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

Girl is abused over years long duration by a boyfriend, sexually and mentally. After end of relationship tries to tell people the truth and isn't believed, everyone thinks he's a great guy. Kills herself afterwards - what happens to him?

Asked by Kim over 11 years ago

If the woman made a report with the local law enforcement agency, you should contact them for the status of the criminal investigation.  If she did not, is there any evidence he committed a crime?  If so, that should be taken to the local law enforcement agency.

Criminals cannot be arrested and adjudicated without victims and witnesses contacting law enforcement and being willing to participate in the investigation and prosecution.  

While tragic, if this is a case of:

  -  a woman who did not approach the police,

  -  there are no witnesses, and

  -  the only evidence that the ex-boyfriend sexually abused the woman at some point in the past were statements by the victim made to friends,

then I would expect that there is a lack of probable cause to arrest the ex-boyfriend for anything related to that abuse.

 

Hi I want to get a family member out of my house because she is creating problems in my relationship with my husband but she doesn't want to leave.

Asked by julliana over 10 years ago

Contact your local depaerment and inquire about forcing her to leave. States vary on the requirements regarding residency and tenant-landlord issues.

(Continued) What do you recommend I do? Are there careers out their that involve law enforcement where my degree will be more useful? And do you think it's worth it to do into Law Enf. if I'm used to a high salary? Thanks for your service.

Asked by Ross over 10 years ago

Only you can make the decision on what to do.  If you want to be a police officer, be a police officer.  If money is a motivating factor, try private enterprise.  Neither the Navy nor police work is a path to riches.  If a LT's salary is considered "high," you might be surprised at what is available if you started your own business or used your degree & experience to land a good career in the private sector.

If you are looking for the best salary in law enforcement, take a look at the federal agencies.  Local departments in the northeast and west coast pay the best, but also have outrageous taxes and costs of living.

Hi, I'm determined to become a police officer, but I smoked weed from 17-18. Does that disqualify me? I'm 19 now. Also, does being shot prevent me from be able to join as I have some nerve damage and the bullet is still in me.

Asked by Chris over 11 years ago

Most agencies will look for a significant period of time between your last use of an illegal substance and the current time.  One to two years is not enough time for most departments.  I would strongly suggest joining the military or attending college.  By the time you finish your service or obtain your degree, you will have been clean for 5+ years, which puts you in a much better position.

If the nerve damage isn't debilitating in some way (can you still lift heavy things, run, have a strong grasp, etc.), it shouldn't be a problem.  Just make sure you disclose that before you take a pre-employment physical.  I imagine the bullet will show up on the x-rays.

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

Asked by MadeInNY over 10 years ago

I'm guessing there is more to this story.

If there is a small village police department with 2 or 3 officers per shift, will they probably use the radio channel and dispatcher of the county PD that also patrols the village?

Asked by Sal almost 11 years ago

It depends.  Some small agencies will work off of a county channel.  Others will handle the dispatching, but the county will handle the 911 call answering.  Others will have a full 911 center (take the emergency calls and dispatch.)  I hate to say "it depends" so much, but things vary a lot.

Why are police officers often at the scene of a medical incident? Is this only if there's a security or criminal concern? Or do police officers ever act as medical first responders in some places? (To give aid before the ambulance arrives.)

Asked by Richard over 10 years ago

Reasons vary. Some jurisdictions require a police response.  Other times, medical responders might request law enforcement due to potential problems or safety concerns.  Police officers typically have some level of medical training, so they might be dispatched to the scene to help render aid until paramedics can respond.  In some jurisdictions, officers are cross trained as paramedic/firefighters.