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

If a former co-worker posed as me and hacked my 401k and savings account ( after I was laid-off ) from a former employer, should I call the police or a lawyer? I don't know if they have stolen anything or not yet as I cannot get into my own account.

Asked by Sherry over 11 years ago

I would call the police.

Are there procedures in place that make it so if an officer is in trouble, they can say it on the radio without being blocked by less important use?

Asked by Asd over 11 years ago

Yes.  There are multiple methods.

Can someone go to jail for resisting arrest if it was found that the suspicion for why they were stopped in the first place was proven to be false?

Asked by Red about 11 years ago

Yes.

Hi, I'm determined to become a police officer, but I smoked weed from 17-18. Does that disqualify me? I'm 19 now. Also, does being shot prevent me from be able to join as I have some nerve damage and the bullet is still in me.

Asked by Chris almost 12 years ago

Most agencies will look for a significant period of time between your last use of an illegal substance and the current time.  One to two years is not enough time for most departments.  I would strongly suggest joining the military or attending college.  By the time you finish your service or obtain your degree, you will have been clean for 5+ years, which puts you in a much better position.

If the nerve damage isn't debilitating in some way (can you still lift heavy things, run, have a strong grasp, etc.), it shouldn't be a problem.  Just make sure you disclose that before you take a pre-employment physical.  I imagine the bullet will show up on the x-rays.

When a police officer is not on patrol, what are they doing at the police station?

Asked by Ryan over 11 years ago

Any number of things including:  processing evidence, contacting witnesses, writing reports, picking up supplies, talking to a seargent, filling out school requests, showering after being exposed to blood or other bodily fluids, returning a phone call, sending out a subpoena, printing off reports for court, conducting a suspect interview, using the restroom, eating lunch, swapping radio batteries, entering stolen articles into NCIC, completing online or inservice training, submitting to a drug test, being inspected, picking up an item for delivery to another agency or court, etc, etc, etc.

(Continued) I would be afraid of them finding out it was me and these kids aren't kids who no one likes who drinks. They are popular and I think they drink mostly to be cool. I'm not sure if I have a responsibility to act in this situation. Thanks!

Asked by Julian over 11 years ago

This sounds like something you should discuss with your parents.  Good luck.

If there is a small village police department with 2 or 3 officers per shift, will they probably use the radio channel and dispatcher of the county PD that also patrols the village?

Asked by Sal over 11 years ago

It depends.  Some small agencies will work off of a county channel.  Others will handle the dispatching, but the county will handle the 911 call answering.  Others will have a full 911 center (take the emergency calls and dispatch.)  I hate to say "it depends" so much, but things vary a lot.