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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

615 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on October 29, 2014

Best Rated

I am 15.5 yrs and I'm permitted. I can get my license in October 2014. I live with a host parent and she is always working. I have to go to school and swimming everyday; I cant find carpools. is there a way i can drive alone?i cant wait until october

Asked by Dani Em over 11 years ago

No.

You might want to try public transportation or a bicycle.

Can shoplifting a candy bar at 14 prevent me from becoming an officer? I am now 25, I have dual degrees in economics and biochemistry and I am entering my third year of service in the Air force. I haven't been in any other legal troubles.

Asked by John over 11 years ago

It should not be a major issue.  Make sure you are honest about the incident when applying.  Any attempt to conceal or minimize the incident will indicate a lack of honesty.  Questions about honesty will absolutely destroy your shot at being hired.

I tried to convince my friends, most/all are underage, to not drink during a trip up north soon. Most of them said they would anyway. I planned to go and still try to convince them not to. But am I guilty of accessory if i go, or don't report them???

Asked by Steven over 11 years ago

Children drinking alcohol is a really bad idea.  I'd suggest avoiding being where kids are drinking, and talking with your parents if you have any questions about what actions you should or should not take.

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 11 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 over 11 years ago

No

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 over 11 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.

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.