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

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 almost 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 over 11 years ago

Check your local laws.

I have been in and aced both Psychology and Law Enforcement in my High School. I am considering going to college to study law. The only problem is that it seems like a depressing job. Is there any fun to be had as a Police Officer? Or is it all bad?

Asked by Trent about 12 years ago

There are a lot of good aspects to being a police officer.  If you are interested in the job, I highly recommend doing a ride-along with a few different departments and see what the job is like.

Another question is, can I report license number if I see somebody texting?

Also, when a person is driving in a poor manner (e.g. speeding and moving from lane to lane with no care of those around him/her).

Asked by Irene Judith Hernandez about 11 years ago

You can call. Please don't cause an accident by calling while driving to report someone else on their phone while driving.

If you got 2 year deffered adjudifacation probabtion can you still be in the law enfrocement when that time is up?

Asked by mari over 11 years ago

You should contact the recruiter for the department you want to work for.

So you said you value prior military experience but not expensive college when considering a PO candidate. What if someone went to Yale ROTC (and obviously joined the military.) Then would the edu. only be a plus? (Since it was prob. free?)

Asked by ROB over 11 years ago

See below.

How long of a meal break did you get during your career?

Asked by mike over 11 years ago

It varies from department to department.  One agency allowed for a 30 minute break, while another allowed for 45 minutes.  Of course, you were still subject to calls during these breaks.