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Last Answer on October 29, 2014

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 over 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.

1013 Votes

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 about 13 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.

1013 Votes

I hit a car at a red light because I was bending down to get something out from under my feet. The cop that arrived did not give me a ticket but can he mail one with the report it 3 to 5 days?

Asked by andy almost 12 years ago

Depends on the state. Sounds like you should get one.

1013 Votes

I am the in the process of hiring in Virginia my question is if I passed my polygraph can I still not get hired? also my spouse has a assault and battery charge cause she was involved in a domestic does that play a role in my background check??

Asked by Mr Frazier over 13 years ago

I don't know Virginia law, but in many (most?) states, you can pass all of the tests and still not be hired. If you think about it, say 100 people pass all of the tests but there are only 10 positions open. 90 people passed but won't be hired.

I have no idea what your department's background investigation requirements are. If he/she was convicted of domestic assault or domestic battery, he/she is not allowed to be in possession of firearms by federal (and probably Virginia) law. A department might not want their firearms to be around a prohibited person. You should probably talk to your recruiter about your situation for more information.

1012 Votes

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If someone is drunk and you write them a citation, are there things that you have to do to make sure that when they are sober they will know they have to pay a fine?

Asked by 123 about 12 years ago

If they are so drunk they won't remember the citation, they are going to jail.

1012 Votes

If an officer is forced to shoot a criminal, what kind of protocol would the rest of the department take? For instance, would CSI be contacted to investigate the scene? If so, when?

Asked by Writer23 about 13 years ago

Every department has their own protocol. First duty is to protect life: citizens, officers, criminals (and in that order.) Until the scene is made safe, no investigation can begin. Once everything is safe, medical aid is rendered for anybody that is injured. By this time, a sergeant or lieutenant is on scene and takes command. Depending on the agency, either they or an outside department will handle the investigation of the use of force. A CSI unit would probably be involved, but they are only a support unit to document and collect evidence. They don't do any investigation.

The involved officers give a brief statement to the responding supervisor about what happened and are separated from the other officers who are investigating the incident. How/when the officers are interviewed varies from department to department. Officers are entitled to legal counsel as is anyone being investigated for potential criminal acts.

1012 Votes

Also, is there anything that can be done about my tire getting slashed? Will it be looked into anymore than when the officer was on the scene, or am I just SOL? I suspect it may have been my neighbor, but didnt witness her do it... thanx again!

Asked by SingleMama about 13 years ago

If no evidence exists, and no witnesses have presented themselves, then what additional actions would you suggest the officers take (within the confines of the law)? Maybe your neighbor did it, maybe she did not. People should never be arrested for "maybe."

IF you neighbor damaged your tires, and IF she admitted to tampering with your mail, it sounds like your best bet is to file a report with the postal police and see if they develop probable cause to arrest her. IF they do, then her probation can be revoked also.

It won't likely keep her in jail for very long, regardless.

1012 Votes

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Police Officer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

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?

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

I hit a car at a red light because I was bending down to get something out from under my feet. The cop that arrived did not give me a ticket but can he mail one with the report it 3 to 5 days?

I am the in the process of hiring in Virginia my question is if I passed my polygraph can I still not get hired? also my spouse has a assault and battery charge cause she was involved in a domestic does that play a role in my background check??

Also on Jobstr...

If someone is drunk and you write them a citation, are there things that you have to do to make sure that when they are sober they will know they have to pay a fine?

If an officer is forced to shoot a criminal, what kind of protocol would the rest of the department take? For instance, would CSI be contacted to investigate the scene? If so, when?

Also, is there anything that can be done about my tire getting slashed? Will it be looked into anymore than when the officer was on the scene, or am I just SOL? I suspect it may have been my neighbor, but didnt witness her do it... thanx again!

Police Officer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

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?

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

I hit a car at a red light because I was bending down to get something out from under my feet. The cop that arrived did not give me a ticket but can he mail one with the report it 3 to 5 days?

I am the in the process of hiring in Virginia my question is if I passed my polygraph can I still not get hired? also my spouse has a assault and battery charge cause she was involved in a domestic does that play a role in my background check??

Also on Jobstr...

If someone is drunk and you write them a citation, are there things that you have to do to make sure that when they are sober they will know they have to pay a fine?

If an officer is forced to shoot a criminal, what kind of protocol would the rest of the department take? For instance, would CSI be contacted to investigate the scene? If so, when?

Also, is there anything that can be done about my tire getting slashed? Will it be looked into anymore than when the officer was on the scene, or am I just SOL? I suspect it may have been my neighbor, but didnt witness her do it... thanx again!

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