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

In movies and TV shows, many members of the mafia engage in crime with out being arrested. Is this a realistic picture? If so, what are the factors that keep police from arresting them for simply being members of a criminal organization?

Asked by Writer23 over 12 years ago

95% (or better) of the stuff you have learned about law enforcement in the movies or on TV is garbage.  Movies are written, directed and acted by people who have no experience or first hand knowledge of law enforcement or crime.  

Regardless of the type of crime - shoplifting to running a criminal enterprise - law enforcement officers can only arrest someone if probable cause exists.  If this burden of proof does not exist, no lawful arrest can be made.

can you join the police academy in year 11 and 12 or is that to young?

Asked by lozza almost 13 years ago

I believe all states require a police officer to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED as an absolute minimum.  Most departments have more requirements than that (21+, college or military) to be employed.

I would suggest getting involved in the Explorers program at your local department.  It is perfect for someone who is still in high school.

i want to become a police officer but my family have been in jail can that have an affect on me ?

Asked by Michael Bover over 11 years ago

It can, but it depends on the circumstances.

I am working on a project. My topic is police screening. I just want info from a police officer.

Asked by mauisheriff@gmail.com over 12 years ago

Sounds great.  However, I do not understand what you are asking when you state "Is there anything that might pop up in police screening?" as a follow up to the prior question.  If you could rephrase the question, I will answer it the best I can.

I have a question

Asked by Gillian about 12 years ago

"Questions are a burden to others; answers a prison for oneself."

Bonus points for anyone who knows from where that quote derives.

If I were to get into a confrontation with someone and the police were called. Am I allowed to ask for another police officer to take control of the scene. If the original one had history with the person I got into the confrontation with?

Asked by Machines over 12 years ago

No.  If you believe the officer handles the incident in an improper manner, you can request to speak to his/her supervisor.

What would you say are bully characteristics evident in an offender? What are preventions of recidivism? What recommendations do you have for preventing bullying behavior in children? What about for strategies dealing with parents of bullies?

Asked by Lisa Simmons about 13 years ago

I'm not an expert on child behavior, nor on bullying.  There is likely a lot of research on the topic that you can find via Google.  I'd treat it all with a serious grain of salt though.  A lot (most?) research is funded by groups with specific goals in mind.

I can tell you from my exeprience, which is not scientific at all and should not be taken as such, that behavior is largely learned.  Kids imitate what they see, so both bullies AND victims are largely learned behavior.  Unfortunately, many parents, schools and even society is teaching people that being a victim is morally superior than standing up for one's self.  Sad really.