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

Hi. I'm 15 and I'm really interested in becoming a police officer. But I have straight-As in school and I hate to say it but I feel like no one with my grades would become a police officer. Any advice? Have you known officers that were very academic?

Asked by Phillip about 12 years ago

I'm not sure why you would think that.  Getting good grades is very important if you want to be a police officer.

I went to a well known university to be an aerospace engineer (you know, a rocket scientist.)  I determined engineering wasn't much of a challenge and discovered law enforcement was a far more challenging career.

Fortunately, I am not the only guy to make good grades to go into law enforcement.  In the states I have worked (Georgia and Florida), most of the officers I have met/worked with are much brighter than the general public.  You have to be intelligent and quick thinking to do the job.  Idiots should not apply.

Do morons get into law enforcement?  Sometimes.  But, most of them are weeded out during training.  The few that are left tend to get promoted rapidly.

I'm a bit perplexed by anyone who thinks that no one smart goes into public safety (or the military.)  I guess it is watching too many movies.

Do most police departments in the US have a K9 unit? Or is it mainly the bigger cities?

Asked by Sam over 11 years ago

I think more than half do. Nearly all have access to one through mutual aid.

is it true in Washington state you can hit a kid any way you want as long as you don't kick them with a shoe on, with a closed fits, or block there airway?

Asked by Bobbi Jo Hoover over 11 years ago

Not quite.

How do i find about trying to become a state dot. cop

Asked by Butch over 11 years ago

Go to the department's website and find the recruiting information there.  You can also call them for information.

I understand that a detective cannot search or seize anything unless he has a warrant or exigent circumstances. Does that also apply to a burn down house? Does an officer need a warrant to search a house that is burnt to the ground?

Asked by Petal almost 12 years ago

I would assume so, but there may be statutory or case law that says otherwise.  I'd suggest contacting a lawyer if this is more than a theoretical query.

If I purchase a phone from someone, sent the money through Western Union and he/she collects it, but I don't receive the phone, is there a way of getting back my money?

Asked by Shan almost 12 years ago

Probably not.

In my experience, a significant number of transactions handled via Western Union are scams.  Money sent through Western Union can be picked up anywhere in the world.  So a person sets up a Craigslist ad (or wherever) and says he lives in New York, Atlanta, or wherever.  However, he most likely lives outside the jurisdiction of the US - Europe, Africa, Asia.  He can pick up the money anonymously at any Western Union and you never hear from him again.

Unfortunately, I have seen too many of these cases and none of them are ever solved.

Feel free to file a police report, but do not expect that you will ever get your money back.

how do i become a police officer? how long does it take? can anyone do it?

Asked by katelynn over 12 years ago

The best bet is to call your local police recruiter and talk to him or her about the specific requirements in your area.  Generally, you apply for the position, undergo a thorough background investigation, go through a series of mental, physical and medical tests and then complete academy training.