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

Can a retired police officer flash his badge and threaten to arrest you or cause you trouble? Is there any legal ramifications for him doing this if it isn't allowed?

Asked by Chris over 11 years ago

It depends on the laws of the state.  In many states, a retired officer has citizen's arrest authority.  If you believe his/her behavior is abusive, contact the local law enforcement agency and file a complaint.

If a police officer is called out several times for the same incident, should a police report be made out for each occasion? Are there any rules for that? Mind you, the offender has never been around, when the officer has shown up.

Asked by Clayboo over 11 years ago

Department policies dictate when a report will be filed by a police officer.

Generally:  The same incident will generate only one report.  Multiple incidents of the same nature, by the same subject may generate more than one report depending on the circumstances.

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.

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.

how will they know it is i that is braking the law does one not have to be caught innocent until proven guilty

Asked by wolfgirl over 11 years ago

Online fraud cases are pretty easy to trace and prove, even when people use VPNs, proxies, etc.  Offline fraud is even easier.  Don't expect me to tell you how.  

If I said I went on a police ride along when I didn't. And I didn't names and I didn't do it to get it anyone in trouble. Is it illegal?

Asked by goingcrazy almost 12 years ago

Identifying yourself as a police officer is a felony in most/all states.  Saying you rode with a police officer breaks no laws that I am aware of.  Contact an attorney if you are really concerned about this one.  

So i was going 98 miles an hour in a 75 zone. Will they take my license?

Asked by Ivie Hone over 11 years ago

I don't know.  It depends on the laws of your state and your driving record.  You might want to contact an attorney.