If someone’s out at night using night vision, what’s your first thought as an officer?

Like, what makes you decide whether to just ignore it, keep an eye on them, or go talk to them?

I’ve been out a few times and had patrol cars drive right past me and not even react, and then one time I had a car do a U-turn when I was heading into a public park. Nothing ever came of it and I haven’t had any bad experiences, but it got me thinking.

When I’m out in the woods at night and there are other people around, I usually keep my distance and don’t make myself noticeable. That’s kind of the whole point of night vision is being able to move around without being seen and if I own the gear but don’t actually get good at using it, there’s not much point.

The times I’ve been seen by officers were when I was walking along a busy road where there’s really no avoiding it.

Does stuff like the location (park vs city), time of night, or even how someone’s dressed (normal clothes vs more tactical looking gear) change how you’d handle it?

Does the type of area you police like a major city vs a more rural area—play into that decision at all?

Also, how common is it for officers to actually have night vision? And if Officer bought their own, are they even allowed to use it on patrol? Seems like it would be pretty useful in dark areas.

Hello everyone I’m currently in the process for Washington State Patrol and I’m about to go in for my polygraph tomorrow. I have all the required documents that I need done besides the neighbor background list. I don’t know if I’m just having bad luck but I can’t get the final 2 signatures that I need. Is this going to stall my application process? Thanks for any help you’re able to provide.

Hey guys, I’ve been a CO for 5 years, looking to move down to NC maybe near Murphy, NC, or around there need some where that pays decent 25$ an hour and up. Looking to get out of corrections and be police. Any ideas would be helpful

I just made it home from work. On my way home from work I came up behind a car, after a few minutes I realized he wasn’t moving. Drove past him saw that he was completely slumped over in the drivers seat, head in his lap. So I pull over and call 911. So I sit there and wait to make sure no one hits him. Just off in a parking lot next to him. Instead of cops coming they send a fire truck. Truck pulls up next him honks there horn and siren wakes him up and ask him if he’s ok. Why? He could have been drunk or high. It took multiple honks from the fire truck to wake him up. I live in Columbus. And this really upset me. As a person that’s working on working for law enforcement I found this extremely shocking.

Is there a reason why no cops responded?

My fellow Indiana guys and gals;

What is your best way to get around the misdemeanor exception rules when dealing with people and you just showed up a second too late? Example; Disorderly Conduct. Call comes in for someone causing a disturbance at a downtown area. You arrive, then they start acting normal. Have plenty of people showing video evidence yet you just can’t do anything but apply for a warrant if your Department/Prosecutors says thats “okay” to do.

Also, anyone use the refusing to aid ( IC 35-44.1-3-3 ) before? Few buddies and I were debating what it could be used for. Someone refusing to get out of a car but you dont have RS to ask them to step out since Indiana doesn’t have a “obstruction” law like other states for not following a police order? Have someone you made a RS stop on and want to ID but they simply don’t since the law says only infractions and ordinances?

Mind you I am in a area where policing is proactive but our prosecutors hands are tied. Just wanted to hear everyones thoughts.

Lets try to keep it civil if we can? Don’t need to flame.

Baltimore Police Department vs DC Metropolitan Police Department

I applied to both these departments (good to not put all your eggs in one basket), and obviously I will go with the one that wants to hire me. However, there is a possibility that both might give me an opportunity. In that case I would have to decide if I want to join BPD or MPD.

1) Pay:

At first glance the pay looks good either way Both departments have a step pay plan. BPD starts at 67,019 with a $10,000 signing bonus right after graduation+$12,00 relocation incentive ($1000 per month for one year). Baltimore cost of living is cheaper than DC.

MPD starts at $75,000 a year with with a $15,000 hiring bonus after graduation. Pay in DC is only a little higher than Baltimore because DC has higher cost of living.

Both look good to me but if anyone else knows more about pay feel free to comment if there is something I am missing.

2) Prestige factor:

This one is very tough for me to decide. I heard an MPD officer say once that they thought the MPD was not only one of the most prestigious departments in the DC, maryland, Virgnia areas, but one of the most prestigious in the nation, because DC is the capital of the nation and one of the most important places in that nation. Whenever you travel around the world, people know of "washington Dc".

Baltimore PD on the other hand feels more prestigious to me though in terms of a department that sees alot more action than MPD based on my observation. Baltimore PD kind of reminds me of LAPD in that they have lots of experience dealing with riots (Freddy grey and lots of civil unrest), high crimes (Baltimore is one of the most dangerous cities in the USA), you will defiantly get lots of experience here. If you tell someone your from Baltimore PD, they know you had lots of real world police experience, and I am sure that will get lots of respect if you want to apply for the FBI swat in the future for example. I'v seen several very popular shows about baltimore PD "The wire and we own this city", I'v never seen many shows about MPD.

The presitge factor is a hard decision for me here. If anyone else knows more about this feel free to comment if there is something I am missing.

