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

Thanks for the answer. So as far as being highly prepared for a life-threatening incident like the ones I mentioned, how can this be done? (I guess owning a gun would be on the list, but what are some other things?) Thanks.

Asked by 342or almost 12 years ago

Criminals are generally lazy.  So, to reduce the chances of a criminal breaking into your home, make things more difficult for them.  Consider things like

- good locks, door and windows

- a security system

- a camera system

- good night time lighting

- trimming back overgrown landscaping that can help conceal them

- own a large dog (or two)

Of course, all of these things are merely persuasive in nature.  A determined criminal won't care about any of them and will still attempt to break in and harm you.  In that case, having a plan and means to protect yourself and your family is needed.  That might include a firearm - but that is a personal decision.

If you own or are thinking about owning a gun for self-defense, get training.  A local concealed weapon class is not training.  Good training will generally run two days or longer and will give you the basic skills needed to use a firearm under extremely stressful conditions.  

There are a variety of trainers out there that can help such as Paul Carlson http://www.safetysolutionsacademy.com/ , Grant Cunningham http://www.personalsecurity.us/ , and Massad Ayoob http://massadayoobgroup.com/ .

I an epilepsy 3 years ago and now its under 100% control by medication (which has no side effects) according to Neurologist testimony.Could this disqualify me from becoming a police officer? (i live in California).Thank you so much.

Asked by Leoman about 12 years ago

It might.  You should contact the California POST: http://www.post.ca.gov/

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

Asked by Alias almost 12 years ago

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

Can a correctional officer marry someone who went to jail years ago in there past, completed their probation and restitution fine? I used to live with her for 2 yrs while she was on probation. Her past did not affect my hiring process.

Asked by Paris about 12 years ago

There is no law against it that I am aware of.  You should check with your department regs if you are worried about your job.

If there is a specialty unit such as intelligence in a PD, will there only be one team (as opposed to shifts) so they can be sure everyone is always on the same page?

Asked by 678 over 12 years ago

At very large departments, there may be multiple shifts or squads of officers in a specialty unit.  At small to medium agencies, there is typically only one squad, and they might work varying hours/days of the week as the job requires.

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 about 12 years ago

No

I just started dating an officer. After 4 dates he wants my last name, race, and asked if I am up late at night. Not your usual question I'm sure, but what comes to mind is that he is trying to look me up. What are your thoughts?

Asked by ccmot almost 12 years ago

There is no way for me to know why he has asked these things.  However, these are my immediate thoughts:

1.  I'd find it really odd if I had been on four dates with someone and did not know their last name.

2.  It would be really odd if I had been on four dates with someone and wasn't able to figure out her race.

3.  What time of day you are up has nothing to do with checking someone's background or history.

4.  If you are uncomfortable with the guy, consider dumping him and moving on.