How should recruits interact with the public when off-duty?

Recruits should interact with the public as private citizens when they are off-duty. This principle recognizes that while recruits are trained law enforcement officers during their duty hours, they carry a responsibility to maintain a level of professionalism and discretion outside of those hours.

When off-duty, recruits are not acting in their official capacity and therefore do not have the authority or the obligation to enforce the law or make arrests as they would while on the job. This separation helps to establish a healthy boundary between their personal lives and their professional responsibilities. It is important for recruits to engage with the public in a manner that reflects their individual character and serves to foster positive relationships rather than maintaining an authoritative presence when they are not on duty.

In emergencies, there might be a need to step in; however, this is not the principal mode of interaction expected of them when they are off-duty. Instead, normal social interactions should be approached like anyone else, emphasizing that they are members of the community in their personal time. This helps to build trust and rapport between law enforcement and citizens, allowing for a more community-oriented approach to policing.