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615 Questions

Last Answer on October 29, 2014

I just want to know the procudures that people go through to become a police officer? What kind of records do you guys look at? What about people that have a criminal record?

Asked by mauisheriff@gmail.com over 12 years ago

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.

1053 Votes

Hi Blue

I'm doing research for a novel. I was wondering, if a lawyer was found murdered, could the police look through his files and cases or does attorney client privilege still apply.

Asked by John Lenahan almost 13 years ago

A warrant would likely be required , and a judge would have to make a determination on what could be searched. You would be better served talking to an attorney and judge on what could be searched and what would be excluded, and under what circumstances.

1052 Votes

When a speeding ticket says "Direct Observation" Does that mean that the Cop made a visual assessment and then Confirmed with the radar? And can a Direct Observation be taken when the Cop is positioned the same way as the flow of traffic?

Asked by Charles C. almost 13 years ago

Which way the police officer's car is pointed doesn't tell you anything about which way he or she was looking. The officer could observe you in a mirror or be turned within the vehicle to watch traffic.

1047 Votes

I Iive in Ohio. I am twenty years old and living with my parents and am not asked to pay rent. My parents are threatening to kick me out. Are they allowed to throw my stuff outside without an eviction notice?

Asked by Brittany about 13 years ago

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?

1044 Votes

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I traded a fake pair of Nike shoes on Craigslist. I was scammed, so I put them on to someone else. I never said they were authentic, nor did I forge anything. The only info the buyer has of me is my #. No receipt. Will the police come after me?

Asked by QuestionAsker123 about 13 years ago

Possibly. Trading in known counterfeit products, such as Nike sneakers, is a felony is many states. Additionally, there are federal laws on the subject. If the person you scammed files a police report instead of trying to screw over his fellow man, you could be looking at criminal charges. I'd suggest finding a good criminal defense attorney immediately.

Oh, and your phone conversations are recorded nowadays. NSA does that for your "safety." So whatever you said on the phone conversation could be recalled as evidence.

1043 Votes

I was pulled over and told my wife in the passenger seat to record the traffic stop on her phone. When the cop came to our window he told her to stop recording and took her phone away before ticketing us. Are you allowed to record a police stop?

Asked by LA1985 about 13 years ago

Depends on what state you are in. Some states have laws that prohibit it. I'd argue that such laws are unconsitutional, but I'm not a lawyer and I'm not offering legal advice. Why not call the department and speak with a supervisor? He or she can clarify the law, if one exists. If the officer was out of line, they might like to know about that as well.

1041 Votes

I accidentally passed a school bus with it's stop sign out. I feel terrible about it. No cops were around? Can i still get ticketed? I've only had my license for 3 weeks. This would be my first offence.

Asked by Brad about 13 years ago

You will not likely get a ticket at this point.

1039 Votes

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Police Officer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I just want to know the procudures that people go through to become a police officer? What kind of records do you guys look at? What about people that have a criminal record?

Hi Blue

I'm doing research for a novel. I was wondering, if a lawyer was found murdered, could the police look through his files and cases or does attorney client privilege still apply.

When a speeding ticket says "Direct Observation" Does that mean that the Cop made a visual assessment and then Confirmed with the radar? And can a Direct Observation be taken when the Cop is positioned the same way as the flow of traffic?

I Iive in Ohio. I am twenty years old and living with my parents and am not asked to pay rent. My parents are threatening to kick me out. Are they allowed to throw my stuff outside without an eviction notice?

Also on Jobstr...

I traded a fake pair of Nike shoes on Craigslist. I was scammed, so I put them on to someone else. I never said they were authentic, nor did I forge anything. The only info the buyer has of me is my #. No receipt. Will the police come after me?

I was pulled over and told my wife in the passenger seat to record the traffic stop on her phone. When the cop came to our window he told her to stop recording and took her phone away before ticketing us. Are you allowed to record a police stop?

I accidentally passed a school bus with it's stop sign out. I feel terrible about it. No cops were around? Can i still get ticketed? I've only had my license for 3 weeks. This would be my first offence.

Police Officer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I just want to know the procudures that people go through to become a police officer? What kind of records do you guys look at? What about people that have a criminal record?

Hi BlueI'm doing research for a novel. I was wondering, if a lawyer was found murdered, could the police look through his files and cases or does attorney client privilege still apply.

When a speeding ticket says "Direct Observation" Does that mean that the Cop made a visual assessment and then Confirmed with the radar? And can a Direct Observation be taken when the Cop is positioned the same way as the flow of traffic?

I Iive in Ohio. I am twenty years old and living with my parents and am not asked to pay rent. My parents are threatening to kick me out. Are they allowed to throw my stuff outside without an eviction notice?

Also on Jobstr...

I traded a fake pair of Nike shoes on Craigslist. I was scammed, so I put them on to someone else. I never said they were authentic, nor did I forge anything. The only info the buyer has of me is my #. No receipt. Will the police come after me?

I was pulled over and told my wife in the passenger seat to record the traffic stop on her phone. When the cop came to our window he told her to stop recording and took her phone away before ticketing us. Are you allowed to record a police stop?

I accidentally passed a school bus with it's stop sign out. I feel terrible about it. No cops were around? Can i still get ticketed? I've only had my license for 3 weeks. This would be my first offence.

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Hi Blue

I'm doing research for a novel. I was wondering, if a lawyer was found murdered, could the police look through his files and cases or does attorney client privilege still apply.