Police Officer

Police Officer

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.

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Last Answer on October 29, 2014

Best Rated

Hello there! I'm writing a story in which a minor is framed for murder while on drugs. If convicted, what would the sentence be?

Asked by NutjobWriter almost 12 years ago

It depends on what state the story happens in.  Murder is a state level offense in most cases, so there is no real uniformity from state to state.  In many states, a life term with some opportunity for parole later in life is the maximum sentence.

does an off duty officer have to show you a badge, and does an on duty officer in plain clothes have to show you a badge on top of saying on duty officer or off duty officer

Asked by bea over 11 years ago

In what context?  If an officer is taking enforcement action, then at a reasonable time he or she should identify him- or herself in a reasonable manner.  That will likely include a badge and ID card.

If someone knocks on your door and asks to speak with you it is certainly reasonable to request to see identification.  Call the local law enforcement agency and confirm the officer's identity if you have any doubts.

Asking an officer to show you his or her badge in the middle of a fight, chase or in the middle of some other dangerous situation might not be feasible.  It is all situationally dependent.  Unfortunately, everone looks for a simple black and white answer, but life's not that easy.  Reasonableness is the key to everything.

I had honest questions to ask about why i was being stopped and ticketed and the cop proceeded to insult me and not answer my questions. Am I legally protected? I did everything she asked but i just had some questions for her(she insulted me also)

Asked by h.g.kells almost 12 years ago

I'm not sure what you mean by "legally protected."  If the police officer was rude and you wish to complain, I'd suggest talking to his or her sergeant.

Continued here: Takes place in Tucson, AZ. A 3rd time, intruder pulled in the driveway, sat in car, then left. Sheriff was called, but didn't have to come out. Would these 3 incidences be on record? This is a build-up for an additional scene. Thanks

Asked by mjd almost 12 years ago

Unless the responding officers were lazy, yes a report would be made.  Uninvited people entering your hom when you are not present is criminal.  Depending on AZ law, it would likely be a form or trespass or burglary.  Depending on the circumstances and evidence available, probable cause may or may not exist for the officer(s) to make an immediate arrest.

In the third incident, did the victim make an actual report over the phone?  Many callers start to report something, then decide they don't want a report.  Reports for many not-in-progress calls can be taken by an officer over the phone depending on department policies.  Depending on how you want your story to run, you might want to make it obvious to the reader what the victim chose to do.  Was he/she frightened and insisted on a report?  Were they largely unconcerned and minimized the event?

I hope this helps.

Can estimated passing speed (over speed limit) be cited to ticket, without PO pacing car for a certain distance/time period. Say driver passed another car going 58 mph but then slowed down to 40 mph in a 40 mph speed zone. No radar involved.

Asked by Steve Davis over 11 years ago

For specific questions of law, you should contact an attorney in your jurisdiction.

What do you think of the George Zimmerman case? did the jury make the right call?

Asked by Anon over 11 years ago

 

I saw no evidence that indicated George Zimmerman committed any crime, and yes, the jury's duty was to acquit.  

Frankly, it is my belief that this was a case of wrongful prosecution for political gains, and testimony from at least one employee within the State Attorney's office stating the prosecution was withholding evidence from the defense team certainly affirms that belief.

If a police officer is called out several times for the same incident, should a police report be made out for each occasion? Are there any rules for that? Mind you, the offender has never been around, when the officer has shown up.

Asked by Clayboo over 11 years ago

Department policies dictate when a report will be filed by a police officer.

Generally:  The same incident will generate only one report.  Multiple incidents of the same nature, by the same subject may generate more than one report depending on the circumstances.