t stand for long and had to drive back before it got too late. To this day, I regret that I didn’t stay longer and engage in more conversation. I have immense respect for police officers, and I always wave to them or smile like a child. I hold a deep respect for you, Mr. Randy. God bless you always and forever. 🙏🏼

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you for the comment as always 🙏🏼

[@Editbyparth]

Thank you for uploading I’ll take care of this mistake in my police career in future for sure ❤❤

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you as well.

[@alimn8365]

Hi Randy! We all make mistakes and let me say that one of my regrets was not going into the Paralegal program when I went to St. Clair College but I spend took Travel and Tourism. This was back in September 2011. I think as long as you have honesty and integrity, you have nothing to worry about. I enjoy watching your content.

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you for sharing and also thank you for watching. I appreciate it 🙏🏼

[@alimn8365]

@@OfficerArsenault it's my pleasure. Have a great weekend!

[@zaptor1514]

As others have said, you have empathy Randy and from my experiences not many have that gift. It makes you great at your job as you are able to relate to people in less than ideal situations. You are a very good orator and a great ambassador of your profession. Keep learning and improving and sharing with us. 👍

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you so much for the comment, sincerely.

[@culshie]

I spent over thirty years in Law Enforcement both inside and outside Canada between the late sixties and two thousand and one (could have been longer but by that time I had had it) I would not want to be in Uniform today, not because of the obvious physical dangers of the job but rather it is now an occupation that can be perceived as dishonorable because of how administration of Law and Order has been Politicized, it is no longer just about protecting the vulnerable and Law Abiding in society from the Criminal elements and regulating human behaviour it has now morphed into a more Political Policing mode where some parts of society are given a different standard to another to be held to. This understandably leads to resentment and makes the Officer in Uniform the visible representation of this two tier enforcement.

[@OfficerArsenault]

I really appreciate the input, truly. I plan on covering what you said in a video, route spot on with some things for sure.

[@bjcarew]

this is so true, i was doing security at a fair. i heard over the radio, a child had gone missing. so i moved so i was closer to the main walkway and there i see a child i asked around to see if his parents were near by no one claimed him, and he fit the description, so i walked him to the main office area and the mother was so glad. that was like 10 years ago give or take. still sticks with me.

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thanks for what you do 🙏🏼

[@jasonschlesinger5343]

Nobody is perfect As long as you live your life in an honest manner and do your best at your job, there isn't much else people should expect. You will have your good and bad days. Any mistake or regret makes you grow and improve. You are not responsible for other peoples behavior or choices either, especially when you are working. Thank you for the great video!

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you for watching and the insightful comment, truly.

[@EmmaMcIntyre14]

My Motto I don’t have the power to change my past but I have the chance to change my future… no regrets

[@shubhampatel3538]

Thnks for your and your family’s contribution to the society sir… i respect you for honesty and having empathy towards others.. not everyone has that. Small incidents and regrets like this makes up huge burden that we feel for times but hey like happiness this also makes you feel better when you share. Again thank you for your service. Regards

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you for the very kind comment.

[@PATRIOT-Canada]

As a former Security guard of 4 years in The GTA Hostials ive seen a lot of death, illness, suicidal people & ive been attacked physically many times but you as a police Officer probably see & go through much more terrible things. I can relate to the things you say & i feel your pain i can see the pain in your eyes & hear pain in your voice the moment you talk about your regrets i hear that little quiver in your voice. Thank you for your service

[@OfficerArsenault]

I appreciate the comment and also the hard work of security guards everywhere. Often places in dangerous situations with very little use of force options. Thank you for the kind words 🙏🏼

[@virginmary58]

Mister Randall, as you are very honest and respectful person, you will be always forgiven.

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you brother

[@davidrussell6159]

Very very true. Don’t miss the crazy moments. But those small things & times. From personal experience… having the officers in the schools. (Having the right officers of course ) is great for the youth. I volunteered over 30 years coaching basketball because of that. Just by having an officer in the school. It’s a good influence for the entire community

[@OfficerArsenault]

Absolutely, and thank you for the input! You said it best…the right officers. Thanks again.

[@TinaMeale]

My goodness. This is my favourite video now! So much to say! First, the fact that you reflect at all on regrets speaks volumes. As a teacher I understand that it’s the connections that make the difference. So it’s nice to hear that those are the moments cherished and missed the most. The way you value people’s appreciation-children especially, speaks volumes to the person you are (which is why I think your social media does so well!). Your empathy is so necessary in your profession and those that deal with people at their most vulnerable. I’m sorry to hear about that young person who lost his life. I can relate. I lost a former student to gun violence this past summer in Toronto. I think we can all ask ourselves what more can we have done. But the fact that it changed the way you interacted with other vulnerable youth is so important. For me, my regrets or teachable moments have made me an advocate for at risk and high risk youth because they need more people like you. Even when it’s so hard to connect with them. By the way, I hope you and your followers will consider attending the Community March against Gun Violence this Saturday at 2 starting at Nathan Philips square in Toronto :). Anyway I love this heartfelt video. We need to be able to share loving thoughts and feelings-even those of regret in order to live in a better society. Doesn’t make us less tough or dedicated to doing the right thing, it just means we understand that being human is a journey of understanding ourselves and each other. You’re doing a world of good mentoring new officers. Thank you!

