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 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 about 12 years ago

No.

You might want to try public transportation or a bicycle.

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 about 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.

Once I accidentally set off my home alarm. I missed the alarm co. phone call so the police were sent. What is the best place to be in this situation so the officer won't be caught of guard when he sees me? Hands-up? Outside?

Asked by DDG about 12 years ago

I'd call the PD and let them know I was the homeowner and had accidentally set off the alarm.  That way the officers know to expect someone when they get there.  I would wait for them outside, and I would have a driver's license (or other ID with my address) to show them I was the homeowner.

whats are some punishments that a minor may face if he or she breaks the law?

Asked by Alias almost 12 years ago

Anything from a small fine to a lifetime of incarceration depending on the nature of the crime.

In places where open-carry is allowed for guns, are there limits to how these people can hold their guns? (For example, they can't wave them or point them in certain directions/) Thanks.

Asked by John about 12 years ago

Of course.  Putting others in reasonable fear for their safety could be classified as assault, brandishing or some other crime depending on the state.

A gun in a holster cannot put others in reasonable fear for their safety unless it is combined with some other act on the part of the carrier (like saying "I'm going to kill you" while reaching for it.)  However, waving a gun around or pointing it at someone is not lawful open carry.  It is stupid, reckless and possibly criminal.

I an epilepsy 3 years ago and now its under 100% control by medication (which has no side effects) according to Neurologist testimony.Could this disqualify me from becoming a police officer? (i live in California).Thank you so much.

Asked by Leoman about 12 years ago

It might.  You should contact the California POST: http://www.post.ca.gov/

If there is a specialty unit such as intelligence in a PD, will there only be one team (as opposed to shifts) so they can be sure everyone is always on the same page?

Asked by 678 over 12 years ago

At very large departments, there may be multiple shifts or squads of officers in a specialty unit.  At small to medium agencies, there is typically only one squad, and they might work varying hours/days of the week as the job requires.