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

What courses, should I take in high school, to get into law enforcement?

Asked by Junior almost 11 years ago

Talk to your guidance counselor on what options are available at your school.  You want to make sure you have a solid background in english, math and science.  Sports are also something you should be involved in.  If there is a law enforcement explorers unit in your area, you should check it out.

Hello. I live in an area policed by a county department. But my village has its own small police department of 6 or 5 men. Apparently, it's staffed 24/7. How could shifts possibly be organized to make that possible? (They answer their own calls.)

Asked by Name over 11 years ago

I don't know.  You should pop in to the local department, introduce yourself and ask.  They might even have a citizens academy where they go over all of the department's functions.

When a police officer pulls over someone, what are they doing in the police car with the computer after they get the license and registration? What specifically are they doing on the computer? Why does it take 10-20+ minutes if they are using a CPU?

Asked by ABC about 11 years ago

A "CPU" is only part of the computer system, and typically not the slow part.  If the officer is using some type of computer, it is networked via cell data service.  The network is likely 3G or slower, so sending a request (such as a check on the validity of your license) is not as fast as you might hope.  Also, since many of the computers are running some type of Windows OS, crashes are common.  Frequently, I have sat on the side of the road while waiting for the system to reboot.  Also, if there is someone that has a warrant who has a similar name, the officer will do additional research to make sure he or she shouldn't arrest you.  10-20 minutes isn't a long time for you to be stopped.

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 over 10 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.

Why are cops rarely held criminally responsible for police brutality?

Asked by Shannon R almost 11 years ago

An interesting, but loaded, question.

The term "police brutality" is a subjective one that is likely to inflame the conversation.  I'll presume that you are referring to the unlawful use of force, which is any time a police officer uses force - regardless of the perceived brutality - when it is not legally permissible.

Police officers are permitted to use that force which is reasonable during the performance of their duties.  Many people do not understand what is reasonable because they do not have the training in, or understanding of, the dynamics of a violent encounter.  I'd suggest looking at credible sources such as the Force Science Institute ( http://www.forcescience.org/ ) for a better understanding of the application of force.  Anything you've seen in the movies is likely crap, by the way.

For a better understanding of when officers may use force, a review of the case law is an excellent starting point.  Graham v. Connor [490 U.S. 386 (1989)] is typically cited as being the defining case regarding police use of force.  Although the case clarified a number of issues, the court essentially said that things were pretty clearly stated in their earlier decision in Tennessee v. Garner [471 U.S. 1 (1985)].  Both cases offer remarkably insightful opinions, and they should be read in full.  Summaries of the cases in Wikipedia and elsewhere fail to give the true scope and color of the opinions.

An additional problem with your question is the unstated assumption that there are frequent incidents of police officers unlawfully using force.  I believe the premise is false, and every credible study on police use of force I have seen shows that officers are very hesitant to use force.  In fact studies have shown that even when clearly justified, officers still are slow to use force.

Are there times when an officer unlawfully uses force and are not criminally prosecuted?  Sure.  There are a variety of reasons this may be true.  For example, the unlawful use of force may be charged at the federal level if the officer was acting under "color of law," or at the state level for the charge of battery (or similar).  Just like any other case, the prosecution must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused officer committed the crime and that he or she intended to commit the crime (mens rea).  Lacking the ability to prove those things, the prosecution will not proceed.

Should I report that three vehicles at different times in a gym parking lot will follow me home? I was able to get their license plate numbers. There has been a strange man who does not like that I work out there! This is a somewhat small town in WI,

Asked by Jane over 10 years ago

Call your local police department and ask for their assistance. They will know what to do.

Which agency do you think wears the best uniform? I think OSHP, but I'm biased lol. But I will admit to being slightly jealous of the Texas State Troopers who wear those custom Stetson cowboy hats!

Asked by Joe about 11 years ago

Texas Rangers for non-patrol.  LAPD-type for patrol (though with two shoulder patches)