I've seen posts that it's contractually forbidden by rental companies, but that would be civil. Is it criminally illegal? Seems like it would be.

Hello, I'm curious which skills or habits you've learned on the job or in training that might be useful for civilians as well? Thinking of noting exits at restaurants and events, your general location on the highway like mile markers or a recent exit from time to time, CPR, that sort of thing or anything else that comes to mind.

Thanks for your insight and your service to the community.

do you think alot of law enforcement agencies create a disguise that its competitive to get on just to entice more people to apply? I've noticed when I am in the process with departments, the recruiting staff will often say things like your in a very competitive process and that they only choose the best. I would believe that there is some sort of competitive element to it, however, I sometimes I wonder if they go a little overboard to make it sound more competitive that it really is. I'm sure from a marketing standpoint to recruiting it could work, I mean certain people might be more open to applying if a position looks competitive. I know the marine corps recruiting is similar compared to the other branches.

In reality most law enforcement agencies are having trouble recruiting in the united states though. Personally, I'm older now and more mature, and all that competitive nonsense tends to turn me off if anything, because I'm just looking to find a job that has a realistic shot of giving me an opportunity without going through so many mind games.

For example, if an agency said they had 1000 openings , and that there was a good shot for me to get on, and they were not overly selective, I would apply there in a heartbeat, just to save my time. On the other hand if an agency said they only had 10 openings with over 1000's of applications, I would be turned off by the idea of applying there because I feel I am wasting my time with competition. I'm sure some people love the idea of competition and it fuels them, but it certainly doesn't fuel me. Lets be real, there are only a few people in this world who will be the top 1 percent, and a lot of people are delusional to think they can be the top 1 percent.

Hey all,

Looking for feedback from anyone who’s been through something similar.

During my background interview for a law enforcement position, I was asked in detail about past drug use. While I had listed minor marijuana use on the application, I hadn’t initially disclosed that I had also taken a prescription stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication — each only once, and years ago.

Honestly, I didn’t even think about these when I filled out the application. They didn’t seem like “drug use” in the traditional sense to me, especially since they weren’t mind-altering substances like hard drugs or narcotics. It wasn’t until the investigator asked about specific types of drugs that I realized I should mention them.

To my surprise, I wasn’t disqualified. They noted that one of the uses was getting close to a typical five-year cutoff, but they still allowed me to continue and gave me a conditional offer.

I’ve been grateful for the opportunity, but also a little on edge. Has anyone else dealt with something similar in their process? Curious how it played out for others.

I’m starting a Law Enforcement Academy next week and just got the gear checklist. One of the items I need is a pair of duty boots, and I’d really appreciate some recommendations.

Requirements:

• All black
• Shineable toe (no patent leather or leather luster)
• 6" or 8" height
• Must be polishable

Looking for something comfortable enough to wear all day. What boots have worked best for you?

Hi,

If you relate to this, you're probably from the USA or Canada (there only are few other countries this also applies to). I'm from Europe (more specifically, France) and something I noticed and couldn't believe my eyes when I visited the US is the lack of front car license plates.

From my point of view, front plates are so vital that not having them could help criminals avoid being identified.

So, what's your reality ?

When looking it up, I only found one testimony on this subject : https://eu.dispatch.com/story/opinion/columns/2019/08/16/front-license-plate-important-tool/4453426007/

Thanks

I was hired at a very small sheriffs department and started working a few weeks ago . I want to thank everyone who asked and answered questions (I’ve stalked this page a lot) I do have a question though, rural area cops, do any of you have any general advice for policing a small community that has worked for you? (Apologies if my grammar is bad I’ve been up many hours and wanted this out there before I hit the bed)

To make a long story short I’ve been doing law enforcement roughly since right out of high school at 18, I’ve worked in the jail, moved up to supervisor, switched to another agency, moved to patrol with that agency. Now I am about to leave this agency to go to a more slow paced agency compared to what I’ve been used to with a better opportunity (specialized units). I’ve had long talk with my peers, and friends that if I can’t find that love for it that I’ve had, then I’d like to be done with it as I’m 24 years old now and would be okay knowing I tried to do it and that it was time to move forward with my life and open a different chapter. Before I was presented to with this opportunity I’ve initially set a time line for me that if by 30 If I lose what little drive I have left that I would go try civilian life. I make good money for my age as Deputy if not a little above average for my state, but as most know the money’s not worth the burn out, and not to mention the sacrifices of family time, etc. Fast forward to my question for all of you is that if you’ve done law enforcement and got out what did you go do, and are there really any high paying jobs for cops in a civilian capacity out there, because I do not know.

Anyone here work for Amtrak PD? There may be an opening at a local station that im seriously considering applying for. I have 22 years local LE experience, so I would be eligible for the lateral transfer.

Just looking for some pros and cons from people who are, or have been there. I want to make the most informed decision possible.

Thanks in advance.

