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.
You can get out and help the police officer. Sitting in the car while an injured police officer is laying in a lane of traffic is unconscionable.
One of the functions of a police officer is to enforce traffic laws. So, while on patrol I would be looking for both criminal and traffic vioations. Since most criminals use a vehicle in some way (to get to a crime, to flee a crime, to move stolen property, etc.), making traffic stops will frequently result in the discovery of criminal activity.
I have made major felony cases by stopping people for relatively minor traffic infractions. Folks like Timothy McVeigh, Ted Bundy and others have all been located on traffic stops. I can't tell you how many terrorists, murderers, rapists and others have been arrested after a seemingly small traffic violation.
Possibly. If the child is in actual danger, then yes, you can take reasonable actions to protect the life of the child. However, the preumption is that you are damaging someone else's property. You need to be able to prove that your actions were reasonable and necessary to protect the life of the child. Calling 911 is probably the best bet in the specific scenario you described. As stated elsewhere on this page - this is not legal advice.
Unlikely. It would indicate to me that the person overspent on education and might be a poor steward of the department budget.
Toymaker
With all the high-tech kids toys, is there still a demand for traditional ones?
Casino Dealer
How do you prove that someone is card-counting?
Track and Field Coach
How often are your athletes tested for PEDs and is it easy to beat?
Yes, you could be charged with theft.
If he owes you money, it is likely a civil situation, not criminal. Regardless, one wrong will not justify another.
(see second part of this question)
You should contact a criminal defense attorney in that state. Just because you see something as the "right" thing, doesn't mean there isn't the potential of having criminal charges filed against you.
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