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 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.

Can estimated passing speed (over speed limit) be cited to ticket, without PO pacing car for a certain distance/time period. Say driver passed another car going 58 mph but then slowed down to 40 mph in a 40 mph speed zone. No radar involved.

Asked by Steve Davis over 11 years ago

For specific questions of law, you should contact an attorney in your jurisdiction.

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."

Could I be in trouble for owning a electric cigaret and under the age of 18 but does not contain nicotine ?

Asked by Jerammy over 11 years ago

I have no idea what the laws of your jurisdiction may be.  Contact your local law enforcement agency.

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.

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 wrong to film cops; bearing in mind the first amendment? How do you or how would you respond to anyone who's filming you?

Asked by Donny over 11 years ago

Wrong or illegal?  Different states have different laws and I am not an expert on all of the laws across all of the states.

My personal opinion is that anyone in a public place can be photographed and/or video taped.  My opinion does not hold the weight of law.

I've had lots of people photograph and video me while on the job.  Its never bothered me, except when they are interfering with my job.  In one instance a man had been run over by a car and was laying in the street.  These morons with their camera phones were trying to record the man bleeding and in doing so were blocking the roadway, preventing an ambulance from pulling up.  While I personally think their actions were distasteful, my only issue was that they were preventing the man from getting medical attention.  I encouraged them to get onto the sidewalk and we didn't have any more problems after that.