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

what happens after a victim reports a domestic violence case but has no proof so it is just settled as a report?

Asked by ashley113 over 11 years ago

The case remains open but inactive.  Should new evidence be presented in the case (not likely), the case may develop further.

However, the victim can always decide to make a change in his or her life, and even if no arrest is made, there are private and public resources available to help them leave the situation.

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 11 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.

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 over 11 years ago

Yes.

What can I do about my soon to be ex husband selling my personal property without telling or asking me first?

Asked by Chyna Stuart about 11 years ago

Talk to your divorce attorney.

I have been accused of slamming a glass door and breaking the glass , yet there was some one on the outside who broke the glass with their hand , all the glass ended up on my side . How can I prove it wasnt me that broke it

Asked by daves over 11 years ago

Hire a lawyer.

Can you go into more detail about the procedures that help officers in trouble get on the radio if there is less important talk going on? (You said "yes" but not examples.) Thank you!

Asked by 123 over 11 years ago

Some things I will not share as it could impact officer safety.  Thanks for your understanding.