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

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If you're involved in a police chase and you feel it's appropriate to call in a police helicopter: 1) How do you determine this? 2) Is this up to a supervisor? 3) Are choppers usually available to assist officers on the ground? Thanks.

Asked by Harrison almost 12 years ago

The availablility and use of helicopters vary widely from area to area.  Some departments have access to helicopters in a relatively short amount of time, while other departments never have access to their assistance.

At my former agency, I worked in a very urban area with dozens of cities and counties in the immediate area.  We had access to a helicopter that was operated by the sheriff's department, and was normally only up during the evening hours.  It was available during other parts of the day, but would often take some time to get up and to you.

For a vehicle or foot pursuit, we would generally want the assistance of the helicopter, and most often they would be enroute to us before we even asked.  They monitored our radio channels and would start our way if they could be of assistance.  If we had to call for one, that would be cleared through a supervisor.

How do you become a K-9 officer? what can i do to prepare in highschool? is there any collage classes i am required to take?

Asked by Ann over 12 years ago

To be a K-9 handler you will need to be in great shape.  I daresay that handlers have to be in better shape than the average SWAT cop because they (the handler) is often running through the dark every night chasing his/her dog who is chasing a suspect.  Then the handler has to be able to fight once the suspect is located.  Imagine running three miles and then getting into a fight for your life.  You need a lot of cardio work to get ready for that.

I'd suggest being involved in sports and finding a local explorer unit to join would be the best two things to do now.  College classes are completely up to you.  Other than certain federal agencies, I'm not aware of any department that requires any specific major or classes in college.

In the police force, how do you value the following: experience (time), education, and someone's natural ability to do the job?

Asked by Josbtr almost 12 years ago

I value them all.  If you are asking me to arbitrarily rank them in order of importance, I cannot.  What duty is the officer trying to perform?  Every task is different and requires varying degrees of each of the above.  Also time in grade does not equate to experience.  Also, experiences vary widely.  Are the experiences in roles as a trainer, investigator, narcotics officer, or what?  A highly educated homicide investigator with ten years of violent crime investigations may get his butt kicked the first night he rotates back to patrol and goes to a bar disturbance, while the two-year officer with nothing more than a high school diploma saves him.  There is no neat way of quantifying police officers.  

What happens if a police dog bites someone who is later found to be the wrong person?

Asked by Park almost 12 years ago

All use of force, including a dog bite, is governed by federal and state law.  There can be civil and/or criminal repercussions for the unlawful application of force. Graham v. Connor (490 U.S. 386 (1989)) is a landmark case that is instructive on this issue. http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=490&invol=386

In tx is the age of consent 17 ? I've looked it up and everywhere it says 17 but this one post said even if they have sex at 17 the other person involved can still get in trouble if older

Asked by Dershowitz almost 12 years ago

I don't know.  Contact a police or sheriff's department in Texas.

In washington state legal age of consent is 16 but i read their is a 5 year rule ?, does this mean a 16 year old can legally date or engage in sexual activity with anyone from ages 16 to 21 legally and how old can they LEGALLY date if not?(5/27/14

Asked by jada about 12 years ago

I have no idea.  You should contact a police officer in the state of Washington about those laws.

hi so my ? is that if you bought a car from the dealerships and it is on your name and your wife uses it and she is cheating on you and she brings another person can i call the police

Asked by Walter almost 12 years ago

If I understand your statement correctly, you have not described any crime.