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

Hi I'm in college pursuing my criminal justice degree but I'm worried about getting hired because I used to smoke marijuana and tried ecstasy and cocaine once in high school, does that automatically disqualify me?

Asked by Jessica over 12 years ago

Depends on the department.  Cocaine and ecstacy are serious drugs and can have serious long-term consequences on your brain.  I would suggest contacting the department(s) you are insterested in applying to and speak to one of the recruiters about your situation.  Any department would require a long interval (several years at least) between hiring and your last use of the drug.

if a crime was committed early in 2012 can a person still be charged with that same crime a year afterwards

Asked by monalisa over 12 years ago

Probably - It depends on the crime and the laws of your state.

If you can please email me the answer it would be greatly appreciated: thepausemenu@gmail.com

I live in TN. If I break a car window to rescue an animal inside on a really hot day how much trouble am I looking at?

Asked by Daniel over 12 years ago

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.

If I used to cut myself, but was never admitted to a hospital or care unit and never took medications for it, as well as never been diagnosed with any mental illness, will that disqualify me from becoming a police officer?

Asked by Jessica over 12 years ago

Not necessarily.  Psychological screenings and polygraph examinations are standard portions of the hiring process, so be honest about things and things should work out.

There is a visible spade of law enforcement officials engaging in unnessessary violance or other abuse of powers. It is no longer outlandish to conclude that some police may be a threat to my survival. When am I allowed to resist or flee?

Asked by Khannea over 11 years ago

"spade" - I do not think that word means what you think it means.

Oh, and your premise is false.

if someone has two out of state vehicles with expired everything on them, how do you go about finding out what's really going on with this person? I don't mind helping people but something isnt right!

Asked by amicrazy over 11 years ago

What exactly do you think is going on? Are expired tags considered a heinous crime in your area? If so, let the rest of us know so we can get away from real crime and move there.

What if you tell a police officer you're suicidal?

Asked by Lacie over 12 years ago

Laws in different states dictate what actions may be required of a police officer, but in general terms he or she would talk to you and try to determine if there was some way to help you.  In some cases, a police officer may be required to take a suicidal person to a hospital or other medical facility if the person poses a risk to anyone.  

If you or someone you know is depressed or suicidal, there are people who can help.  Call 1-800-273-8255 from anywhere in the US and they can provide assistance.  Alternatively anyone can go to a hospital an explain that they are having some problems and need help.