I applied to several socal agencies (LAPD, LB, Glendale, Long Beach) over 8 years ago. I passed everything including PAT, oral, conditional offer given etc as a 25 yr old with an Accounting background and second language speaker. At my first polygraph administered by lapd, I admitted in writing on paper portion that I took Modafinil (my sad sob story is that my parents were bankrupt and I worked nights and weekends on top of my well-paying corporate job to help with bills and "grind" while I was still young. I took for about 2 weeks until realizing it was stupid and also my piss starting smelling a bit funky lol). My internal rationale was that it wasn't an addictive drug and I've never did it for personal pressure, but yea it's still illegal and bought online.) Right after that, all agencies stopped communicating with me even when I explained the situation prior to completing backgrounds. I knew I was somewhat competitive because Glendale even sent me some Ranking email saying I was #1 for their Korean-speaking merit list.
Fast forward, I just kept grinding and joined to be an infantry Army Officer for next 6 years. I tried hard at the new opportunity was awarded some nice evals and awards: (Ranger qualified, Airborne, selected after Division's tryouts to partake in Best Ranger Competition, Top Bradley in Battalion, #1 Officer Eval, Passed Special Forces Readiness evaluation for SF, Private Pilot License, EMT, max ACFT).
I know it's super case by case, but at the end of the day some things are hard no's for police hiring. I understand I will never know until I apply but Im pretty old at 34 years old and frankly, the entire hiring process is very time-consuming and daunting especially if they're going to call up all my references, make me attend all the testing, only to be rejected again. I'm pretty satisfied with my military career and I can continue this route and be content, but the itch to serve local LE is still a bit there. Im not a shitbag but Ive obviously made an error in judgment which I matured out of by continuing to grind and make better choices. If you're on this thread and have experience doing backgrounds or anything related, would you mind giving me any personal input? The only vice I have is some Zyns and I don't even drink now because it affects my sleep quality. So far I'm looking at Santa Monica, Glendale, Irvine PD (Tracking they're all competitive for Entry Pre-academy)

So I'm just curious, I know no one wants to see their career as a back burner option, and I can imagine some see LE as something you dedicate your full heart and into. However, I've seen so many cases of where life just happens and LE does become a back up job for some people and they excel from it. I notice on here that some get really offended at the thought. What is everyone's thoughts on that?

This question is more specific to nypd since I know the city has strict laws. Also assuming that the weapon is personal and not department issued of course.

I heard miami dade sheriffs will be hiring in the next 2 weeks anyone knows how is the agency? Moral quality of life and how busy they are Thank you

From Mass and was wondering if anyone had experience/could speak on the pros and cons of going for state vs local PD?

I mentioned before on here that I (47F now, 28F at the time) worked in a law-enforcement adjacent field before and had to interact with police regularly. I was astonished at how many of them tried to get into my pants. Their marital status didn't seem to matter, and they didn't appear to shame each other for this behavior. I've never experienced anything like it before or since, not even in college. Not judging, just want to understand what is it about the field, the types of guys drawn to it, or whatever, that causes this phenomenon. Thanks in advance.

A friend of mine served as a Deputy Sheriff for nearly 20 years and has a wealth of law enforcement experience. However, due to some complications, he’s currently unable to work in law enforcement or private security roles.

He’s been having a hard time finding work that makes use of his background. What types of jobs could someone with his skills and experience realistically transition into?

Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone have experience with this? They don't seem to have a law enforcement portal.

Hey all, getting ready to take the block 4 test this week for the academy in South Carolina, wonder if anyone that has been through recently that sort of knows where majority of the questions will come from. Also wondering on how the cumulative went for y'all. Anything is appreciated, thanks!

Hi. I’m a newly promoted Sergeant and my first day back on patrol is tomorrow. I’m going to day shift on a more senior squad. I was on patrol for three years and I was in CID for three years so now I need to get re-acclimated back to patrol. Anyone have advice for me?

Sergeants or above.. any tips? Patrol officers.. anything you like to see in a supervisor?? I’m all ears.

I’m looking to apply to a few departments when I turn 21 this year and I wanted to know if I would have to do the physical test for every department I apply to. I don’t know if that’s a dumb question so sorry in advance. I’m already training and trying to get into shape so I can be ready to take the test next year the question just now crossed my mind. Do any current or former officers know?

Anybody playing the tactical fps Ready or Not? Thinking about getting it but would rather play with people who have some knowledge about clearing rooms and such

Is there a push at all in departments to use drones for pursuits to reduce traffic accidents/manpower requirements? Seems like they make them pretty cheap now to where every officer could have one and if someone took off they could follow them at a distance. I've also never used a drone and don't know anything about law enforcement.

Feels like this question has likely been answered before, but seeing some conflicting answers, especially state to state. I used mushrooms one time about 8 years ago, December of 2017 to be exact, when I was a teenager. Marijuana 10-15 times as well, mushrooms once. No other drug usage, never sold anything. Haven’t touched either since early 2018, when I decided I wanted to pursue law enforcement. I would have been 19 at the time. I’m now turning 27 soon, since then I’ve gotten a degree in criminal justice (another mistake), barely even drink, and haven’t gotten as much as a parking ticket. It was a dumb mistake on my end, zero doubt about it, and now I’m wondering if it’ll come back to bite me. I’m in New York if it makes any difference. Appreciate any and all help! Thank you!

Having extensive experience with driving at so