We don't believe in secret rules and bans.

I’m currently in the hiring process at my local PD. Been in the process for month. Me and my wife got into an argument got loud. PD was called. She claimed I had slammed her when I did not. No visible injuries but some things in the house were damaged from us fixing. Interviewed us both. No arrest made. Just told to separate and report was made. Does this ruin my chances? Should I just withdraw?

My brother is involved in a situation where his stepdaughter accused him of inappropriate touching. According to my brother, the accusation was made after her boyfriend broke into the house, and he believes she made the allegations to protect her boyfriend.
Today, a detective came to the house to ask the girls questions, but they did not answer the detective’s questions. My brother’s wife says the detective told her he was going to close the case.
My brother’s wife told him the case was being closed, so my brother contacted his lawyer. My brother still owes the lawyer some money.
After speaking with my brother, the lawyer called him back and said he had spoken with the detective, who told him that he was submitting the case to the District Attorney’s Office (DA) tomorrow.
Now my brother is confused. His wife believes the detective is closing the case, but the lawyer says the detective is submitting it to the DA.
My questions are:
Could the detective have told my brother’s wife he was closing the case but still submit it to the DA?
Does submitting a case to the DA mean the detective is recommending criminal charges, or is the DA simply reviewing the case to decide what to do?
Is it possible the lawyer is misrepresenting what the detective said to get my brother to pay the money he owes, or could there be a misunderstanding between my brother’s wife and the lawyer?
I’m trying to understand what might actually be happening and whether my brother should be concerned that the case is moving forward.

Leaving my job and feeling conflicted

I wanted to share my journey as I am after some words of wisdom from everyone on a similar path as I am massively struggling and conflicted!!

I have had a career for 12 years I have absolutely loved. I work shifts as a police officer. I have a fantastic team. I am in management and my job gives me so much joy I can't find anywhere else really. It is like the only time in my life I have belonged anywhere. I have 16 young constables with me who make my life complete.

With the police pay being poor and having a child (I grew up in poverty), I have spent 3.5 years building a business.

We are turning over 3 mil this year and it will likely double next year.

The kicker - I really need to give up the police. It is breaking my heart. Truly. It is all I know and love. I never expected to get to this stage.

The upsides are financial freedom, spending time with my family, better health, and a better quality of life. I'm only 34 so this is a big upside.

I'm just really struggling letting my identity as a police officer go, the camaraderie, and I'm scared I will never truly be happy again.

My family is getting sick of me working two jobs understandably. Roles are reversed. I'm the female and my partner has to pull weight more for childcare as he doesn't contribute to the business on a day to day basis (other than being awesome and holding it down at home when I'm working my shifts).

Any advice?

Hey, Y'all!! I'm new here & i hope I'm not being annoying. I just got a quick question, if y'all don't mind?

I'm a female that carries my stuff in my purse. If I ever get pulled over & need to get my license out, do y'all prefer it if I were to just go ahead & grab it out of my purse, or would it be more preferable if I were to say, "My license is in my purse, is it cool if I reach for it & grab it?"

OR, what is the most preferable way, if not either of those?

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but I wanna be respectful to whoever I'm talking to & of course, wouldn't want the PO to get nervous about my reaching for something!! Thank You in advance ☺️!!

Hey Reddit! I'm posting in this sub as some LEO's may have some good insight and advice. I've been needing a career change for a while now and I think I finally found a path where I don't have to restart from scratch and build off the career I already have by furthering my learning into IT.

TL;DR at the bottom as I know this is a long post and most people won't care about the details.

I've been a police vehicle Upfitter for 6 years now and been shop lead for about four of them. I know the Upfit side of things inside and out. I used to be a Ford Senior Master Technician (highest certified Ford tech) and still hold this status today, so you could say I know the Fords they use inside and out too! Anyways, I love working with police cars and all the tech in them. The computer systems, camera systems, gateways/routers, all the antennas and communications they have going on, and the programming for the police lighting, which I know the police lighting programming pretty well by now. However, it's very physical work and I'm starting to fall apart, and I can't do these hot shop summers anymore.

