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.
It depends on the laws of the state, but generally attempting to commit a crime is punishable as if you completed the crime itself. Based on your scenario, the only reason why the item was not stolen was the clerk saw the theft taking place and the thief put the item back. The intent to commit a theft existed, and the thief took an action to commit the crime, so in many jurisdictions it would be a criminal act (attempted theft or something similar.)
Consider the guy who runs into the liquor store to rob it. As he begins to demand money, the store clerk pulls out a gun and the robber flees. The robber did not succeed in the crime, but intended to rob the clerk and took some action to commit the crime. Therefore, the attempted robbery could be prosecuted.
I hope that makes sense, and these things vary from state to state depending on the laws of each.
Detectives can participate in a warrant service, and frequently do.
A high risk warrant service is usually handled by a SWAT team, which can have detectives on the team. Once the scene is secure, non-SWAT officers/detectives will frequently be responsible for the securing and documenting of evidence.
If you feel you have been improperly searched by officers, you can contact their agency and file a complaint.
Carrying a fake gun may or may not be illegal depending on your jurisdiction. You should either contact a criminal defense lawyer for your area or the local law enforcement agency.
I'm not sure what kind of "protection" a fake gun provides. If attacked by a criminal, a fake gun isn't going to offer you any protection. The notion that you will see a known criminal approaching you and that you will have time to draw the weapon AND that the criminal will suddenly be struck by fear upon seeing it is not a realistic one based on my experiences with both violent encounters and the mentality of predator criminals.
Navy Officer (Former)
Basketball Referee
Auto Mechanic
There are written and oral tests that cover everything from law to criminal procedure to firearms to first aid.
There are performance tests where the recruit has to demonstrate their ability to perform specific tasks such as firearms proficiency, physical fitness, defensive tactics, and medical techniques.
Then there are larger performance tests that measures the students' ability to handle complex scenarios such as investigating a traffic accident, processing a crime scene, investigating a domestic violence incident or responding to a spree killer.
Additionally, the entire academy is a test of the students' mental, emotional and physical ability to complete a long and demanding course of instruction. Many students quit because of the pressure.
Many states have a comprehensive written test at the end of the academy the student must pass for state certification.
I do not have a military background, but it looks like the USMC has a variety of law enforcement related MOS: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Marine_Corps_MOS#58_Military_Police_and_Corrections
That said, I've worked with plenty of officers who were former miltary that did not have a MP background and they did very well in the hiring process. At my last department, I worked with a former Marine who was an aircraft mechanic, another who was in motor transport and a third who was a machine gunner. All were good cops.
If there is something specific that interests you, go for it. If you have a solid service record and even manage to get yourself promoted, it will all work to your benefit when you apply for a civilian law enforcement job.
Remember your oath, stay safe & thanks for your service.
Sounds like he did, so I guess so. Is it in good taste? Maybe or maybe not - I wasn't there.
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