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you so much for the comment and I hope the march this weekend is a success! Thank you for what you do as well, very important 🙏🏼

[@TinaMeale]

@@OfficerArsenaultthank you!

[@jocasey8621]

In your line of work there was bound to be memories of how you handled things and what ifs? The fact that some of them still bug you or stick in your mind makes you a better person, it shows emotion and understanding. That sometimes things are not black or white and sometimes we may act fast and say well I am doing my job which you were and doing it well. Having second thoughts just shows you are human and that is what all men or women thinking about becoming a police officer needs to remember and never lose that. I love the fact that you still are so involved in the community and dealing with people from all walks of life as you are an incredible man and inspiration to all. Jo Ann.

[@OfficerArsenault]

That’s a very kind comment, I appreciate it. Thank you.

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

i can relate to this... it's often not about what is "legal" but whether there is humanity in dealing with people

[@OfficerArsenault]

I appreciate the input, truly.

[@MCCLANE_FILMS]

I appreciate you, and your honestly. You are one of the good police personal . Much respect

[@OfficerArsenault]

I appreciate the comment, thank you. Always tried and have fun along the way

[@sherylmellow-gallagher8613]

We have all made mistakes in our career choices. The fact you have reflected on them learned from them and have made choices to change choices and try to do better makes you a far better person and example for others who look to you for an example. My son was given a ticket by an officer and his response to him was “ you don’t look happy to get this ticket!” My son had not displayed any attitude to this officer and had just got his permanent license. It’s no excuse but the older person whom was driving a head of him was going faster was not pulled over. I believe because he was a young man that this officer was trying to make an example of him. I know not all officers are the same. My uncle was an officer. I truly believe that it takes years in any career to learn a job and get the experience necessary to be a good employee in any career. I walked out of college thinking I knew it all but a few years into my nursing career learned very quickly that I didn’t and how much I appreciated learning from the more experienced staff. Life itself is a learning experience. How we choose to display or use these learned skills will always determine future success.

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙏🏼

[@andrewdawson248]

Can relate to the waving story, I do that all the time without realizing people night perceive Im ignoring them

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thanks for the input

[@rongraham1951]

nice to see an impartial view of policing i too am from a police family myself my son and both grandsons are police officers keep up your good work

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you very much!

[@ZachCrossman-zz4ne]

The interactions with kids are so important that I started keeping stickers in my vest pocket to hand out . The kids love it even a few adults too

[@OfficerArsenault]

That’s very nice of you to do 🙏🏼

[@donnathiessen927]

Here's another way to look at the seatbelt incident. What if giving the guy a ticket reminded him to always put his seatbelt on in the future which in turn saved his life in a bad accident. Love your stories. Be safe and God Bless.

[@OfficerArsenault]

For sure, I agree with that, still felt bad lol. I appreciate the input 🙏🏼

[@MrTrail246]

Thank you for your honesty.

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thanks for watching.

[@BrasileiraEmToronto]

Thank you for this video. We all have regrets, and some things we only learn as we get older :)

[@OfficerArsenault]

That’s for sure. Thank you.

[@ghrammcracker7524]

I’m a new recruit that just subscribed. I think I can learn a lot from you. Thanks.

[@OfficerArsenault]

I really appreciate that. I try to be educational while throwing in a bit of entertainment. If there’s anything you’d like me to cover, please let me know. Good luck to you!

[@ryewhiskey3437]

If you, personally, have ever made a mistake, had good intentions behind it and then either continued to do it or don’t stop anyone else from doing it, then I find it hard to believe that you had any good intentions at all following the first mistake.

[@87yugo74]

You tried, but policing is not the same today. You are breathing and survived your job. Many don't realize how times have change, A lot of new generation of cops should not be even do this job!

[@OfficerArsenault]

It’s true and I’ll be making a video about that shortly as well. It’s a whole new game out there. Thanks for the input.

[@EndtheWokeMadness]

I spent 31 years in federal corrections and also as an auxiliary Constable with the OPP. I regret not having friends and interests outside the job. I didn't get married or have a baby until I was in my late 40s.

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thanks for the insight. 🙏🏼

[@tbostrowski6136]

Why this popped up on my feed I have no idea, never heard of Randall before, but Im glad it did. I live in western canada now but I grew up in toronto and as a young man Ive had some inter actions with the TPS and it wasn’t all good but despite that I have never wavered in my support of metro cops. You sir and those like you are why. Thank you for your service in the GTA.