This leads me to a dilemma. I can't really move up anymore from where I'm at. I'm stuck with golden handcuffs because I'm the most senior guy here, and I don't want to go into sales for Whelen (the police equipment we use). I've been feeling like I have to restart a career, and right now I can't afford to do so.

I did some research and I think I finally found something where I don't have to restart my career and only will be adding to it. After we build vehicles, the vehicles go back to the departments and if there's anything new in them (computers, cameras, routers, radios, etc.), their IT configures it all, connects them to the networks and to the officer. I've helped via the phone and in person many times in these cases, and honestly, it really intrigued me. Especially when we are trying to troubleshoot a problem together.

So, I'm looking into gaining some IT knowledge and as much information as I can for this type of role. I've found multiple titles such as: Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, Technology Specialist, Digital Evidence Specialist, Mobile Data Specialist, Public Safety Systems Administrator, Radio Systems Administrator, CAD/RMS Administrator, CJIS Systems Administrator, Public Safety Communications Specialist. (Sorry for the long list.)

I'm posting to Reddit to try and find more information about these job roles, hopefully network with some people about them, or get some help finding out where to network with people in this field. I signed up for LinkedIn but got restricted right away and asked for my ID. I heard LinkedIn isn't really worth it nowadays anyways? Are there any other good options?

My biggest questions are, with my background, could I be in a pretty unique spot where I could be a big asset to a department if I learn IT?

What would be the best path of learning? Getting an actual degree or just getting certifications such as Google's IT Support Cert (to learn the basics), then CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, and CCNA?

Would I be able to find any training on their systems such as Tracs, Axon, Motorola, Panasonic, GTec, or any other specialized software for their cameras/networks?

For an example why I might be in a unique position, I built a car and it got delivered to the department two hours away. Their IT realized one ethernet port on their new camera system was in the wrong port. Totally my fault, we weren't able to test it before sending it since this one has no screen for us to test. Their IT was uncomfortable touching any of the equipment, even when it was very easy to get to. So I had to drive two hours to swap one port and the car being out of service for a few days. If they had someone who knew both sides of things, that would have been a five minute fix.

I'll be cross-posting this in hopes I can reach out to quite a few people, because it just takes the right one, right??

If you read to the end, thanks a lot! I know that was a lot of information, but I could use the help with such a niche field.

TL;DR: I've been a police vehicle Upfitter for 6 years and a shop lead for 4, and I'm also a Ford Senior Master Technician. I love working with the technology in police vehicles, but the physical work and hot shop environment are becoming too much. I'm looking into moving toward the IT side of public safety, such as network/systems administration, CAD/RMS, cameras, radios, and other technology used by police departments. I'm wondering if my current experience could give me an advantage in this field, and what the best path would be to learn the IT side (degree vs. certifications, specialized training, etc.), and where and how I can network with people in this field. Also, recommendations for reddit subs to post this in.

I discovered this series recently and I’m quite enjoying it as a civilian.

I'll never touch the stuff, personally. But I'm not under any pressure to, either.

How is it to be under that kind of pressure, and wonder if that stuff could help even if you know it could destroy you? How does wrestling with that temptation feel? Is shutting it out entirely possible?

Don't worry, I'm not looking for personal advice. I'm a writer, and it'd be cool if the fantasy magic in my setting had good magic, and stronger evil dark magic that corrupts and destroys you. What you tell me could help me write the topic better. My most recent draft feels like a "Winners don't do drugs!" PSA.

I know it's been done before, but I still think it would be cool.

This is sort of an r/makenewfriendshere post but with an r/AskLEO twist.

Looking for a county sheriff's deputy to talk with who has worked road and jail. I’m a paramedic, thinking of a change, as the 24-hour shifts are really jacking with my sleep, and thus, just quality of life. There are a couple of sheriff’s offices nearby who work 12-hour Panama schedules and that sounds so much more appealing.

I have a background in law enforcement as a city police officer but it was a long time ago and mainly part time. I’m curious about it from a couple of different angles, as, to be totally transparent, I spent a couple days in jail on a traffic thing a couple years ago. So, I have questions from both sides!

