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

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 12 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. 

Hi I just got a car today and its Sunday an I can't go to the Mva there closed is it ok to drive the car to and from work without tags till tomorrow in the morning when I go get y tags

Asked by H. Orton over 11 years ago

Depends on your state law, and it may not be legal.  I'd definitely say to keep the proof of insurance, bill of sale & title paperwork with you if you do drive it.

I am 31, turning 32 in December, a point where I want to do something with my life. I have strong interest in law enforcement and had a few questions. 1.) Do you have to attend police academy? if so how long is the course.

I am from Ohio

Asked by Joe over 11 years ago

Yes, you will need to attend a police academy.  Every state's academy is different in length of time, course of instruction, residency requirements, etc.  

Some departments run their own academy that meets the state's requirements and then adds additional course material specific to the department.  For example, a state highway patrol is likely to add in-depth accident investigation courses that go beyond the basics.  

I am not familiar with the requirements for Ohio, but it looks like your state requires a minimum of 568 hours (14+ weeks) to obtain a peace officer certification.  Check out http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/OPOTA for more information.

Good luck!

if you ask an officer to see his badge does he have to show you?

Asked by dariansmith almost 12 years ago

If the officer is acting in an official capacity and is not in uniform, you can certainly ask to see his credentials.  For example, a plainclothes detective shows up at your house and asks to come in and talk - you better make sure you know he or she is a police officer.  If  you have any doubts - and I mean any - politely explain that you need to confirm his or her identity with dispatch first.  Then call the non-emergency line for the police/sheriff's department and make sure the person is who they say they are.

When a speeding ticket says "Direct Observation" Does that mean that the Cop made a visual assessment and then Confirmed with the radar? And can a Direct Observation be taken when the Cop is positioned the same way as the flow of traffic?

Asked by Charles C. almost 12 years ago

Which way the police officer's car is pointed doesn't tell you anything about which way he or she was looking.  The officer could observe you in a mirror or be turned within the vehicle to watch traffic.

I traded a fake pair of Nike shoes on Craigslist. I was scammed, so I put them on to someone else. I never said they were authentic, nor did I forge anything. The only info the buyer has of me is my #. No receipt. Will the police come after me?

Asked by QuestionAsker123 almost 12 years ago

Possibly.  Trading in known counterfeit products, such as Nike sneakers, is a felony is many states.  Additionally, there are federal laws on the subject.  If the person you scammed files a police report instead of trying to screw over his fellow man, you could be looking at criminal charges.  I'd suggest finding a good criminal defense attorney immediately.

Oh, and your phone conversations are recorded nowadays.  NSA does that for your "safety."  So whatever you said on the phone conversation could be recalled as evidence.

I was pulled over and told my wife in the passenger seat to record the traffic stop on her phone. When the cop came to our window he told her to stop recording and took her phone away before ticketing us. Are you allowed to record a police stop?

Asked by LA1985 about 12 years ago

Depends on what state you are in.  Some states have laws that prohibit it.  I'd argue that such laws are unconsitutional, but I'm not a lawyer and I'm not offering legal advice.  Why not call the department and speak with a supervisor?  He or she can clarify the law, if one exists.  If the officer was out of line, they might like to know about that as well.