What it’s like to be a new police officer | The Recruits

Berlinda Cato is a rookie Sacramento Police officer, and trained at the same academy Davis Police officer Natalie Corona, and Sac PD officer Tara O'Sullivan graduated from in 2018.
Both had less than a year on the job before they were killed, responding to what seemed like routine calls. Their deaths are a grim reminder that the dangers officers face begin the day they hit the streets.
To understand what it's like on the job as a rookie cop, reporter Michael Anthony Adams rode along with Officer Cato just a few months after she first pinned on her badge.
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[@danf8047]

Wish her a long safe career, watch your six.

[@danf8047]

huh? officer Cato?

[@TheLittleLawenforcementLegend]

@@danf8047 oh no

[@yesseniarodriguez6248]

The Little Lawenforcement Legend you’re joking right

[@TheLittleLawenforcementLegend]

@@yesseniarodriguez6248 I need to delete my comment I thought this was about another officer

[@mpp7010]

The officer has a very calm, confident demeanor.

[@warriorfb2010]

@skyboundpilot One could argue that being on TV makes it even more stressful

[@JasonBeeneistheLordGod]

Yep she's a demon.

[@andrewheydt577]

much respect to this woman and all police officers

[@v9237]

NO such thing as a “routine call” and Traffic stops AND domestic violence ARE THE MOST DANGEROUS calls to respond too....

[@unidentifiable2033]

Little Wolf can’t forget about a shots fired call

[@v9237]

failure actually no. If it’s a civilian calling in a shots fired call and NOT a Leo, 9/10 by the time Leo arrives on scene the suspect is no where to be found

[@Rock-vd3fm]

@@v9237 A traffic stop? How so

[@CoCody_]

@@Rock-vd3fm walking up to a stranger's window that is already prepared to shoot you. It's ambushing.

[@devinchapman8592]

alex¡s ! Shots fired 99% of the time is something other than shots fired or the person is gone about 2 seconds after the shots and there is no crime other than discharging a weapon so nothing to link up to finding anyone. In my home town most shots fired are by our “gangsters” at 12-15 years old that have got their hands on guns somehow. Occasionally they will shoot one of their own people but most the time they are shooting the ground or trash cans, fences just to scare or intimidate the locals.

[@joshuahughes162]

I have respect for police officers , for what they do. I wish her the absolute best.

[@beardedskeptic1583]

😂😂😂

[@augustenative8897]

But scary people don't care

[@will7its]

Oh please.....

[@zekefernandez16]

There’s no such thing as a “routine call”.

[@JREntertainment780]

And if you start thinking that there is, it's time for you to hang up your cuffs and walk away.

[@DAATChannel]

zekefernandez16 back then yeah but now a days as you said there no routine calls

[@Big_Panda_]

Sadly their are too many EDPs

[@UrinatingPenguin]

Wa1rior lol I thought my dept was the only one that uses the phrase EDP

[@waynewaltower2725]

That drives me crazy when I hear people say it.

[@JohnJohnson-uz7fu]

This officer is such a strong sweet beautiful woman

[@christiantellez9973]

John Johnson I think is cute

[@Kevin-xk3me]

that's what you say?

[@piperhh5609]

@@christiantellez9973 uh

[@piperhh5609]

@Tom H fr

[@RH-et9hx]

I agree

[@awesomedude5512]

Almost halfway through the academy. Remember folks it is 10 times harder than it looks.

[@joshuarobbdkful]

You got this bro! best of luck

[@jjsnacks8511]

2/3 of the way for me! Keep your head up we’ll be there soon!

[@LawEnforcementExplains]

awesomedude5512 I wouldn’t say it’s ten times as hard

[@Mhunter7613]

awesomedude5512 no joke I went through it is hard.

[@kysonreber2658]

Law Enforcement Explains hey what’s up! I love your KZbin Channel! I am 16 and currently an Explorer at the Redding Police Department. (Post #93) in Northern CA. I have a couple questions for you. I’m a tall skinny kid and have been trying hard for months to work out with some pretty good progress. I went from not even being able to do 1/2 a pull-up to 12 each day. Will I do ok in the academy if I’m skinny? Also, my biggest worry with law enforcement is the mental side of things. Is it too mentally strenuous? Not just in the academy but day to day on patrol? Keep up the videos btw.

