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 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 11 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.

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 almost 11 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.

(continued) Again I have a lot of respect for police officers and I know its both physical and very mental too. I just want to know what you think. Also if I go to a top-rate university how could I use that to become a police officer?

Asked by Phillip about 11 years ago

You can spend a lot of money at a "top rate" university, but it won't help you become a police officer any more than going to a regular state university.  It will help you get deeper in debt, though.

If your desire is to go to a college, please do so.  If your desire is to be a police officer, consider entering military service, getting some life experience and a skill.  Read through my prior answers on this above.

Best of luck.

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

Asked by abby over 10 years ago

Yep.

Do officers always radio when they show up somewhere? If a bunch of officers are showing up at a scene and there is a lot of talk on the radio over a situation that is developing quickly, will units arriving wait until later to report their arrival?

Asked by Job about 11 years ago

Yes, any time an officer arrives at the scene of a call, makes a traffic stop, rolls up on an undispatched incident, or does pretty much anything, he/she calls it in on the radio.  It is a safety issue.  Most patrol cars have GPS and are constantly tracked by dispatch also.

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 11 years ago

No

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 almost 11 years ago

No.

You might want to try public transportation or a bicycle.