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

what would you do in the scenario of you pull over a car with 4 people you arrest one of them with only one pair of handcuffs and the other 3 gang up on you injure you where you cant radio dispatch with no handcuffs and the 3 guys coming after you?

Asked by tyler almost 13 years ago

First of all, I would never try to arrest anyone by myself in the scenario presented.  Secondly, I always carry two pairs of handcuffs on my person, and have additional restraints in my patrol car.  

However, if I found myself in a situation similar to what you describe, i.e. three people attacking me without any backup, I would treat that as a deadly force situation.  In other words, it is reasonable to believe that three people who are attacking a police officer are likely to cause the officer great bodily harm and/or death. Additionally, an incapacitated officer would not be able to prevent them from taking his firearms and other weapons to do additional harm to the public.  Since they are an imminent deadly threat, lethal force is a reasonable response for me or any other officer.  

Shooting them would certainly be a reasonable course of action.  It is unfortunate, but attacking me is the choice they made and dictated my response.

 

Do radar detectors work? Are they illegal? Have you ever pulled someone over and caught him with one?

Asked by radarrr about 13 years ago

Some work better than others - I'd suggest checking out the online reviews of them before spending your money. I'd actually rather see people drive at reasonable speeds, especially since speed tends to be the largest factor in fatality accidents. Regardless, do your research before spending your money. Some are a complete waste of dollars, while others offer some advanced notice. RADAR/LASER detectors are illegal in some jurisdictions, but not all. Check your local laws. Yep, I've stopped a lot of people with a detector in plain view. They are legal in my area, so its no big deal. Personally, I don't care one way or another about them. Sometimes people get flustered when they realize I can see it - it is mildy amusing. One guy got really angry about how his detector didn't work, even though I didn't even have a RADAR/LASER in the patrol car (he had an expired tag.) I think he had unrealistic expectations about the detector.

Well ok, but do your arrest people for driving 66 in a 65? Point being, when you witness a minor infraction (like smoking a joint in a park) where no one's in real danger, wouldn't your time be better spent addressing more serious crimes in your area?

Asked by Cheech Jr. (again) about 13 years ago

Speeding is not a crime, so no, I do not arrest anyone for speeding. Its not my job function to make value judgements on what is and is not a crime. Society does that through its elected officials. If you think marijuana should be de-criminalized, then I would encourage you to contact your elected officials and like minded citizens to work to change the laws.

Thank you for the previous answer. Just wanted to add, I did tell the lieutenant I wanted to meet in person so that I could bring someone for moral support. Now I can't. I was assaulted by someone I trusted. I had hoped he'd have been more sensitive.

Asked by Carolyn almost 13 years ago

I hope everything works out for you.

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

Asked by tyler almost 13 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.

I'm 14 I was wondering if I can move in with y boyfriends family . Because my parents are threatening me to break up with him. Why because of racism. He said he's going to call the police on me if I won't break up with him. Can I leave home.

Asked by Stacy almost 13 years ago

You are 14.  As a child, you must obey your parents.  Running away won't solve anything, and can have negative consequences for you and the other involved people.  At your age, your intimate involvement with another person could land them in prison.

I'd suggest talking to the school resource officer at your school or a member of the clergy at your church for guidence. 

What is your opinion on people owning guns and what’s your opinion on arming the teachers in the US?

Asked by Perfect Student almost 13 years ago

The ownership, possession and carrying of firearms is part of our natural right to self defense and codified in the US Constitution.  There should be a minimum of restrictions placed on those rights.  Keep in mind that "gun control" has nothing to do with "crime control."  Gun control is about control.

I have no problem with any citizen acting in a lawful manner, including teachers, to be armed on school grounds.