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

My parent and I wants my brother out of the house, we're afraid to call the police since we might get in trouble. We NEED HIM OUT THE HOUSE! He don't respect nobody and he damage the house, my mother have to pay for his costs and expenses, plz HELP!!

Asked by Nguyen over 10 years ago

Sounds like you are in a bad spot.  However, if you are unwilling to call the local police for assistance, I don't know what you expect anyone else to do.

Can shoplifting a candy bar at 14 prevent me from becoming an officer? I am now 25, I have dual degrees in economics and biochemistry and I am entering my third year of service in the Air force. I haven't been in any other legal troubles.

Asked by John almost 11 years ago

It should not be a major issue.  Make sure you are honest about the incident when applying.  Any attempt to conceal or minimize the incident will indicate a lack of honesty.  Questions about honesty will absolutely destroy your shot at being hired.

i live in texas and thinking of going to the angelina college regional police academy as soon as i get fit and when in dont with that would i have to do training and what would i expect in training.

Asked by monica duncan over 10 years ago

This is a good starting point: http://www.sjpd.org/BFO/FieldTraining/home.html

I got DQ for the Highway Patrol because I threatened my girlfriends ex. Will this follow me if I apply to other agencies?

Asked by Tony Guzman almost 11 years ago

Yes.

Can a correctional officer marry someone who went to jail years ago in there past, completed their probation and restitution fine? I used to live with her for 2 yrs while she was on probation. Her past did not affect my hiring process.

Asked by Paris over 10 years ago

There is no law against it that I am aware of.  You should check with your department regs if you are worried about your job.

Is it better to join the Army as a 31B (Military Police) or go to a university (but be in a TON of debt) and major in CJ to become a police officer? Also, would a two-year degree in CJ be okay, or would a need a full four-year degree? Thank you.

Asked by Joey over 10 years ago

I've touched on these topics before.  In brief:

1.  Every department's hiring standards are different.  Contact the agency you would want to work for and see what their requirements are.  Most are looking for a two year degree or military experience.  A few want a four year degree.

2.  All other things being equal, the military experience is far more valuable than the piece of paper from some college.

3.  A CJ major is not needed to get hired, even if a department requires a college degree.  Consider picking a major with practical application beyond law enforcement.

4.  Debt is bad.  Student debt is extremely bad.  A cops salary will not pay off a student loan very quickly at all.  Student debt is one of the major problems with the economy in this country now.

If I was just starting out, I would join the military and work on my two-year degree while I was active duty.  Then I would come out with a head start on college plus the GI bill if I wanted to continue that.  If I wanted to jump right into police work, I would have the experience plus a two year degree.  Many departments offer a tuition reimbursement program, so you could go to work for a PD, continue college on their dime and save the GI bill for an advanced school if you so desired.

For example, 4 years military gets the GI bill and a two year degree.  4 years as a law enforcement officer and you get your bachelors degree.  Then you could use your GI bill to get a law degree if you wanted.  Just my thoughts.

What can I do about my soon to be ex husband selling my personal property without telling or asking me first?

Asked by Chyna Stuart over 10 years ago

Talk to your divorce attorney.