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

How old do you have to be to purchase a gun in minnesota?

Asked by Vinny almost 13 years ago

What kind of gun?  A quick Google search shows 18+ for long guns and 21+ for handguns.  Long guns that are scarey looking are still 18+, but require a purchase permit according to Wikipedia.  I can only assume that non-scarey looking long guns do not require the same permit.  You probably want to take a look at MN §624.7131 for more detailed information.

What's your opinion on good Samaritan laws? Does your State have any, and do you think it's a good thing to impose criminal liability on people for failing to act or notify someone if they see crime happening?

Asked by Priya Singh almost 13 years ago

Offering protection from liability for people making a good faith effort to render aid at the scene of an emergency is a good idea.  There are a lot of dirtbag attorneys who will sue anyone, including good people trying to do the right thing.

Requiring people to act, such as calling 911, when they observe something that is obviously criminal in nature makes sense - but, I always have reservations about these kinds of laws.  In my opinion, they need to be narrowly written.

what are the chances of me and my best friend becoming partners after completing police foundation? were Canadian so we have to take a college course, I'm not sure how it is in the states.

Asked by marc over 12 years ago

I'm not sure I understand your terminology, but if you are asking if you and your friend could be assigned as partners at the same police agency, yes.  However, this would not happen until both of you had a few years of experience on the job.  No sergeant in his or her right mind would assign two inexperienced officers together.  

I was walking home and saw my friend and asked for a ride. i was in stolen car for 30 seconds and he dint have a license but i didnt know, he told me he did. it was the day after he drove me that he got busted. can i get in trouble? i did no wrong

Asked by Stephen almost 12 years ago

I'd suggest considering is a learning experience.  You are not likely to be in any trouble if what you have described is true.  However, it could have all gone very badly for you. 

I was in a similar situation once when I was in college. I rode in a (unknown to me) stolen car with the friend of a friend.  The driver (unknown to me) was wanted for murder.  It wasn't until two days after that ride I learned about him and the car.  It taught me a valuable lesson about who to catch rides with.

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 almost 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.

is it true you get to take home the k9's when your off duty

Asked by jacob almost 13 years ago

The handler and dog are considered a team.  Most departments require the handler to board, feed, and care for the dog off duty.  Typically there is a small stipend provided to the officer for this time, food and supplies.  Rarely does that stipend cover everything the human puts into the care of the dog.

if someone has stolen a range of merchandise totaling 3000 pound would one take into consideration a first offence is it an arrest able offence or a caution or a criminal record

Asked by wolfgirl over 12 years ago

In my state, the crimes you have described could result in multiple years in prison plus fines and resitution.  I do not know the laws of your country, but I'm sure it is equally serious.  I strongly suggest contacting a criminal defense attorney.