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

Are Domestic violence "warning signs" considered something that should be brought to a police officer's attention?

Asked by MZUSMC almost 12 years ago

If you believe a crime has been committed, I would encourage you to contact the police.

So why are they used instead of regular handcuffs?

Also what's the difference between being detained and arrested?

Asked by Josbtr almost 12 years ago

Disposable restraints tend to be lighter and more compact than metal chain or hinged handcuffs.  Depending on policy, an officer may choose to use them instead of traditional handcuffs for the weight and space savings.  Additionally, they can be used in a mass arrest situation since more of them can be carried by each officer.

There is a huge difference between being detained and arrested.  If you have been arrested, you are being charged with a specific crime and supported by probable cause.  If you are being detained, officers have established reasonable, articulable suspicion that you may have committed a crime and they are now investigating to see if a crime has been committed.

If you are under age, and run from the police what are the consequences?

Asked by jojo almost 12 years ago

From a legal perspective, a fine, probation or jail time are all possibilities.

In your department, how was the city divided up? (Districts, precincts, etc.) And what did those mean as far as how many stations there were in that area, who was in charge at the different levels, etc. Thank you!

Asked by Rob about 12 years ago

At one department, there were three patrol zones and only a single station.  A sergeant plus three or four officers were on duty at any given time. (Not including any specialty units.)

At a larger agency, there were six patrol zones with multiple officers assigned to each zone.  There were three "sector offices" plus the main station.  There were up to 24 patrol officers on the road.  Generally there were 2-3 sergeants on duty at any given time plus a lieutenant and possibly a captain depending on time of day/day of week.  Those staffing numbers did not include specialty units that might have also been working.  For example, three traffic units plus a sergeant, a gang unit plus sergeant, etc.

Is it considered disorderly conduct to wear a shirt with a curse word on it?

Asked by Kelli almost 12 years ago

Check your local laws.

In your experience are a lot of police officers former-military? If so, are they usually former enlisted or former officers?

Thanks.

Asked by Johan almost 12 years ago

I'd say about 1/4 to 1/3 of the officers I have worked with are former military.  Of those about 90% were enlisted/NCOs.

Hello Sir,

I am checking if a PND issued in a police station for Shoplifting is ever deleted from some ones record? COnsidering this is the only offence the person ever committed.

Asked by Question1 about 12 years ago

I have no idea what a PND is.

Generally, if you have ever been charged with a crime, then it is part of your official criminal history.