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

do most officers fire their gun at somebody during their career? Is NYPD more dangerous then other departments. I live in NY and I have wanted to be a cop since pre school and I am planning on joining NYPD.

Asked by Matthew over 12 years ago

Most police officers do not shoot another person.  Every police officer has to make life-and-death decisions on a regular basis, including if he or she needs to use force to protect another.  No one wants to shoot another person, but you have to be willing to do so if it is required to protect yourself or another person.

Is this a possible scenario, a young man gets pulled over and pot is found. He is arrested and taken in where he is persuaded to give up dealer names and then will be set free, no arrest.

Asked by ma almost 13 years ago

Its possible, but how valuable is that information to the officers?  Not terribly valuable probably.  The cops either know the names already, or have no way of knowing if the subject being arrested is giving them good info.

A more likely scenario would be the subject provides the officers with very detailed information on the dealers and is given a court date for some time in the future in exchange.  Then the officers can determine if the information is good.  If so, the officers can appear in court an explain to the judge that the subject was cooperative in an investigation and request favorable treatment of the informant.

Is It Illegal to carry a fake/toy gun on you that looks real? Even If it's to protect yourself In the mean time until you can afford a real one and until you get licensed to carry? Obviously It'll be stupid to flash it, especially In front of a cop.

Asked by Sade' almost 13 years ago

Carrying a fake gun may or may not be illegal depending on your jurisdiction.  You should either contact a criminal defense lawyer for your area or the local law enforcement agency.

I'm not sure what kind of "protection" a fake gun provides.  If attacked by a criminal, a fake gun isn't going to offer you any protection.  The notion that you will see a known criminal approaching you and that you will have time to draw the weapon AND that the criminal will suddenly be struck by fear upon seeing it is not a realistic one based on my experiences with both violent encounters and the mentality of predator criminals.

If someone has an exceptionally prestigious education (i.e. Ivy League college degree), does that give them a better chance for getting into a PD and getting promoted? (Of course in addition to experience and good performance.)

Asked by Ryan over 12 years ago

Unlikely.  It would indicate to me that the person overspent on education and might be a poor steward of the department budget.

If I see a child alone in a car on a hot day.....and notice that the child is struggling....can I break a window in that car to give the child some relief?

Asked by Klondike Cat almost 12 years ago

Possibly.  If the child is in actual danger, then yes, you can take reasonable actions to protect the life of the child.  However, the preumption is that you are damaging someone else's property.  You need to be able to prove that your actions were reasonable and necessary to protect the life of the child.  Calling 911 is probably the best bet in the specific scenario you described. As stated elsewhere on this page - this is not legal advice.

I'm currently a high school Junior in New Jersey. What steps should I take if I am interested in a career in Law Enforcement? What College decisions should I be making if I want to become a police officer?

Asked by HighSchooler25 about 13 years ago

Get good grades, stay physically fit and stay away from drugs/alcohol/trouble.  I was in high school too, but all of those things will play a role in your hiring process.

If your local department has an explorer program, check on joining that.  It will give you a good amount of experience around police officers and get you some training (plus a foot in the door when you apply for a job.)

Personally, I'd avoid any kind of criminal justice/criminology degree.  Stick to some kind of degree that can make you money - business, computer science, etc.  Don't waste time and money on an expensive degree or go into debt for it.  College debt is a trap.

Can you take college classes while in high school?  I know here in Florida, juniors and seniors can often take college classes and get dual credit:  high school and college for the one class.  I managed to get several of my college classes done for free before I ever left high school that way.

Joining the military (any branch) will help you get hired later and will help pay for advanced education.  

If a Police Officer becomes injured and is knocked out during a routine Traffic Stop by oncoming traffic, a unruly citizen, or etc. What should you do as the person who is currently pulled over? Remain in the car?

Asked by Chase over 12 years ago

You can get out and help the police officer.  Sitting in the car while an injured police officer is laying in a lane of traffic is unconscionable.