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

Can an off duty officer (in plain clothes) flash his badge and threaten to arrest you? (Verbal argument, nothing physical and no threats)

Asked by Eric over 11 years ago

State laws vary, but generally a police officer, on- or off-duty, can arrest someone if they have probable cause to believe a crime has been committed.  

are all these questions kept confidential

Asked by wolfgirl over 11 years ago

Of course not.

 

3rd time tenants lived in the house and took the intruders sitting in drive as a threat, so they called to report that incident. Since nothing happened sheriff didn't need to come out? But a report could be filed on the phone then?

Asked by mjd over 11 years ago

Most agencies would probably not come out since no one was on scene, but yes, the complainant could make a report by phone.

When is it OK to ask a cop for his badge number? If you are not being arrested or charged with anything, is a cop still required to give it to you? What if the cop is off duty but still in uniform?

Asked by Mara over 11 years ago

Feel free to ask for a badge number any time you like.  Badge numbers aren't magic talismans.  I'd suggest asking the officer his or her name instead, as some departments don't use badge numbers for anything.  In fact, a lot of agencies don't even have numbers on the badges.

One thing I always think is funny is someone who wants my badge number who is standing in front of me.  Both my name and badge number are clearly visible, as well as the agency I represent.  Additionally, I almost always introduce myself when talking to anyone.  Yet, the common courtesy of using someone's name in conversation has largely disappeared.  Now it seems everyone is just "dude" or "bro."

if you apply at a police department and you don't get hired but if you keep applying will chances be good that you will eventually get in?

Asked by tyler over 11 years ago

Depends on why you were not hired.  Assuming you have a clean record, good job history, and don't drool on yourself during an interview, then yes.  ;)

If you have lied on an application, have criminal convictions, or come off as an arrogant SOB in an interview, then no.

I had honest questions to ask about why i was being stopped and ticketed and the cop proceeded to insult me and not answer my questions. Am I legally protected? I did everything she asked but i just had some questions for her(she insulted me also)

Asked by h.g.kells over 11 years ago

I'm not sure what you mean by "legally protected."  If the police officer was rude and you wish to complain, I'd suggest talking to his or her sergeant.

Does the state trooper in Ohio state have the right to ask the immigration questions when somebody got pulled over for speeding? Is it legal to ask for the I.D of the Passengers in the car in ohio?

Asked by Peter Johnson over 11 years ago

I can't speak to the specifics of Ohio law, but generally yes and yes.