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

Can you guys arrest someone after 6 months of talking to someone?

Asked by abby over 11 years ago

Yep.

I am 15.5 yrs and I'm permitted. I can get my license in October 2014. I live with a host parent and she is always working. I have to go to school and swimming everyday; I cant find carpools. is there a way i can drive alone?i cant wait until october

Asked by Dani Em over 11 years ago

No.

You might want to try public transportation or a bicycle.

Is it true that a Police Officers must be tasered and/or pepper sprayed before graduating the police academy?

Asked by Lucas over 11 years ago

Yes.

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 over 11 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 got DQ for the Highway Patrol because I threatened my girlfriends ex. Will this follow me if I apply to other agencies?

Asked by Tony Guzman almost 12 years ago

Yes.

Can shoplifting a candy bar at 14 prevent me from becoming an officer? I am now 25, I have dual degrees in economics and biochemistry and I am entering my third year of service in the Air force. I haven't been in any other legal troubles.

Asked by John almost 12 years ago

It should not be a major issue.  Make sure you are honest about the incident when applying.  Any attempt to conceal or minimize the incident will indicate a lack of honesty.  Questions about honesty will absolutely destroy your shot at being hired.

i have a possession charge from 2009 that i was unaware of i filed a report and now they want to do a lie detector test and a dna swab saying that they seal their tickets up how true is this and is this proper procedure the signatures dont match at a

Asked by dontae over 11 years ago

You should contact an attorney.