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

I have some tickets in Tennessee. They are for drving without a license. I now live in Indiana im a single mom who goes to school and works full ime. I plan on joining the military. How can i get anything done and be a mom without a license?

Asked by Amber Marsh almost 12 years ago

Public transportation. You created the problem, now you must live with the consequences.

what happens after a victim reports a domestic violence case but has no proof so it is just settled as a report?

Asked by ashley113 about 12 years ago

The case remains open but inactive.  Should new evidence be presented in the case (not likely), the case may develop further.

However, the victim can always decide to make a change in his or her life, and even if no arrest is made, there are private and public resources available to help them leave the situation.

Hello I am in Florida also, and two brothers (out of three) keep calling and harassing my 86 year old mother to let my dad come back from the nursing home to her house, he has CHF and cannot walk well. As h her POA, what can I do?

Asked by Susan almost 12 years ago

If you are unable to work things out inside the family, you might want to contact a family law attorney.

I am an 18 year old New Jersey resident who was recently charged for public misdemeanor/disorderly conduct for stepping unto a hood of a persons car and stepping off. Will the courts give me leniency to pay in payment plans? I am poor cant afford.

Asked by John almost 12 years ago

I don't know.

can i go to go if they call me in as a missing person since im 18

Asked by maria about 12 years ago

Most 18 year olds are considered an adult.  You can still be reported as a missing person.

If you want to avoid problems, you should act like an adult and tell your parents that you are fine, but you have moved out.

If you fall into a variety of special categories (such as under court order), you might not be able to move out.  Chances are you would know if one of those applied to you.

If you have additional questions, you should contact an attorney or the local law enforcement agency.

When becoming a patrol officer what are some requirements you have to know/do before you are able to get a job as one?

Asked by Randi over 12 years ago

Requirements vary from state to state and department to department.  Generally, you would need a GED or high school diploma, good driving record, and a clean criminal history.  Most departments will also require a physical fitness test, a polygraph, drug testing, a stable employment history, excellent references, a psychological evaluation, some form of IQ or mental abilities test, and a credit check.  Many departments also require an applicant to have two years of college (or more) or military service with an honorable discharge.  The minimum age for employment varies, but is normally 18 or 21 years old.  

Is it better to join the Army as a 31B (Military Police) or go to a university (but be in a TON of debt) and major in CJ to become a police officer? Also, would a two-year degree in CJ be okay, or would a need a full four-year degree? Thank you.

Asked by Joey about 12 years ago

I've touched on these topics before.  In brief:

1.  Every department's hiring standards are different.  Contact the agency you would want to work for and see what their requirements are.  Most are looking for a two year degree or military experience.  A few want a four year degree.

2.  All other things being equal, the military experience is far more valuable than the piece of paper from some college.

3.  A CJ major is not needed to get hired, even if a department requires a college degree.  Consider picking a major with practical application beyond law enforcement.

4.  Debt is bad.  Student debt is extremely bad.  A cops salary will not pay off a student loan very quickly at all.  Student debt is one of the major problems with the economy in this country now.

If I was just starting out, I would join the military and work on my two-year degree while I was active duty.  Then I would come out with a head start on college plus the GI bill if I wanted to continue that.  If I wanted to jump right into police work, I would have the experience plus a two year degree.  Many departments offer a tuition reimbursement program, so you could go to work for a PD, continue college on their dime and save the GI bill for an advanced school if you so desired.

For example, 4 years military gets the GI bill and a two year degree.  4 years as a law enforcement officer and you get your bachelors degree.  Then you could use your GI bill to get a law degree if you wanted.  Just my thoughts.