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.
Different departments have different regulations regarding tattoos. Many have in place policies prohibiting visible tattoos, while others have policies about the kinds or locations of tattoos (nothing obscene, nothing on the face or neck, etc.) The more visible tattoos you have, the fewer agencies that will employ you. Something under your shirt, on your back, etc. will not hurt you.
Being a member of the US Navy Reserve will greatly enhance your application and overall success in a law enforcement agency.
For specific questions of law, you should contact an attorney in your jurisdiction.
Depends. If you keep them all handy having them already isn't a bad idea. If you are going to have to dig for them, leave them where they are and when the officer asks for them, explain what you are doing. For example, "Officer, my registration is in my glove box. Is it ok to reach in there and grab it?" It just lets him or her know what you are doing and prevents any unexpected movement.
When in doubt, just sit tight and ask the officer to tell you what he or she would like for you to do. It is a courtesy that can help reduce the tension. The officer doesn't know who you are - good citizen or murderous fugitive - when he or she stops you.
Politeness and helping to reduce the tension have even been known to change a ticket into a warning. :)
Most frequent question: "Shoot anybody?"
The most annoying thing people do is loudly announce "I didn't do it!" when you walk into any store or business in uniform. The folks making these announcements seem to think it is both original and funny. What they don't realize is it is hardly original: I probably would hear it 10 times a day. At that point it is about as funny as a toothache.
Navy Officer (Former)
Certified Nurse Aide
Border Patrol Agent
It depends on the laws of the state. In many states, a retired officer has citizen's arrest authority. If you believe his/her behavior is abusive, contact the local law enforcement agency and file a complaint.
I don't understand the yellow card/red card reference.
Police officers do not know the driver/occupants of a vehicle when stopped. They could be a nice family or it could be a murderous robbing crew. Unit criminals start wearing signs that clearly identify themselves, police officers will back each other up on traffic stops and other calls. It is a safety thing.
I'm guessing this is a rhetorical question.
There is a lot going on in this country that I don't agree with. Arresting people for peaceably assembling or for exercising their freedom of speech in public is unconscionable. All law enforcement officers have taken an oath, which includes upholding the Constitution. Any law enforcement officer who violates his or her oath should be held accountable.
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