[@OfficerArsenault]

That’s a very kind comment, thank you so much for the compliment as well. 🙏🏼

[@SenorAspie]

Regrets are a part of life. If you did something and lose sleep over it, that's regret right there. Truth be told, regret makes you look back as you get older. Some people say they have no regret: that's a lie. EVERYONE has regrets in one way or the other.

[@OfficerArsenault]

I’ve often thought that too, impossible to have no regret. Thanks for the input.

[@Brdsht]

Deep. Took me back

[@OfficerArsenault]

For sure. Thanks for the comment.

[@SelfMasterySessions]

Great video man, if you to make this a podcast with other officers i think it would be very instructive to people interested in becoming an officer like myself!

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@lauramsiren]

Important things you said. 👍

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you.

[@arrow9293]

Everyone has regrets when they get old enough. Mine is moving back to my parents when COVID started. Now I can’t seem to get out even though that circumstance has changed. Still working on it. I hope to accomplish my dream job in a couple years although not sure it will happen. I’m working on a backup plan of an alternative career plan. It involves getting out of my parents house and attending an Ontario college. I have thought of a few options. Times have changed and it is no longer enough just to have a university degree without upgrading to a masters’ or go to a practical college and gain that education. I won’t be studying in Police Foundations though. I am choosing something else entirely.

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you for the comment, and I hope it worked out for you( truly. 🙏🏼

[@CarolynWilliams-k2b]

❤❤❤👮🏼‍♂️❤❤❤

[@maninagi9036]

Thanks for sharing these great videos officer 🫡

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you for watching 🙏🏼

[@davinlaroche3029]

Positive interactions with the public humanize the police.

[@OfficerArsenault]

Agreed, thank you.

[@pascalp1469]

I have a couple of friends that are cops. Some have regrets, but some become bitter because of certain things they had to go through in their career.

[@OfficerArsenault]

For sure, sorry to hear for them.

[@McLeanChronicle]

Respect !

[@EmmaMcIntyre14]

So many memories..I only pick happy memories. I delete memories that are not worth remembering.. I have no regrets.. Have a wonderful day

[@EmmaMcIntyre14]

Thank you for sharing

[@treynolds94]

But yet a lady gets charged for accidentally getting her neighbor alittle wet with a water gun.

[@treynolds94]

Better yet go to a concert and there are more girls in the males bathroom then guus but other way around the guy would be in jail.

[@SocialistDistancing]

As it is said, amateurs talk about gear and tactics. Professionals talk about training. Getting out of the vehicle and meeting tge public is how you build a community.

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you for the input, have a great day.

[@hishamelgazzar8024]

Respect

[@BIGD30703]

can you make a video about Auxiliary policing !!! Tank you.

[@OfficerArsenault]

For sure

[@nikolai3620]

Any questions in particular?

[@drivermorr]

Great Video!! And thank you for sharing. Just goes to show Police are human and do have feelings! Here's one you don't hear enough: When a police car pulls up beside you, roll your window and sincerely Thank them for their service, and really mean it. Their smiles are priceless, because they never hear it enough. I'm no cop, but know a few....it's really appreciated 🙂

[@OfficerArsenault]

Thank you! I appreciate the comment as always.

[@barbieglocks1946]

Ehem. Suspects/criminals intentions are under investigations, not noncivilians. An Officer does not opearte with intent but rather discretion, you know, resorting to ones faculties. Allow me to alleviate somw of your grief for actions you followed thru on in your early years; the cruiser is your classroom, uniform your materials and you are your own instructor, professor if you will. There is a couple of TPS officers that Premier Ford asserted did no wrong, u know, the Starbucks couple. However, the female officer proceeded to flip the bird, and kids are looking thru that window and this was not an instance of her discretion but did she do something wrong/unfair. Should kids be seeing that🖕, adults too? And now she is identifiable and what should stop the public from emulating that behaviour back to her or any one of her colleagues. Police are held to a higher standard. She f'd up period

[@OfficerArsenault]

I appreciate the input. I agree it shouldn’t have happened. I’ll be doing a video about police swearing in the coming weeks or next month and covers some of this.

[@EmmaMcIntyre14]

Excuse me I recommend you make more mistakes and regrets funny .. those are not enough regrets

[@stephanielefebvre4306]

💜🇨🇦💙 👋🥰

[@jiddo4440]

Your a good man Randall.

[@OfficerArsenault]

Too kind, thank you.

[@JohnJohnson-pq4qz]

Only one question, that everyone should ask. How many crooked, law breaking fellow cops did you turn in? If the answer is "none"....You are part of the problem and should be regretting that.

[@michaelanthony1797]

You have no idea of the rights violations you most likely have done. Ignorance is no excuse, hope you repent.

[@OfficerArsenault]

lol okay there

[@michaelanthony1797]

@@OfficerArsenault Your LOL is def the way you cope.