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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615 Questions

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Last Answer on October 29, 2014

Best Rated

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.

 

 

Do you think unethical behavior by police officers could be acceptable in certain limited circumstances if it helps to solve a major crime.

Asked by CECE over 11 years ago

Unethical behavior is not acceptable under any circumstances.

can a 13 year old fish by himself in the state of california?

Asked by alan carbajal over 11 years ago

Checking the California Dept of Fish and Wildlife website, it looks like anyone 16 or older must have a license to fish.  I did not see a reference to ages younger than 16.  In the sane world, a 13 year old should be able to fish by him or herself.  California, however, has some very bizarre views on what people should be allowed to do.  So, I'd recommend contacting them directly.  

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/sportfishingfaqs.html

Can't help myself as I see your Q&A approach 100 answers(!) What's the single most common question you get when you tell people you're a cop?

Asked by Jobstr Dan over 11 years ago

Most frequent question: "Shoot anybody?"

The most annoying thing people do is loudly announce "I didn't do it!" when you walk into any store or business in uniform.  The folks making these announcements seem to think it is both original and funny.  What they don't realize is it is hardly original: I probably would hear it 10 times a day.  At that point it is about as funny as a toothache.

sorry I think my first part got cut off the board...I wish to turn in info on a compony i'v ordered synthetic marijuana from my question is how should I go about it because the

Asked by Anono over 11 years ago

Generally, you cannot/will not be prosecuted if you once possessed/used a drug.  So, I personally would not worry about talking to the police about having ordered it in the past.

Is this a company that is public about their sales (i.e. they advertise in High Times, etc)?  If so, I doubt you need to tell any law enforcement agency about it.  I think most High Times subscriptions go to police stations and drug units.  

If the company is located in another state or country where the substance is legal don't expect that law enforcement can do much about it.

If you really want to stay anonymous, call one of the "tip lines" for the DEA, FBI or local police department.

Just from my own observations, the synthetic stuff is far worse than the natural stuff.  It is more akin to a crazy mix of meth and PCP than MJ.

Continued here: Takes place in Tucson, AZ. A 3rd time, intruder pulled in the driveway, sat in car, then left. Sheriff was called, but didn't have to come out. Would these 3 incidences be on record? This is a build-up for an additional scene. Thanks

Asked by mjd over 11 years ago

Unless the responding officers were lazy, yes a report would be made.  Uninvited people entering your hom when you are not present is criminal.  Depending on AZ law, it would likely be a form or trespass or burglary.  Depending on the circumstances and evidence available, probable cause may or may not exist for the officer(s) to make an immediate arrest.

In the third incident, did the victim make an actual report over the phone?  Many callers start to report something, then decide they don't want a report.  Reports for many not-in-progress calls can be taken by an officer over the phone depending on department policies.  Depending on how you want your story to run, you might want to make it obvious to the reader what the victim chose to do.  Was he/she frightened and insisted on a report?  Were they largely unconcerned and minimized the event?

I hope this helps.

does an off duty officer have to show you a badge, and does an on duty officer in plain clothes have to show you a badge on top of saying on duty officer or off duty officer

Asked by bea over 11 years ago

In what context?  If an officer is taking enforcement action, then at a reasonable time he or she should identify him- or herself in a reasonable manner.  That will likely include a badge and ID card.

If someone knocks on your door and asks to speak with you it is certainly reasonable to request to see identification.  Call the local law enforcement agency and confirm the officer's identity if you have any doubts.

Asking an officer to show you his or her badge in the middle of a fight, chase or in the middle of some other dangerous situation might not be feasible.  It is all situationally dependent.  Unfortunately, everone looks for a simple black and white answer, but life's not that easy.  Reasonableness is the key to everything.