[@thrib1754]

this should be a show

[@ruthadiscipleofjesuschrist1788]

@@TheCoolCucumber thanks!

[@johnali2937]

@@TheCoolCucumber can you send me the link?

[@melissarodriguez437]

I like how she said that she treats others the way she would want others to treat her mom or brother👍🏼that’s how it should be

[@MarkelBeverley]

That's how it's mostly done.

[@papernecklace]

Lots of respect to all officers out there, most of us can't comprehend the things you face every day. Thank you for sharing, officer Cato. I hope you are well.

[@logandavis954]

Makes me want to be an officer like tomorrow 👍🏾

[@pek2602]

Logan Davis apply

[@joshuarobbdkful]

Go for it bro! life's all about trying different things :) i wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do!

[@logandavis954]

annette lathan I already applied to a couple of agencies

[@caleb_9686]

Logan Davis good luck, make sure to train, and be ready for anything!

[@logandavis954]

Caleb _ Thanks man I’ll let you all know when I make it

[@Josue-cm5yi]

She is a good role model & we all know there are times when u can’t be this nice when you deal with everyone in all situations. But this is a start to a new beginning 💯

[@KOTJ412]

That’s one brave police officer! God bless you Officer Cato...may God look after you on your career...much respect!

[@jazzymedic7702]

As a paramedic there’s a lot of mental health patients that go in a LOT and know exactly what hospital they want because they’ll be treated nice and given food and etc

[@MrKeserian]

Volunteer (ALS) medic here, you are entirely accurate. It's rough, because you know they're kinda gaming the system, but at the same time, there's no way they could live "normally" without supervision. They go in, get given their meds on a regular schedule, and are 'functional,' and they maybe last a week or two outside, but then they relapse and you're back out to the same street corner with PD because they've gone off their meds, and now you (or EMS) have to haul them back. Rinse and repeat.

[@DarthTwilight]

This girl is something else. one thing to remember for new cops, this applies to medics and firefighters as well. If you are afraid in training, you will be afraid on the street. If you are afraid on the street, you're going to be putting yourself in a position to where you can die very easily.

[@extremelyzavier2302]

Bs. Everyone has fear. Fear is your bodies instinct to be careful. If you think someone isn’t scared in a life or death situation then they’re good at masking it

[@CityofKyleTx]

That is a great video. It really shows what life is like as a police officer. Our appreciation and respect go out to all the officers that put their own lives at risk every day. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@mattcantrell6247]

Unfortunately it don't. Mostly you see they worst in people. Sometimes you see the good.

[@xnortheast1106]

Matt Cantrell no

[@vladsirbu5416]

@@mattcantrell6247 no.

[@blake_4x185]

@@mattcantrell6247 Only in the media

[@lonewolfnh89]

theres good and bad people in every profession.

[@jdjdjdndxnxnndndnxnxn2135]

True

[@theo1077]

Unfortunately

[@cavalierp3693]

J P 🙄

[@dem1983]

God Bless this woman, and all officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve our communities!

[@workemail7862]

Amen!!! Praise Jesus Christ for daily mercies

[@tdogg9116]

This young lady sounds very bright and on the ball. She should do fine. I was on the job for 30 years in the city. Retired as a night Watch Commander * (Capt.) and every day I still evaluated how I did and I had to make sure that my decisions would hopefully result in every officer going home safely to their families. And everyday I had the attitude that I should treat people as I would like to be treated. I loved everyday of my career.

[@eltonbrown2344]

Tom Kochanski thank you for your service sir and enjoy your retirement

[@tdogg9116]

@@eltonbrown2344 Thank you sir

[@whitneyallen347]

And Sac PD wouldn't hire me back even though I'm on the Brady list? Pffft!!!

