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

Why are cops rarely held criminally responsible for police brutality?

Asked by Shannon R about 11 years ago

An interesting, but loaded, question.

The term "police brutality" is a subjective one that is likely to inflame the conversation.  I'll presume that you are referring to the unlawful use of force, which is any time a police officer uses force - regardless of the perceived brutality - when it is not legally permissible.

Police officers are permitted to use that force which is reasonable during the performance of their duties.  Many people do not understand what is reasonable because they do not have the training in, or understanding of, the dynamics of a violent encounter.  I'd suggest looking at credible sources such as the Force Science Institute ( http://www.forcescience.org/ ) for a better understanding of the application of force.  Anything you've seen in the movies is likely crap, by the way.

For a better understanding of when officers may use force, a review of the case law is an excellent starting point.  Graham v. Connor [490 U.S. 386 (1989)] is typically cited as being the defining case regarding police use of force.  Although the case clarified a number of issues, the court essentially said that things were pretty clearly stated in their earlier decision in Tennessee v. Garner [471 U.S. 1 (1985)].  Both cases offer remarkably insightful opinions, and they should be read in full.  Summaries of the cases in Wikipedia and elsewhere fail to give the true scope and color of the opinions.

An additional problem with your question is the unstated assumption that there are frequent incidents of police officers unlawfully using force.  I believe the premise is false, and every credible study on police use of force I have seen shows that officers are very hesitant to use force.  In fact studies have shown that even when clearly justified, officers still are slow to use force.

Are there times when an officer unlawfully uses force and are not criminally prosecuted?  Sure.  There are a variety of reasons this may be true.  For example, the unlawful use of force may be charged at the federal level if the officer was acting under "color of law," or at the state level for the charge of battery (or similar).  Just like any other case, the prosecution must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused officer committed the crime and that he or she intended to commit the crime (mens rea).  Lacking the ability to prove those things, the prosecution will not proceed.

For how many days a Dog can sniff the smell left in the air. Eg a dead body is dragged through mud on a rainy day and its a rainy season. For how many days sniffer dogs can search

Asked by Jinu18 about 11 years ago

I don't know.  I did a lot of things as a cop, but I was never a K9 handler.

I don't want to bother the 911 call If a child is being verbally abused and fiscally occasionally can they call 911 and leave the home?...I need to leave or I will die...

Asked by Samantha. about 11 years ago

If someone is being abused, please call 911.  If you are suicidal, please call 911.

Are the police that respond to 911 calls usually patrolling before they are called to a scene, or do they sometimes leave from the police station like firefighters do?

I'm assuming that smaller departments might do the second one more often?

Asked by Roger about 11 years ago

Officers respond from whereever they are at the moment.  They might be eating lunch, driving down the street or submitting evidence at the department.  They do not sit around at the PD like the firefighters do.

Can someone who wears hearing aids become a police officer?

Asked by Oberyn about 11 years ago

Yes.  Some departments may not allow it, but I know of some that do.  Check with the recruiter at the agency you apply to.

I have a friend that has 2 warrants on file in TN. One for failure to pay fines for dui and the other a violation of probation. The warrants are only for TN, so when he was checked here in FL they don't come up. Could there ever be a way to send h

Asked by Bugette over 11 years ago

I'm afraid your question cut off, can you try the question part again?

What is it like for women in law enforcement? Are they taken seriously?

Asked by Aus almost 11 years ago

Its the same as it is for everyone else. Show up and do your job; you'll be fine.