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.
Yes. There are multiple methods.
Working the road. Where else?
Until you've had to make decisions on when to deploy a dog in a real-life, volatile use-of-force situation, and then justify those decisions to your chain of command, an internal affairs investigation, a city attorney and (probably) a court, how exactly do you figure you will have the credibility to tell others what they need to know?
It's one thing to know the law from reading a book or attending a training class, its another to apply it appropriately in the field. It is a bit like training in the dojo vs. a street fight. Or perhaps a better analogy is the guy sitting on the couch watching a football game who has never stepped onto the field, yet thinks he knows better than the players.
Reality is a harsh, unforgiving mistress. Until you've danced with her a while, you simply don't know what you don't know.
Yes.
Most agencies will look for a significant period of time between your last use of an illegal substance and the current time. One to two years is not enough time for most departments. I would strongly suggest joining the military or attending college. By the time you finish your service or obtain your degree, you will have been clean for 5+ years, which puts you in a much better position.
If the nerve damage isn't debilitating in some way (can you still lift heavy things, run, have a strong grasp, etc.), it shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure you disclose that before you take a pre-employment physical. I imagine the bullet will show up on the x-rays.
CrossFit Coach
Investment Banker
Police Officer
Any number of things including: processing evidence, contacting witnesses, writing reports, picking up supplies, talking to a seargent, filling out school requests, showering after being exposed to blood or other bodily fluids, returning a phone call, sending out a subpoena, printing off reports for court, conducting a suspect interview, using the restroom, eating lunch, swapping radio batteries, entering stolen articles into NCIC, completing online or inservice training, submitting to a drug test, being inspected, picking up an item for delivery to another agency or court, etc, etc, etc.
It depends. Some small agencies will work off of a county channel. Others will handle the dispatching, but the county will handle the 911 call answering. Others will have a full 911 center (take the emergency calls and dispatch.) I hate to say "it depends" so much, but things vary a lot.
Sounds like you are well on your way. Good luck and thanks for your service!
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