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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615 Questions

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Last Answer on October 29, 2014

Best Rated

is there a law for under age swimming

Asked by james about 13 years ago

There may be one somewhere.  Where and what it says...well, I have no idea.  Try using Google to find laws for your state/locality.  You should be able to find something pretty quickly.

Im curious about something, I often see people pulled over by two police cars. Is it because they have a yellow or red card? Thus backup is needed?

Asked by Aleria almost 13 years ago

I don't understand the yellow card/red card reference.

Police officers do not know the driver/occupants of a vehicle when stopped.  They could be a nice family or it could be a murderous robbing crew.  Unit criminals start wearing signs that clearly identify themselves, police officers will back each other up on traffic stops and other calls.  It is a safety thing.

My ex-husband is in law enforcement how is he allowed to run every license plate on cars parked at my house even inside the garage. I live in Utah

Asked by Ginger over 12 years ago

If you believe he is doing this, and that it is not part of an official investigation, you can file a complaint with his department or with the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training council:  http://publicsafety.utah.gov/post/inservice/decertify.html

When police officers patrol, do they decide on their own when to turn and where to go within their patrol area? Or is there usually/sometimes/rarely an exact route that they generally follow through their area?

Asked by Ryan over 12 years ago

No exact routes are ever taken/repeated.  It would be a good way to be ambushed and that's never a good day.

Dear BlueSheepdog, would it be considered sexual harassment if a male acquittance touched and poked my breasts when I clearly uncomfortable with it by folding my arms over my breasts? You must hear this so much.

Asked by Garnettoi about 12 years ago

What you describe is the crime of battery, an unlawful touching.  Depending on the state you live in there may be enhancers or separate laws regarind the sexual nature of the battery.

You are clearly in a dangerous situation when someone is touching your breasts against your will, and you should take such reasonable actions to protect yourself.

I'm in college I already finished my first year. Im trying to do law enforcement as my major.I been goin some online info and it says that I have be good with listening & eyes etc,I have two ears but can only listen with one, would I be disqualified?

Asked by Adrian almost 13 years ago

It depends on the agency.  Most departments will require you have at least some hearing in both ears, but this can be augmented by the use of a hearing aid in many places.

If there is a specific law enforcement agency you would like to work for, I suggest contacting a recruiter and discussing the specifics of your case with them.

Some kids have been coming to my house and messing around with my water pipes. Am I legally allowed to shoot them with a BB gun?

Additional info:
I live in North Carolina
I am unsure if my gun penetrates, but I will only aim for legs

Asked by Brian about 13 years ago

Why would you think that it would be even remotely ok to shoot children with a BB gun?

1.  None of this is legal advice.  Consult an attorney.  Wrongful use force against another, especially a child, can land you in prison for a long time. 

2.  The use of force is generally resricted to "reasonable" self defense.  Re-read #1.

3.  BB guns are not toys.  They can and have killed people.  Use Google and you will see multiple stories about BB guns killing people.  For example:  http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/03/21/florida-boy-10-dies-after-brother-accidentally-shoots-him-with-bb-gun/

4.  BB guns can also take out an eye or do other serious injury even if they were incapable of killing.  Re-read #1.

5.  You're not Alvin York and your aim on a moving target isn't that good.  I don't care how good a shot you think you are, you can't guarantee where you would hit someone anyway.  Re-read #1.

6.  None of this excuses whatever trespass these children may have done, but shooting them with a BB gun sounds way beyond the realm of reasonableness.  What would you do if your child had been shot by an adult with a BB gun?  Re-read #1.

7.  Use of force is generally restricted to the defense of persons, not property.  Re-read #1.

8.  If someone is coming into your home and you feel threatened, things are different.  Re-read #1.

9.  Re-read #1.