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

When a police officer takes a civil service test to be promoted, does it take passing the test AND an appointment to the new rank, or is the test hard enough for anyone who passes it to reach a new rank?

Asked by Eagle about 12 years ago

No idea - I didn't work at one of those departments.

I would sincerely hope that people were not promoted based on a test score, but when you mix government and unions and there is rarely any room for common sense.  

Promotion should be based on ability.  Most tests are only analyzing a person's ability to memorize a set of facts.

Hello officer. I am a juvenile (17) who will be 18 in june. Yesterday, I got cut by a mustang while driving... and I began to follow her. After 5 minutes, we both came to a walmart, and she called the cops. I am being charged with stalking? why?

Asked by Gus about 12 years ago

Since I was not there, nor did I conduct an investigation in the incident, I don't know what the probable cause was for your charge.

However, I suspect it might have something to do with your statement "and I began to follow her."

Getting angry about some perceived slight while driving, and then chasing the woman, is likely the source of your problems.

Can I got to the police station and find out if I can legally buy/own a firearm instead of going to a firearm store?

Asked by Ralph over 12 years ago

No.

Commercial firearms transactions go through a special FBI database.  The database used is not one that is available to other law enforcement agencies.  Some of the information in the database is available to outside agencies through other files, but not all of it.  For example, if a police officer was to run a "normal" criminal history on a person, it would show prior felony convictions but not other things like if you had been adjudicated mentally ill, renounced your citizenship, etc.

Chances are you are the best person to know if you are no longer allowed to own a firearm.  If you have a specific question about a possible prohibition, feel free to ask.

If I were to be physically assaulted by a group of guys as a junior at school, suffer from a back eye, minor concussion, and a cracked rib, along with we bruising, what would happen if I reported it in a police station with my boyfriend?

Asked by Jada almost 12 years ago

It would be investigated as any other crime.

I am curious on how this was not reported when you were at the hospital.

My former boss loaned me her vehicle so I could watch her children for a few months. They recently got into daycare. She threatened me through text that she would report it stolen since I wouldnt watch her kids Monday due to illness. Is that illegal?

Asked by Deidre over 12 years ago

Sounds like you probably should return the car and find a new friend.

(Follow up)

In other words, if anyone with a license can carry a gun, that gives them the power to kill people. Even if they only use their gun for the right reasons, they still have so much power without necessarily that much training.

Asked by Hello (follow up) over 12 years ago

The "power to kill" people does not come from a concealed carry permit.  If you believe that, you are very mistaken on the law - both natural and statutory.  

 

What are some reasons to not go into law enforcement?

Asked by Emily about 12 years ago

Getting shot.  Getting stabbed.  Getting broken bones.  Getting killed in an accident.  Being strangled.  Acquiring incurable diseases.  Dealing with rotting bodies.  Telling people that their loved one has been killed.  Horrible hours.  Working weekends.  Working holidays.  Dealing with defense attorneys and other scum.  Low wages.  Poor opportunity for advancement.  Getting sued.  Being rained on.  Being snowed on.  Working in a hurricane while all sane people have long since fled.  Wrestling drunks in the mud.  Dealing with unrealistic expecations of the public.  Dealing with the unrealistic expectations of pencil pushers in city hall.  Stress and related health problems.  Chronic back problems from wearing a duty belt.  Not being able to have normal relationships with non-cops.  Hyper vigilance.  Not being around for your family.  Did I mention rotting bodies?  Polyester uniforms.  People throwing feces and urine on you.  Being spit on.  Fighting for your life as a regular job function.  Dealing with other people's children.  Going to the funerals of your friends.  

<sarcasm>Oh, but the paycheck makes it all worthwhile.</sarcasm>