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 traded a fake pair of Nike shoes on Craigslist. I was scammed, so I put them on to someone else. I never said they were authentic, nor did I forge anything. The only info the buyer has of me is my #. No receipt. Will the police come after me?

Asked by QuestionAsker123 almost 12 years ago

Possibly.  Trading in known counterfeit products, such as Nike sneakers, is a felony is many states.  Additionally, there are federal laws on the subject.  If the person you scammed files a police report instead of trying to screw over his fellow man, you could be looking at criminal charges.  I'd suggest finding a good criminal defense attorney immediately.

Oh, and your phone conversations are recorded nowadays.  NSA does that for your "safety."  So whatever you said on the phone conversation could be recalled as evidence.

I was pulled over and told my wife in the passenger seat to record the traffic stop on her phone. When the cop came to our window he told her to stop recording and took her phone away before ticketing us. Are you allowed to record a police stop?

Asked by LA1985 about 12 years ago

Depends on what state you are in.  Some states have laws that prohibit it.  I'd argue that such laws are unconsitutional, but I'm not a lawyer and I'm not offering legal advice.  Why not call the department and speak with a supervisor?  He or she can clarify the law, if one exists.  If the officer was out of line, they might like to know about that as well.

I just want to know the procudures that people go through to become a police officer? What kind of records do you guys look at? What about people that have a criminal record?

Asked by mauisheriff@gmail.com over 11 years ago

The best bet is to contact the recruiter at the agency you are most interested in applying to.  He or she can give you the exact details of what they require.  

Every state and department is different.  There are some generallities.

A background check will be conducted to ascertain the general nature of your character, job history, military service, drug use, criminal history and financial history.  Depending on the department, an agency may interview your neighbors, former employers, former co-workers, relatives and other people with knowledge of your work ethic, demeanor and character.

Things like poor credit, large debt, unstable work history, etc. are not automatic disqualifiers, but they can be red flags.

Past criminal activity is a problem.  Felonies, domestic violence, DUIs and other crimes can be automatic disqualifiers.  Misdemeanor, non-violent crimes may not automatically disqualify you, but they are significant red flags.  Mitigating circumstances, the nature of the crime, and other factors can help.  (For example, you passed a bad check your freshman year in college at age 18.  You are now 28 years old, graduated college, have had a stable work history, and are an officer in the US Navy reserves.  Those factors will go a long way to show the prior criminal act was a one-time event.)

Hope that helps.

pt2. It was a Stalker Dual Radar device, I was traveling at 64, moving with the flow of traffic, I was being tailgated and boxed into the fast lane. The ticket was for 73 in a 55. Not denying speeding, But not pleading guilty to 73. Can i fight this?

Asked by Hilliary M. almost 12 years ago

So, you were speeding, but you don't believe you were going as fast as the measuring device stated?  Sure you can fight it, but bring a checkbook: for your lawyer and/or clerk of court.

How do you know you were not going 73?  Have you calibrated your spedometer in the last six months?  

Assuming this is your first ticket (or perhaps the first in a long time) courts often have an option to plead nolo to a reduced charge coupled with a driver's improvement course.  Depending on the jurisdiction this might keep points off of your driving record, reduce the fine, etc.  Be sure to contact the court and/or a lawyer about that.

Hi Blue

I'm doing research for a novel. I was wondering, if a lawyer was found murdered, could the police look through his files and cases or does attorney client privilege still apply.

Asked by John Lenahan almost 12 years ago

A warrant would likely be required , and a judge would have to make a determination on what could be searched.  You would be better served talking to an attorney and judge on what could be searched and what would be excluded, and under what circumstances.

I just got a ticket three months ago for running a stop sign. I paid some and took defensive driving about a month ago. Well last night i received a ticket for speedin and violated my probation period. Now what will happen?

Asked by alice over 11 years ago

It depends on the conditions of your probation.  For example, if you were placed on probation in lieu of jail time, and now you have violated that probation, it is possible that a judge will revoke your probation and you will serve the balance of the sentenced time in jail.

None of this is legal advice and you should probably consult with an attorney.

Does it matter median is 100 feet.

So northbound green light

Left to median westbound

Six lights in total. Two north south
Two in median east west
Two east west

Asked by Peter s over 11 years ago

(see below)