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

My husband is going to court next week for his 5th oui arrest. We are in MA, he did not take the breathalizer and his defense is vertigo, and poor police work. If the jury does notknow about prior arrests/ jail time,how likely will he be convicted

Asked by tortured wife over 12 years ago

It would appear that your husband has a serious addiction, and is not taking responsibility for his actions.  Hopefully he hasn't killed or maimed anyone yet, and will not have to opportunity to do so in the future.

Ask his attorney for legal advice, not me.

Hi I'm in college pursuing my criminal justice degree but I'm worried about getting hired because I used to smoke marijuana and tried ecstasy and cocaine once in high school, does that automatically disqualify me?

Asked by Jessica over 12 years ago

Depends on the department.  Cocaine and ecstacy are serious drugs and can have serious long-term consequences on your brain.  I would suggest contacting the department(s) you are insterested in applying to and speak to one of the recruiters about your situation.  Any department would require a long interval (several years at least) between hiring and your last use of the drug.

If I used to cut myself, but was never admitted to a hospital or care unit and never took medications for it, as well as never been diagnosed with any mental illness, will that disqualify me from becoming a police officer?

Asked by Jessica over 12 years ago

Not necessarily.  Psychological screenings and polygraph examinations are standard portions of the hiring process, so be honest about things and things should work out.

What can I do legally so my mother in law and her family stops posting pictures on facebook without my consent?

Asked by Wilma over 12 years ago

Sounds like a civil issue with no criminal aspect.  Call an attorney for advice on a civil remedy.

My question can a Muslim woman be a cop if she is citizen? And she also wear hijab

Asked by Dina over 12 years ago

First question - Absolutely.  There are no prohibitions or requirements for any specific religion or absense thereof to be a police officer.  Of course, any religious biases that prevent you from impartially and effectively enforcing the laws of your state should prevent you from pursuing a career in law enforcement.  For example, if you believe sharia law trumps the laws of your state, you have no place in police work.

Second question - I sure hope rules are not changed to allow police officers to wear a hijab.  Police officers are required to wear uniforms, and that means a standard way of dressing.  Clothing visibly worn for religious purposes should not be part of a police officer's uniform.  A law enforcement officer is expected to impartially enforce the law for all citizens, and when there is an obvious bias it undermines the public's trust in the officer and agency.

If you believe you should be able to wear a hijab at work, then law enforcement is not the job for you.  

Keep in mind that the nature of law enforcement does not allow you to regularly take off holy days.  This is the same for Christians have to work Easter, and Jews who work on Yom Kippur.

Faith is very important, and if your faith will cause you conflict in a law enforcement career, you might want to consider an alternative job path.

Would it be appropriate to call 911 for assistance if a door to door salesman refused to leave your house after you declined his product and you insisted that he leave?

Asked by Citizen137 over 12 years ago

Yes.

At the very least it would appear that he is trespassing.  But, do you know that he doesn't have something worse planned?  Rape, robbery, murder?

Door to door salesmen are certainly capable of committing very bad crimes.  Additionally, criminals can pose as door to door salesmen with the intent of getting in your house to rape/rob/murder you.

A stranger in your home that is refusing to leave is a serious concern and possibly a very real threat.  Make sure you communicate to the dispatchers that the man is a stranger - not a friend or family member - and he is refusing to leave.  If you have any level of fear, make sure you communicate that as well.

1 hour after leaving the recovery room after hernia surgery, the police forced me to drive home. Is this legal?

Asked by MadeInNY over 11 years ago

I'm guessing there is more to this story.