BlueSheepdog
10 Years Experience
Around the Way, FL
Male, 40
Cheating death and fighting communism: that is how a fellow officer once described our job. It was meant to be funny, but as time went on it seemed all too true.
I spent more than ten years in law enforcement, all of it on the street in uniform patrol. I've been a patrol officer, instructor, sergeant and lieutenant.
Do not report crimes here. Nothing here should be considered legal advice. All opinions are my own.
Yes, you will need to attend a police academy. Every state's academy is different in length of time, course of instruction, residency requirements, etc.
Some departments run their own academy that meets the state's requirements and then adds additional course material specific to the department. For example, a state highway patrol is likely to add in-depth accident investigation courses that go beyond the basics.
I am not familiar with the requirements for Ohio, but it looks like your state requires a minimum of 568 hours (14+ weeks) to obtain a peace officer certification. Check out http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/OPOTA for more information.
Good luck!
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I'm not an expert on voice stress analysis or traditional polygraph testing. They are useful, but not foolproof according to my reading. I'd suggest hitting Google or Bing with any specific questions or research information on the machines and testing processes.
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You are 14. As a child, you must obey your parents. Running away won't solve anything, and can have negative consequences for you and the other involved people. At your age, your intimate involvement with another person could land them in prison.
I'd suggest talking to the school resource officer at your school or a member of the clergy at your church for guidence.
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I don't work in Ohio, so I don't know the landlord-tenant laws there.
However, at 20 years old you are an adult. You probably should have moved out two years ago to start your own life. Clearly they don't want you there, so why not strike out on your own instead of having someone else paying your bills? Why do you think you are entitled to stay in someone else's home without paying rent?
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Sushi Chef
Is there THAT much difference in quality between the fish served at mid-range vs high-end places?
Federal Lobbyist
What was the strangest lobbying request you've ever received?
Waitress
Do you get annoyed when people use Groupons?
Many departments would still be willing to hire you if your vision is corrected to 20/20. However, this will vary from department to department, so make sure you ask about vision requirements with the agencies you apply to.
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Depends on your state law, and it may not be legal. I'd definitely say to keep the proof of insurance, bill of sale & title paperwork with you if you do drive it.
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The best bet is to contact the recruiter at the agency you are most interested in applying to. He or she can give you the exact details of what they require.
Every state and department is different. There are some generallities.
A background check will be conducted to ascertain the general nature of your character, job history, military service, drug use, criminal history and financial history. Depending on the department, an agency may interview your neighbors, former employers, former co-workers, relatives and other people with knowledge of your work ethic, demeanor and character.
Things like poor credit, large debt, unstable work history, etc. are not automatic disqualifiers, but they can be red flags.
Past criminal activity is a problem. Felonies, domestic violence, DUIs and other crimes can be automatic disqualifiers. Misdemeanor, non-violent crimes may not automatically disqualify you, but they are significant red flags. Mitigating circumstances, the nature of the crime, and other factors can help. (For example, you passed a bad check your freshman year in college at age 18. You are now 28 years old, graduated college, have had a stable work history, and are an officer in the US Navy reserves. Those factors will go a long way to show the prior criminal act was a one-time event.)
Hope that helps.
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