Just curious if there’s anyone out there who is, or has been, a county deputy that would be willing to chat? That said, if you’re likewise curious about EMS or what it was like on the inmate side for a couple days, happy to share from my side! Lol Thanks.

Perhaps the father should've just left and escalated the issue with a supervisor or another agency but does it really seem like the tackle was warranted here?

I'm not trolling or baiting.... I believe we need law and order, and I believe anyone in a position of authority, or perceived authority, should be held to a higher standard.

What concerns me is that even people who have traditionally been strong supporters of law enforcement are starting to seriously question policing in America.... the tactics, hiring standards, accountability, and use of force.

And it seems like these concerns are often met with dismissive responses or carefully worded, almost lawyer-approved explanations. Even the way law enforcement communicates with the public seems increasingly out of touch.

So my question to active LE is.... are departments actually recognizing this growing concern among people who have historically supported them? Is this something being discussed internally, or is there a disconnect between law enforcement and the public?

The Bianchi Nylon duty belt I bought 20 years ago has been great, but I can't adjust it any smaller. I also haven't had to wear one daily for a while, but that's getting ready to change.

With all the new gear available- what's light and comfortable? Regs don't special anything except black and all matching.

Thanks!

For example, let’s say a suspect is involved in a self defense shooting. As someone who very much understands how self-defense works, it is always in your best interest to invoke your fifth amendment but as a police officer, can you get in trouble for advising a suspect that they should remain silent and not say anything obviously you have to read them their Miranda rights but afterward you directly tell them that they should remain silent and not say a word can you get in trouble

I got pulled over by the police for speeding. The officer came up and talked to me but didn’t give me a ticket. The officer said, “It’s your lucky day,” and then went back to the patrol car because they had something urgent to attend to.

They didn’t explicitly tell me that I was free to go, and their car was still there when I drove away. They didn’t follow me or turn on their lights.

Now I’m wondering whether the officer was letting me go with a verbal warning because they had something urgent to deal with, or whether I misunderstood the situation.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Do you think the officer was letting me off with a warning, or is there something I should be concerned about?

I’m 22 years old in college at the moment, and I’m wanting to pursue a career in law enforcement. There’s just one problem… I did a brief, stupid 4-week testosterone cycle and obtained it illegally. Does this disqualify me from becoming a cop?

Okay, so this list is long. I have applied to one agency two years ago, made it all the way to the end and was a non-select. This may seem insane, but do I even have a shot given the below? The BI did suggest I apply to big cities. I did not continue applying as I imagine it may be a pipe dream given my history. I have every single document pertaining to the below, which was all given to my BI when I made it to the background portion. No lies no deception, which may have helped my case to make it to the end. I was shocked I was a non select given my history, and not just dropped at some point during the hiring process.

I am 29 years old, currently thinking of joining the army to maybe help “mitigate” some of the below and give me another 4 years apart from my insane teenager past. I know that’s not how it works, lol.

Driving history: trash.

I have 25 tickets, the most recent is 5 years ago, 20 of those tickets are over 10 years old. Two speeding, one carless driving (from my first accident), the rest are, I wouldn’t say not important but a lot them are not direct moving violations maybe? I.E too many passengers as a probationary driver ( got like four of those), obstruction on my rear view mirror. Head lights not being bright enough etc. license suspension - four times - three times due to unpaid tickets from accidents, once for habitual shit driving is the only way to put it, it took me a while to mature, and not be a reckless teen.

Car accidents is four, one 5 years ago, being lumped in with my most recent tickets. The rest are 10 years or older, when I first started driving at 17.

Criminal history / Arrests: 2, once as a juvenile once as and adult. Both are over 10 years old, and both are completely expunged. (I know, it’s never gone, I disclosed it during my background phase). Both are for possession of marijuana.

Drug use: marijuana, last use 3 years ago (in a legal state, NJ), I know it is not legal in other states lol. And prior use from a legal state is still taken into account and will DQ in most states within there given time frame.

Education: I have an associates in CJ, 3.9 GPA with honors. I know pointless degree, and HS diploma. Range safety officer license, hunters education, firearm and bow.