[@SelfMade0912]

Just got approved for Houston PD! The academy starts in 3 weeks! Thin blue line!!

[@BPD1586]

Congratulations. When you get to the academy, just remember teamwork is the key.

[@vibodygaming5154]

Oof its been 3 weeks, how was your first day?

[@allieboy181]

Did you not make it??

[@SelfMade0912]

Yes I did make it! And I am class 246! 3 months 3 months to go!

[@ronnied712]

Joel de Leon did you have any college degrees? Certificates?

[@bryanguerra9311]

She has so much to learn and grow. Yet you can already feel how comfortable you’d be with her around.

[@SRB57]

I Lots of respect to any person who's empathetic to the human condition, and this officer is just that. I tip my hat to human being with such noble approaches to their job.

[@imperium9101]

RIP. Natalie, my heart goes out to her and her family. Her Story makes me want to become an Officer for Davis PD.

[@jaredl.1738]

Thank you so much for posting this! I am interested in hearing insights from new officers and senior officers alike so that I can understand the mindset I will need to serve

[@alwaysbrown75]

Best wishes and this is what we need in our law enforcement community, understanding and the desire to help. Stay blessed and always safe.

[@sneedmando186]

This is awesome, we need more of this

[@StephJ0seph]

Officer Cato is simply an awesome human being🖤

[@dob3079]

I should do everything I can do deescalate a situation.. sometimes there isn’t any deescalation .. make a decision a do it and don’t hesitate

[@reneepatrick8792]

That was my only critique, because your right there are many variables. The police de-escalate almost every call. They are masters at de-escalation. Success is usually dependent upon the motives of the person involved.

[@TwoSlick1056]

God bless and stay safe Officer Cato, always stay vigilant no matter the scene. Thank you for your service.

[@mikestrappelli8098]

Great piece. Enjoyed this a lot

[@ShukreeTube1]

I thank you for your service. Stay safe!

[@liltczoom6741]

Absolutely beautiful very respectful person I’ve been looking into becoming a police officer where I Live in San Bernardino can’t wait

[@DreamChaser1366]

I just got accepted into the Bermuda Police Service. Im just waiting for the academy to start. Im watching every police video possible so I can learn & gain as much information as possible

[@Assassionaire]

How are you now

[@trixzy9042]

how’s it now?

[@carlosmelendez8317]

This has to be one of the most honorable careers a person can take. Everyday they put those uniforms on and go to work their lives are on the line. Much respect for people who are good police officers.

[@MoneyOverFame]

Thank you for your service Berlinda. I hope you have a long prosperous career.

[@bluejayonmyshoulder7383]

Love this. Thank you for sharing

[@Big_Panda_]

Going into this field of work is dangers, scary and unpredictable. But it feels so rewarding, when I make that person day a little better.

[@sirbader1]

@skyboundpilot Do you know the difference between proof and evidence?

[@Sphereshoc]

Cato's got the mindset down. Love it. Be safe.

[@denovo09]

This was awesome. needs to be a show!

[@bitchy9814]

Major respect for this girl

[@Lindsay4real]

I hope she is doing well 🙏🏾 god bless her any information how she’s doing I’m watching this 3yrs later

[@louiezvlog749]

It's so interesting video Sir thank you for sharing

[@Michael_Anthony05]

thank you for making our streets safe, I appreciate everything you guys do. I have met a lot of great officers, You guys have a tough job.

[@joelrosado7267]

Great job love this one

[@iconicz6]

Amazing, brave and confident women!

[@skiptracr]

Officer Cato has the best mindset. Thank you!

[@jbevolve2023]

Great follow up video.

[@chitownleek9764]

I love you, you motivated me to keep pursuing this.

[@vincentanton7157]

They work so hard with compassion for our safety

[@vincentanton7157]

Undying respect for all those officers

[@evilyoshi56]

People need to wake up and realize that being a cop is very dangerous

[@allieboy181]

But it’s a good profession

[@lexworthington2]

True, however, much more dangerous to their mental health. Suicide is far, far higher than line of duty deaths for them.

