![]() ![]() “My personal opinion is it helps, but it’s not the most important (thing),” he says of his stature. And he even recalls a suspect he was after who didn’t run from him because he didn’t want Bonham chasing after him. He’s had shorter officers tell him they were glad he was there to assist. ![]() “Being my size, I have heard lots of times, ‘Man, I don’t want to mess with you,’” Bonham says. “I’ve had officers actually question me for not getting physical with somebody,” he says.Īt the same time, Bonham has experienced benefits to being large. There are both shorter cops and taller cops who get into more physical altercations than he does (he’s only been in around 10 serious altercations that lasted more than a few seconds during his 26 years). There are many different law enforcement styles out there, Bonham says. In all the people who have taken a swing at me, only one has connected.” I’m always alert and ready to defend myself. I just don’t want people to look at me and think the only option they have is physical violence. “Non-aggressive, non-verbal communication is very important during contacts that seem like they can escalate physically. “I prefer, though not always possible, to talk with people in a relaxed manner and position myself in a non-threatening posture,” he says. “ communication skills, being patient, understanding and basically verbal.” “ how you come across and how you talk to people that makes the difference,” says Mejia, adding that since she’s not as tall or strong as say, Bonham, she has to find other ways to get people to do what she asks of them without resorting to use of force. Bonham stands at 6 feet 5 inches and Mejia is 5 feet tall.īut despite their height difference, they seem to agree on how to handle themselves in the field: mainly, to not immediately jump into the offensive. They are literally at opposite ends of the size spectrum. Garet Bonham, who has been with the department for 26 years. ![]() Take Officer Angelica Mejia, who has served with the Anaheim Police Department for 16 years, and Sgt. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OCīut times have changed, and while being very tall or very short might have its advantages and disadvantages, there’s a lot more than size that goes into being a good cop. Garet Bonham agree there’s more than size that goes into being a good police officer. Anaheim Police Officer Angelica Mejia and Anaheim Motor Officer Sgt. ![]()
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