I was a typical new police recruit. My shiny new badge weighed heavy on my chest. My polished
gun belt shone. After watching numerous episodes of "Adam-12" I was ready to save the world. All I had to
do was throw out my chest and exhibit authority to get everyone to cooperate with my requests ... or so I thought.
At three weeks on the job I was responding to police calls for service with my sergeant riding in the passenger
seat monitoring me. I should have been suspicious when he had us intercept a radio call to assist with a mental commitment.
He decided I would handle the call while he observed.
Cheryl C. was known to all of the cops ... except me. She experienced psychotic episodes on a frequent basis.
She was now in need a mental commitment. I would be present to facilitate that process.
As I entered her apartment she was very agitated and combative. Did I mention she was totally naked?
The sergeant suggested I get her under control for the medics who would soon be arriving. I walked up to her while exhibiting
my best officious manner. As I muttered something she went berserk. The fight was on.
In my attempt to subdue her I realized their were no appropriate places to grab on to a nude women who was
intent on biting, kicking and scratching me. Her agitated demeanor made her sweat profusely. I now knew what
it must be like wrestle a greased pig. During the height of the struggle I looked over to see my sergeant bent
over in laughter at my antics!
Cheryl was eventually subdued and transported to a medical facility. With a note of sadness I must
tell you that Cheryl eventually committed suicide and the sergeant was later killed in the line of duty. Police work
can be amusing but danger is always present.
