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 know that the Secret Service and FBI have authority over local police when it comes to presidential security, but what about in general? Eg, if you are holding someone in jail, do they always have authority to make you hand them over to them?

Asked by Sam almost 12 years ago

No

can i go to go if they call me in as a missing person since im 18

Asked by maria about 12 years ago

Most 18 year olds are considered an adult.  You can still be reported as a missing person.

If you want to avoid problems, you should act like an adult and tell your parents that you are fine, but you have moved out.

If you fall into a variety of special categories (such as under court order), you might not be able to move out.  Chances are you would know if one of those applied to you.

If you have additional questions, you should contact an attorney or the local law enforcement agency.

I have some tickets in Tennessee. They are for drving without a license. I now live in Indiana im a single mom who goes to school and works full ime. I plan on joining the military. How can i get anything done and be a mom without a license?

Asked by Amber Marsh over 11 years ago

Public transportation. You created the problem, now you must live with the consequences.

I have wanted to become a police officer since I was a child, however I also want to go to university, so I wanted to get a degree that would help. What degree would you recommend?

Asked by Jimmy almost 12 years ago

Contact the department you wish to work for and see if they require a degree.  I would recommend the least expensive degree possible, as they will largely be useless in law enforcement.  You can read through my prior answers for additional information on college degrees and law enforcement.

Is it better to join the Army as a 31B (Military Police) or go to a university (but be in a TON of debt) and major in CJ to become a police officer? Also, would a two-year degree in CJ be okay, or would a need a full four-year degree? Thank you.

Asked by Joey almost 12 years ago

I've touched on these topics before.  In brief:

1.  Every department's hiring standards are different.  Contact the agency you would want to work for and see what their requirements are.  Most are looking for a two year degree or military experience.  A few want a four year degree.

2.  All other things being equal, the military experience is far more valuable than the piece of paper from some college.

3.  A CJ major is not needed to get hired, even if a department requires a college degree.  Consider picking a major with practical application beyond law enforcement.

4.  Debt is bad.  Student debt is extremely bad.  A cops salary will not pay off a student loan very quickly at all.  Student debt is one of the major problems with the economy in this country now.

If I was just starting out, I would join the military and work on my two-year degree while I was active duty.  Then I would come out with a head start on college plus the GI bill if I wanted to continue that.  If I wanted to jump right into police work, I would have the experience plus a two year degree.  Many departments offer a tuition reimbursement program, so you could go to work for a PD, continue college on their dime and save the GI bill for an advanced school if you so desired.

For example, 4 years military gets the GI bill and a two year degree.  4 years as a law enforcement officer and you get your bachelors degree.  Then you could use your GI bill to get a law degree if you wanted.  Just my thoughts.

I gave a neighborhood boy a ride to the mall. When I reached my destination my phone had been removed from my bag on the back floor behind the drivers seat. Is there any recourse I can take toward the boy. He and I were the only ones in the car.

Asked by Barbara over 11 years ago

Call your local police department and ask for their assistance. They will know what to do.

I was wondering I am 16 and pregnant. I don't think It would be safe to keep my baby at home due to money issues. Is there anyway I can move out with getting caught up with the law in Missouri. I'm wanting to move in with my boyfriend.

Asked by Nikki almost 12 years ago

I'd suggest contacting a family law attorney in your state.