NOPDNews caught up with some members of Class #174, the first NOPD recruit class to launch and graduate in 2016. Officers Lanie DeRoche (Fifth District), Scott Lacy (Second) and Marylou Agustin (Third) are out of field training and on their own on the streets of New Orleans.

NOPDNews asked them to reflect on this year’s journey from fresh-faced recruit to full-fledged police officer, and to offer some advice to the Class #179 recruits starting their own NOPD journey today (Dec. 28) at the Training Academy. Here’s what the 2016 veterans had to say.

What have you learned?

Lanie DeRoche: One thing I’ve learned is how to talk to people based on the situation they're in. Sometimes you may be able to laugh with someone at the end of a call and sometimes they might be cursing you out but you have to (try to) act appropriately.

Scott Lacy: I have learned what it really takes to do this job.  Secondhand accounts, television, and literature can never fully express just how much personal integrity, willpower, and energy go into being a police officer.

Marylou Agustin: That there’s more to learn. I follow veteran officers on calls that I’ve never had before just so I can see how they handle it. I’m always observing and soaking in information.

What advice would you give to the new recruit class (#179)?

DeRoche:  Try to soak up as much information as possible while you're in training, in the academy and especially in field training. You won't realize once you're on your own how nice it was to have someone always with you that could answer all your questions.

Lacy: Learn NOPD policy. The best tool at our disposal is a thorough understanding of our own guidelines and rules.  We can't be "law enforcement" without a complete understanding of how to legally enforce the law. Let policy be your guide.

Agustin: Learn from your fellow officers and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’m always asking other officers questions about how they handle different calls and why they handled them in that way.

What's been the best thing about finally getting out on the streets as a police officer?

DeRoche: The best thing about getting on the streets is the freedom to go about your shift, calls, etc. how you want to.  We were in training for 10 months before being able to be out on our own so the first day by myself was actually relaxing.

Lacy: When you realize you've helped someone in need, whether by arresting an offender, taking a report, giving directions, or just listening to someone who needs an ear. Being able to help individuals is a wonderful feeling.

Agustin: Being able to use your knowledge and everything you’ve learned to become the officer to want to be and interact with people the way you want. A lot of times FTOs are like “Hurry up – we’ve got to go!” But on my own, I can take time to really listen to people and find out what’s going on with them.

What has been the biggest adjustment?

DeRoche: The only major adjustment I've had is the scheduling, but that just takes some getting used to.

Lacy: Coming from the private sector as a restaurant general manager, the biggest adjustment for me has been starting at the bottom of an organization after so many years on the top.  However, with the completion of each step in training; from the Academy, to FTO, and finally the promotion to P/O I, I've felt an extraordinary sense of accomplishment as I've earned the title of Police Officer.

Agustin: Not knowing what’s going to happen. Like when you’re on a call or a traffic stop you just don’t know how it’s all going to go or where your back-up is. There are going to be certain things you just don’t know.