Work history: several jobs since a teen, mostly sales, construction, and range safety officer, I have been with my current job for four years and have been promoted twice. I went from customer service - to CS supervisor to a inside sales position. Never once fired, disciplinary action taken against me or the likes.

So any luck at all if apply to every department under the sun or a pipe dream?

Street Cop just came out with this for 75 bucks and wanted to see if it was worth it. Appreciate you guys.

Looking at going from dispatch to the road, and would probably remain on nights. I have 25/20 vision, and would benefit from prescription glasses for seeing fine details at night. I’ve never had to get glasses before, so I don’t even know where to start.

Since I would need them almost exclusively for work, I’m looking for something that ideally a mix of strong/durable and comfortable. For people in similar situations, any recommendations on where to start or what to look for?

I'm a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Adler University, and this study is part of my dissertation. It examines moral injury (the distress that can come from experiences on the job that conflict with your values or sense of right and wrong) and how it relates to mental health and substance use among law enforcement officers. It also looks at whether these experiences differ between male and female officers.

The anonymous online survey takes about 20 minutes. It asks about your experiences on the job, your well-being, and some background information. No names, departments, or identifying information are collected. Mental health resources are provided at the end of the survey.

To participate, you must be 18 or older, currently serving as a sworn law enforcement officer, and live in the United States.

Click the link below to participate!
https://adler.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b3YrVK9qzyN1FqK

Thanks in advance, and thank you for your service!

Hello everyone. I’m hoping to hear specifically from current/former background investigators, recruiters, or anyone who has handled police applicant backgrounds.
I’m actively pursuing a career in law enforcement and have an incident from 2023 that I know will receive significant scrutiny during any background investigation.

I was the subject of a sexual assault allegation. I was never arrested or charged in connection with the allegation, and the case ultimately ended with the complainant declining/refusing to pursue charges. I have obtained the police report and have been fully disclosing the incident during my applications.

I understand that simply saying “I was never charged” doesn’t necessarily resolve the issue from a background investigator’s perspective. I also understand that an agency can evaluate the underlying conduct rather than just the legal disposition.

What I’m trying to understand is: If you were conducting my background, what specifically would you be looking for in the investigative report?

What facts or circumstances would make you say, “There’s too much concern here and I wouldn’t recommend this applicant”?

On the other hand, what would you need to see in the report/investigation to feel comfortable recommending that an applicant continue through the hiring process despite having had an allegation like this?

How much weight would you give to the complainant declining to pursue charges versus the actual contents of the investigation?

I’m not looking for reassurance or for anyone to tell me what I want to hear. If something like this realistically makes my chances extremely low, I’d rather understand why. Likewise, if this is something that can be evaluated on its individual circumstances, I’d like to understand what a BI would focus on.

If there are any experienced BIs/current or former LE who would be willing to privately look over the report with the identifying information redacted, I’d also appreciate that. I’m trying to understand how a BI is likely to interpret it and make sure I can accurately and consistently explain the circumstances when asked. And what size/type department do you recommend I apply too with this on my background?
Thanks for any insight.

One technical issue I see here is the employee cannot demand identification. Being unarmed for their low-risk supplementation would also be wise. Prospects carry a 6D Maglite, handcuffs, and a police radio.

Hi everyone, so I’m thinking about paying to go to a POST-accredited academy at a local community college around January or April. It’s about 12 weeks long and no more than $4k, so not too expensive (I think, idk). I feel this is my best chance to get hired by any of the local departments as all in my county and the county just north of me with the exception of two send untrained people they hire to this exact academy. I think this decision would make me a more favorable applicant with me already being POST Certified paired with my (albeit short) military service, so I think of the fees for the academy as more of an investment. If this doesn’t work out for any reason, I plan to volunteer to go on a deployment or get put on Title 10 federal orders like border mission or Memphis Safe maybe, but I’ll worry about that when the time comes. That being said, could yall give some advice/input? I would really appreciate it, thanks yall!

Edit: I forgot to mention that I am 20, so my thought process is to get my POST Certification now so once my 21st birthday comes around I can go ahead and start shooting out applications.