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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

615 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on October 29, 2014

Best Rated

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 over 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.

I tried to convince my friends, most/all are underage, to not drink during a trip up north soon. Most of them said they would anyway. I planned to go and still try to convince them not to. But am I guilty of accessory if i go, or don't report them???

Asked by Steven over 11 years ago

Children drinking alcohol is a really bad idea.  I'd suggest avoiding being where kids are drinking, and talking with your parents if you have any questions about what actions you should or should not take.

I have received a threat online from a guy that wants to basically "kill me" as he said he was going to do. He knows my address and all and I don't know what to do to be honest. What do I do exactly?

Asked by Highway about 12 years ago

Call the police.

can i go to go if they call me in as a missing person since im 18

Asked by maria over 11 years ago

Most 18 year olds are considered an adult.  You can still be reported as a missing person.

If you want to avoid problems, you should act like an adult and tell your parents that you are fine, but you have moved out.

If you fall into a variety of special categories (such as under court order), you might not be able to move out.  Chances are you would know if one of those applied to you.

If you have additional questions, you should contact an attorney or the local law enforcement agency.

I just started dating an officer. After 4 dates he wants my last name, race, and asked if I am up late at night. Not your usual question I'm sure, but what comes to mind is that he is trying to look me up. What are your thoughts?

Asked by ccmot over 11 years ago

There is no way for me to know why he has asked these things.  However, these are my immediate thoughts:

1.  I'd find it really odd if I had been on four dates with someone and did not know their last name.

2.  It would be really odd if I had been on four dates with someone and wasn't able to figure out her race.

3.  What time of day you are up has nothing to do with checking someone's background or history.

4.  If you are uncomfortable with the guy, consider dumping him and moving on.

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.

My friend found a bullet hole on his car. I keep telling him to call the cop but he says that the cops won't do anything. What should I tell him?

Asked by dan about 11 years ago

Call your local police department and ask for their assistance. They will know what to do.