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

whats are some punishments that a minor may face if he or she breaks the law?

Asked by Alias about 11 years ago

Anything from a small fine to a lifetime of incarceration depending on the nature of the crime.

My friend was messing with his friends who were at a party. His plan was to impersonate a cop by placing red/blue lights in his car and drive up to them. On their property, he turned the lights on. A state cop saw him and stopped him. Was it illegal?

Asked by Bubba76 over 11 years ago

Sounds like it.  Impersonating a police officer is illegal in most (all?) states.  Installation and use of certain revolving, blinking or flashing lists on a car is also illegal in most (all?) states.

I have wanted to become a police officer since I was a child, however I also want to go to university, so I wanted to get a degree that would help. What degree would you recommend?

Asked by Jimmy about 11 years ago

Contact the department you wish to work for and see if they require a degree.  I would recommend the least expensive degree possible, as they will largely be useless in law enforcement.  You can read through my prior answers for additional information on college degrees and law enforcement.

I know that the Secret Service and FBI have authority over local police when it comes to presidential security, but what about in general? Eg, if you are holding someone in jail, do they always have authority to make you hand them over to them?

Asked by Sam over 11 years ago

No

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 over 11 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.

What can I do about my soon to be ex husband selling my personal property without telling or asking me first?

Asked by Chyna Stuart about 11 years ago

Talk to your divorce attorney.

I got DQ for the Highway Patrol because I threatened my girlfriends ex. Will this follow me if I apply to other agencies?

Asked by Tony Guzman over 11 years ago

Yes.