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

I was wondering is there a way to be a police k9 trainer without being an actual police officer? I work and volunteer with dogs part time but I would love to train dogs the police but I am not sure if the only way is to become a police officer first

Asked by Alessandro Ferri almost 11 years ago

Maybe. Consider, however, that your lack of experience may have an impact on your credibility both with the agencies you are providing training to and to the courts when you and they are sued for wrongful use of force. (Yes - even when you do everything correctly, you will get sued and have to defend yourself in court.)

Do you investigate window screens that have been tampered with and removed?

Asked by Marc about 11 years ago

Sure.

Can officers investigate an unidentified parked car that your husband is driving without a license?

Asked by Concerned wife about 11 years ago

I'm afraid your question doesn't make sense.  Can you rephrase it?

When a police officer is not on patrol, what are they doing at the police station?

Asked by Ryan over 11 years ago

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.

Hi, I'm determined to become a police officer, but I smoked weed from 17-18. Does that disqualify me? I'm 19 now. Also, does being shot prevent me from be able to join as I have some nerve damage and the bullet is still in me.

Asked by Chris about 12 years ago

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.

When I was 13 I was caught for breaking and entering but I never went to court and I never has to go to Juvy. Or any other punishment but I did sign a paper and now I want to be a Maine state trooper can I become one?

Asked by Vincent Wade Hehl almost 12 years ago

Possibly.  Contact the recruiting division of the Maine State Police.  They will answer all of your questions and assist you with the application process.

Why are police officers often at the scene of a medical incident? Is this only if there's a security or criminal concern? Or do police officers ever act as medical first responders in some places? (To give aid before the ambulance arrives.)

Asked by Richard about 11 years ago

Reasons vary. Some jurisdictions require a police response.  Other times, medical responders might request law enforcement due to potential problems or safety concerns.  Police officers typically have some level of medical training, so they might be dispatched to the scene to help render aid until paramedics can respond.  In some jurisdictions, officers are cross trained as paramedic/firefighters.