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 was wondering I am 16 and pregnant. I don't think It would be safe to keep my baby at home due to money issues. Is there anyway I can move out with getting caught up with the law in Missouri. I'm wanting to move in with my boyfriend.

Asked by Nikki about 11 years ago

I'd suggest contacting a family law attorney in your state.

Do officers always radio when they show up somewhere? If a bunch of officers are showing up at a scene and there is a lot of talk on the radio over a situation that is developing quickly, will units arriving wait until later to report their arrival?

Asked by Job over 11 years ago

Yes, any time an officer arrives at the scene of a call, makes a traffic stop, rolls up on an undispatched incident, or does pretty much anything, he/she calls it in on the radio.  It is a safety issue.  Most patrol cars have GPS and are constantly tracked by dispatch also.

Are the police taught to try and arrest armed criminals away from the public at all costs? For example, say the police have tracked a dangerous fugitive to a restaurant, would they wait until he leaves the restaurant to arrest him, or go right in?

Asked by Sam I over 11 years ago

Officers are trained to protect the public.  Each incident is differerent, and the risk to the public could be greater by allowing him to leave the restaurant.  For example, what if he is parked by the front door and has a bomb in the vehicle?  It might be safer to take him down inside.

There is no way to control a situation and completely protect the public.  That is an unrealistic, but common, view.  Officers will take reasonable actions based on the information they have at the time.  

(continued) Again I have a lot of respect for police officers and I know its both physical and very mental too. I just want to know what you think. Also if I go to a top-rate university how could I use that to become a police officer?

Asked by Phillip over 11 years ago

You can spend a lot of money at a "top rate" university, but it won't help you become a police officer any more than going to a regular state university.  It will help you get deeper in debt, though.

If your desire is to go to a college, please do so.  If your desire is to be a police officer, consider entering military service, getting some life experience and a skill.  Read through my prior answers on this above.

Best of luck.

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 over 11 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.

In response to my previous question, I was also thinking about an engineering degree. Would that be useful also? I'm sure you don't get this enough, thanks for your service and all that you do. I wish there were more people like you in the world.

Asked by Jimmy about 11 years ago

An engineering degree would be of limited use to a police officer.  If you like engineering, do that (it pays better and is a much safer occupation.)  You can always be a reserve police officer on the weekends.

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 11 years ago

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