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

I want to get arrested for a day ! What can I do ?

Asked by Kate over 11 years ago

Try doing something useful like working in a homeless shelter for the day.

um, how many years of college do you have to take to be a police men, or do you even have to take classes for it ?

Asked by kendra owens over 11 years ago

It depends on the agency.  Some departments require no college, while others might require a two or four year degree.  Read through the prior posts and you can get additional information on college and hiring.

If while driving through the intersection a person's front wheels were past the stop line when the light turned red, is that breaking the traffic law (running a red light)?

Asked by RH over 11 years ago

It depends on the state's laws.  Some states yes, others no. Additionally, red light cameras typically operate under a different set of laws in each state.  The rules for mailing tickets may be substantially different from on view violaions observed by a police officer.  So, you may or may not get a ticket mailed to you.  I really dont know.  Call the police department in question if it is really bothering you.

In response to my first question what makes you do it every day?

Asked by Emily over 11 years ago

The desire to help people - to make a difference.  All of those things I mentioned above suck the life out of you.  But with good friends, family and faith in God supporting you, the job can be done.

There were many times that I was going to a call that I would have preferred avoid, but I knew I had the skills and disposition to handle it.  Who wants to go to the call where a man just committed suicide in front of his wife by sticking a gun in his mouth and pulling the trigger?  No one.  But, as I often questioned myself, "if not me, then who?"

There are upsides to the job, though they are rarely visible to, or understood by, anyone outside of law enforcement. 

How do you become a K-9 officer? what can i do to prepare in highschool? is there any collage classes i am required to take?

Asked by Ann over 11 years ago

To be a K-9 handler you will need to be in great shape.  I daresay that handlers have to be in better shape than the average SWAT cop because they (the handler) is often running through the dark every night chasing his/her dog who is chasing a suspect.  Then the handler has to be able to fight once the suspect is located.  Imagine running three miles and then getting into a fight for your life.  You need a lot of cardio work to get ready for that.

I'd suggest being involved in sports and finding a local explorer unit to join would be the best two things to do now.  College classes are completely up to you.  Other than certain federal agencies, I'm not aware of any department that requires any specific major or classes in college.

Okay I guess I should tell my parents. But when I do, what's the next step? I mean I more concerned about them than me. I understand what it means to drink. Does what they are doing violate "Social Host" laws?

Asked by Julian over 11 years ago

I don't know what a 'social host' law is.  However, your parents should be able to provide you guidance on what you should and should not do.  Good luck.

What age can I leave my parents house without getting in legal trouble can I leave at17 ?

Asked by to pretty about 11 years ago

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