[@tuneunleashed]

Life itself is dangerous. There are police officers that retire just fine. With the countless of stories you hear on the internet on how people die you think being a cop is a dangerous profession? The human body itself is dangerous you don’t know what disease you’re currently developing, you don’t even know if you’re going to make it to work each day, you don’t know if you’re going to comeback home once you step out. Doesn’t matter if you’re a cop or not….this is life. If we are so afraid of living we are not living. If there were no cops in the streets who will protect you and me?!

[@davidjohnsonGT]

Get another job

[@j.a.3138]

it is not even on the top 10

[@teachcomputerscience]

Wow. Officer Cato is a hero. Thank you for your service, Officer Cato!

[@Rick0809v4]

As someone who may very well be in police academy come June: this is what I strive to be!

[@bubblecrepenav1993]

You in?

[@Rick0809v4]

@@bubblecrepenav1993 Currently working as a Correctional Deputy for my desired department. I'll try transferring to patrol in a few years after a few years. Put in my time for what they've invested in me.

[@jacksonsnyder1121]

She is going to be very succesful! She has great morales and is compassionate!

[@eddiemurillo1671]

Wow good job officer Berlinda Cato, this is a great police officer and a great spiritual person. I am in the process (almost finish) and when I attend and get the blessing to be a police officer I want to be the same way.

[@Davisgrad]

Awesome video. I am in my senior year in college (Bachelor degree) and want to head into the academy already. However, I’m not sure if I should stay in school and get a masters or join the force and come back to school after Iv gotten my feet wet. Is a masters even necessary? Any advice would be appreciated

[@deadspacegrave2219]

Great documentary

[@smashthings4fun]

she's got the perfect car. Ford Crown Victoria ❤️

[@Mb-ng7zo]

Wish her a long and safe career🖤💙🖤💙

[@2727Memphis]

We need more like you.

[@msdanielledapson]

Inspiring 😊

[@user-fq3co9wh9d]

Stay safe out there

[@noellemputu8080]

That how I want to be 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️ God in control

[@NeilGastonguay]

She is an admirable officer.

[@williamtompkins9018]

This new officer gets it! I was a police officer in the east San Francisco bay area and later in la Mesa CA located in San Diego county CA. Before that a Marine Corps military police. I always told people you are in protective custody and asked if they would put hands behind their back. At the station I would advise them they're also under arrest. Just like I would want to be treated if I was in the same situation they're in. At times with a armed robbery suspect it was at a higher level but de-escalate after in cuffs and in a patrol vehicle. Police have difficult job.

[@ManuelHernandez-ek4nw]

About to start the academy soon!

[@senecablount2230]

She seems like she’s got a good head on her shoulders. She will do well. Tara and Natalie would be proud.

[@mazaro4986]

She's such a lovely person. This is the proper police officer attitude

[@AprilGhouls]

God bless you and may our Lord always watch your six.

[@mcdonalds8979]

I’m going to be an officer one day this was very helpful

[@xdinator2090]

+respect to any law enforcement officer

[@XX-166]

Proud of you.

[@pbsjones]

What a sweetheart.

[@wmg33]

Voluntary compliance is the only thing that will keep her safe. Anybody willing to go the distance will have their way with this girl

[@coffeetea2424]

that was so beautiful, I hope she is doing well

[@anthonywyma6232]

They need to follow her story when she becomes a veteran cop. It’ll add a lot of clarity to those that don’t do the job and have no clue

[@iAmEmman]

I don’t think officers get paid as much as they should ☹️

[@pdb2k154]

All for 30-40k a year

[@mcnasty4691]

Unguys are stupid in la it's 104k wow

[@divzav9735]

Depends on where you work, your education, and your taxes will ⤴️

[@Panda1234500]

Brian avila I wouldn’t call them stupid right off the bat. Maybe they live in a state where officers do get paid 40k ish.

