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.

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Last Answer on October 29, 2014

Best Rated

Which agency do you think wears the best uniform? I think OSHP, but I'm biased lol. But I will admit to being slightly jealous of the Texas State Troopers who wear those custom Stetson cowboy hats!

Asked by Joe about 12 years ago

Texas Rangers for non-patrol.  LAPD-type for patrol (though with two shoulder patches)

If someone has an inappropriate video of you, can they get in trouble?

Asked by Devina over 11 years ago

It depends. Call your local police department and ask for their assistance. They will know what to do.

if me and my man break up do i haved to give him the phone he gave me as a gift back????

Asked by britster over 12 years ago

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/grammar-girl-quick-dirty-tips/id173429229?mt=2

Why are cops rarely held criminally responsible for police brutality?

Asked by Shannon R about 12 years ago

An interesting, but loaded, question.

The term "police brutality" is a subjective one that is likely to inflame the conversation.  I'll presume that you are referring to the unlawful use of force, which is any time a police officer uses force - regardless of the perceived brutality - when it is not legally permissible.

Police officers are permitted to use that force which is reasonable during the performance of their duties.  Many people do not understand what is reasonable because they do not have the training in, or understanding of, the dynamics of a violent encounter.  I'd suggest looking at credible sources such as the Force Science Institute ( http://www.forcescience.org/ ) for a better understanding of the application of force.  Anything you've seen in the movies is likely crap, by the way.

For a better understanding of when officers may use force, a review of the case law is an excellent starting point.  Graham v. Connor [490 U.S. 386 (1989)] is typically cited as being the defining case regarding police use of force.  Although the case clarified a number of issues, the court essentially said that things were pretty clearly stated in their earlier decision in Tennessee v. Garner [471 U.S. 1 (1985)].  Both cases offer remarkably insightful opinions, and they should be read in full.  Summaries of the cases in Wikipedia and elsewhere fail to give the true scope and color of the opinions.

An additional problem with your question is the unstated assumption that there are frequent incidents of police officers unlawfully using force.  I believe the premise is false, and every credible study on police use of force I have seen shows that officers are very hesitant to use force.  In fact studies have shown that even when clearly justified, officers still are slow to use force.

Are there times when an officer unlawfully uses force and are not criminally prosecuted?  Sure.  There are a variety of reasons this may be true.  For example, the unlawful use of force may be charged at the federal level if the officer was acting under "color of law," or at the state level for the charge of battery (or similar).  Just like any other case, the prosecution must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused officer committed the crime and that he or she intended to commit the crime (mens rea).  Lacking the ability to prove those things, the prosecution will not proceed.

what does the first responding office do when they arrive at a crime?

Asked by cutiepie18 about 12 years ago

Every scene is different.  If the crime is in progress, stopping the criminal from hurting others is the first priority.  If the crime is not in progress (or once the criminal has been stopped), providing aid to injured people is the highest priority.

Does a police station have an onsite medical person like a Nurse in the building?

Thanks

Asked by Edwurd almost 12 years ago

Not usually.  A medium to large size jail will typically have medical staff on duty, however.

I became aware of my husband drinking and driving. I have told him that when I am aware that he is doing this, I will report him (and his car license plate) to the police. He is in denial of his problem. Will I be taken seriously?

Asked by momof3 over 12 years ago

If you are asking will your husband take you seriously, I don't know.  Probably not.  It sounds like he has a lack of regard for the safety of himself and others.  Anything you say is unlikely to get him to change his behavior.

If you are asking will the police dispatcher take you seriously, of course they will.