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

Do you need to get a person's consent before you test his DNA looking for a match? Or if the person is in a public place and, for example, discards gum or a cigarette can that be collected and tested without his consent?

Asked by twotimes over 12 years ago

The collection of DNA evidence is still an evolving body of case law, so there are few absolutes on obtaining it.  Its admissibility into a court of law is beyond my area of expertise.  Generally, however, discarded items are considered abandoned property and can be collected, tested, etc. without anyone's consent.  

On an episode of 48 Hours an interrogator says to a kid "we know you weren't the shooter, so that's good for you," to get him to admit he drove the car (enough for a murder charge!) Not a "lie" but clearly exploiting the kid's ignorance. Is that OK?

Asked by twotimes over 12 years ago

Not having seen the show in question, nor the actual interview (not the cut down for TV version), I don't know. However, depending on the circumstances, there are certainly times when a lie is an acceptable interviewing technique.

What weapons police officers carry at all times?

Asked by FPS over 12 years ago

Typically, at least one handgun and two or more intermediate weapons such as oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray), impact weapon (expandable baton, PR-24, etc.), and/or electronic control device (Taser or similar).

My neighbor is a police officer in anoather town. While off duty, he came to our front porch, rang the door bell, & began yelling at my husband on the porch. My husband diffused the situation, but, I was very frightened. Do we have any recourse?

Asked by dolly1925 over 12 years ago

If your neighbor was acting in some type of official capacity (Was he in uniform? Was he threatening some type of official action? etc), and you believe he acted in an unprofessional manner you can call his department and speak to his supervisor or professional standards unit.

If your neighbor was not acting in any kind of official capacity, and instead just happens to be a cop, then it doesn't sound like his job doesn't have anything to do with the dispute.  Neighbors sometimes don't get along and this might be one of those cases.

As with anyone, you can always ask your neighbor to leave if you don't want them on your property.  If they refuse, call the local department for assistance.

Keep in mind that nothing can make someone be nice to you.

hello, I was just wondering what kind of person would you have to usually contact for a police ride-along.

Asked by tyler over 12 years ago

I'd suggest calling the non-emergency phone number for your local police or sheriff's department.  The call taker should be able to direct you to the correct person.  Also, the officer/deputy working the front desk probably can help you out also.  There is typically a liability wiaver you have to sign and a background check to make sure you are not a felon or are wanted.

Do police officers eat for free at local restaurants?

Asked by Tripp over 12 years ago

Not typically. Many restaurant owners choose to offer certain people discounts, such as members of the military, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, etc. Those are individual choices a business owner makes and there is no hard and fast rule. Some businesses do offer a free meal to officers, but they are an exception. Some kind of discount is more common, and most places do not offer that. I have been honored to have my meal purchased for me by a kind (and always anonymous) citizen on occasion. Those are always appreciated and humbling.

I recently started dating someone who says he is a cop however he works in a jail I'm assuming as a correctional officer. This does not mean he is a Police officer correct? What questions can I ask him, or how do I find out if he really is a cop?

Asked by Demison about 12 years ago

Different jurisdictions have different rules & laws.  Some deputies or officers who work in a jail setting are fully sworn law enforcement officers who have the power of arrest, etc.  Some deputies or officers who work in a jail have powers limited to the jail setting.  You should probably ask him your specific questions, and if something doesn't sound right you can always check with his employing agency to confirm his employment.