[@iAmEmman]

Thank you, because where I live they get paid 42K

[@janetguardiola9551]

🙏🏽

[@myras2blessed2beestressed32]

I loved how she said "do you want to walk out to the car" instead of I'm going to take you to the car

[@ShaqKicks]

Can’t wait 🤟🏻

[@LiLgPnoy15]

I graduated the academy a few years back. I decided it wasn't for me. Much respect to those who stuck with it.

[@apocalypticredix8538]

Good for you! I got injured on the job and it changed my life, if you have a change of heart in the future, go to the quiet part of your town and work there where people still appreciate you! stay away from the cities.

[@somoza2307]

Why did you decided it wasn't for you?

[@Horse_girl_13]

I’m 14 right now and I want to be a police officer when I get old enough. I have talked to my school resource officer a few times, I was suppose to job shadow him but I understand he’s busy being a police officer and patrolling the school all the time. But I hope I can become a police officer and can protect the citizens and my fellow officers.❤❤❤

[@dukedademo]

Congratulations! It is very difficult for me to say that to any police officer in the state of Virginia. Based on how I am living right now and in the past as well.

[@victorrobles2108]

We need more officers like her great job to all women and men in blue stay safe

[@noor4170]

awww you are such a nice police officer

[@larrymcjones]

This is the type of cop I want in my town

[@everettfanor1989]

The problem is they change over time. The veterans will have them do unethical practices like writing fake reports and thats how they break you at first. You probably came into the force with good intentions and positive outlook but will be brainwashed by the politics and bad officers within the department. You will learn not to say anything about other officers even if you know their doing wrong. Its like a Fraternity

[@vcrypto90]

I’m in my 5th month of the police academy n I’m even more nervous right now to get on FTO 😬

[@5.7bethesda]

Hows it going right now? Still have an FTO?

[@jordanfarris2167]

I wish her the best

[@sifatullahsafi4550]

Much rest for these wonderful people who risk their lives for our safety..🙏🙏🙏 all over the world.

[@clairej5675]

Great respect for police officers!

[@JoelBulger]

I wish her the best in life

[@christiantellez9973]

She 👮🏽‍♀️ is nice . Alike the way she solve the situation .

[@BOSSxGLITCHES]

5:08 gotta watch the footing. I dont wanna see something happen to her because she puts her gun side to the wrong person

[@JC-xq2zm]

BrodyVeilleux Glad someone else noticed that. Her FTO probably talked to her about it

[@proertjs]

Yup, that got me nervous a bit

[@brandonzingarelli7439]

She has control of the hands, as well as a cover. Should the person even think about reaching for anything on her belt, I highly doubt they would be successful. There are some times when you have to put your gun side to someone; you just try to avoid it as much as you can! Stay safe!

[@BOSSxGLITCHES]

Zings_Maro yeah I know that. I just know that many officers become complacent with it because “nothing bad has happened before.” You stay safe as well!

[@bandit8436]

Gun is safe inside of a Level 3 holster. They wouldn't get it out regardless considering it has a safety on it, as well as a hood.

[@Haleyhay]

Be safe 🙏🏽

[@apurple86]

Officer Cato you're awesome 💪👍😁🙏

[@crisn565]

I’m 5 years in the army as in E-5. I am still debating on either staying in or getting out to go back to either California or Pennsylvania for PST or SPD. Idk yet

[@GB-cj3ok]

The worse thing you can do is refer to a new officer as rookie. As a FTO I always told the new officer training with me we are equal same exact uniform, same boss, same people sign our paycheck and this car belongs to the city/county. I need you and you need me, observe what I'm doing and I'll observe what your doing, and relax around me being tense intensifies the fear. If you don't know something ask, if I don't know we will find out together. Some people get off on titles, what happens in that car between two officers stays in that car. I never liked snitches or complainers.

[@rafaudemarjacobs]

You sound like an Awesome FTO man, I'd be honored to have you as mine. Thank you for your service!

[@GB-cj3ok]

@@rafaudemarjacobs TY for the compliment.

[@flex4506]

God bless the Police. May you all return home safe to your families. Thank you for your service!!!!🙏❤️

[@risitasfrance9020]

I wish her the best 👍

[@jonilynn10]

❤️🙏🏽❤️