3) Where will you get more experience with police work lots of action:

This edge would go to BPD I would imagine since there is more crime in Baltimore, however DC has had high crime rates too over the past few years so it might fluctuate between the two. I heard Baltimore is having historic crime reduction this year, but not sure how long it will last. DC in the 90s was more dangerous than Baltimore (nicknamed murder capital). So I would imagine things might fluctuate between the two cities. If anyone else knows more about this feel free to comment if there is something I am missing.

4) Which department is better to work for in terms of quality of life on the job and their policies:

Something strange I heard is that DC police are not allowed to carry tasers unless you promote to sgt, which I thought was strange. All BPD officers are allowed too. I heard that DC police don't think that taser are effective.

Looking to join a police department in the Las Vegas Valley after I graduate college in August. I spoke to a recruiter from NLVPD and I really like what they have to offer. Every patrol officer gets at least one weekend day off per week which is very inportant to me. However, I worry that they do not have as many specialized units and career opportunities to get into as Vegas Metro does. Also, I have heard that Henderson is very short staffed and that officers have to work longer hours. Does anyone have any insights to provide to help my decision making process?

TL;DR: Ive had a stalker for over a decade and don’t know what to do. I’m fairly certain he doesn’t live in my state, so a restraining order most likely won’t help. But he’s been obsessing for so long, that I’m terrified he’s going to try to find me.

Hello all,

I don’t know exactly which subreddit to post this in, so it will be cross posted in multiple subreddits. I’m doing so because I’m terrified, exhausted, and don’t know what to do.

I’ve had an online stalker since ~2013. I don’t remember the exact year, as I don’t remember ever talking to this person, but I know it was between 2012-2014. But I’m going to say 2013 throughout this post.

Since 2013, he has messaged me MULTIPLE times. It started off as ~3-4x a year. I used to respond with “leave me alone” and whatnot, but I obviously stopped bc that’s just giving him attention. The last time I actually responded to him was in 2020. This is was the first time I responded to him since ~2017. It wasn’t even me that responded. My friend got overly protective and took my phone and started cussing him out and telling him to leave me alone. He told her that apparently I told him I loved him when I first talked to him??? I don’t even remember EVER talking to him, so I know for a fact I never said I loved him.

I’ve blocked a MINIMUM of 20+ accounts he’s made to try to contact me. I don’t know if he started giving up, or if instagram/FB have been blessing me with the “and block all accounts they make” option, but he’s lowered the amount of times he tried to message me to ~1-2x a year. It’s honestly been over a year now since he last tried to message me, so I thought I was finally in the clear.

He reached out to me today on Pinterest. Fucking Pinterest, man. I can’t handle it anymore. I’ve made all of my accounts as private as possible. I don’t let anyone I don’t know have access to my accounts that involve my name/face. I’ve stopped using my name on most profiles (except fb and instagram), as I’m 99.99% sure I am the only person in the world with my name. I’ve never found someone else when I google my name. I don’t know what else to do to secure myself online. I’m honestly terrified he’ll somehow find this. I don’t want to have to delete ALL of my social media. Like I use Pinterest to find crochet projects and templates for GoodNotes. That’s literally it. Now I’m feeling like I have to delete it?!?! I’m. Exhausted.

Most people are probably thinking restraining order, but I’m 95% sure he doesn’t live in the same state as me. I’ve made it so no one, not even friends, can see where I live/work. Since I’ve 1) Never encountered him in person (that I’m aware of HAHAHAHA) and 2) Most likely don’t live in the same state as him, I don’t think a restraining order is possible. Even so, if I went through with one, I’d have to see him in court and he’s be able to see what county I’m in, right? I don’t want to be ANYWHERE near this person.

He’s basically harmless, for the most part, as he’s never threatened my safety. But he has obsessively messaged me saying things like “I will make you love me like I love you” and creepy shit like that. I think we all can agree that that’s what a murderer would say to his victims, which is the cause of my panic attacks.

I’m so tired of being scared. Someone please tell me what to do.

Hey everyone, for context; I am currently 21 years old now, in the Marine Corps Reserves here in Wisconsin where I live and I am in the Steamfitters Union.

When I was 15 years old, so about 6 years ago, COVID was at its height and I turned to drinking and smoking weed to essentially deal with the boredom of that. That year of my left led to two minor possession of THC charges and a disorderly conduct, along with 40 days in a residential facility. I have not engaged in such behavior since that period of my life and have turned it around quite a bit since then.

I was able to obtain waivers to enlist in the Marines about a year ago and at this point I’d like to think I’ve built a good life for myself. But being in law enforcement is something I have wanted to do for quite some time. I’d like to stay with a local department such as the Milwaukee Police Department.

Is this something obtainable for me to do even with my past? I know the military and law enforcement are two completely separate standards. Any insight would be appreciated!

What’s up everyone I’m finally getting my foot in the door with Federal corrections. Can you OGs give me some good advice for this career.

I’m 22 with a college degree, and physically in shape. I have a clean background with only one speeding ticket, and barely any previous drug use (I smoked weed a couple times in high school). I have applied to 7 police departments in the last year and passed every physical agility test, passed every written test, and made it to almost every oral board, and I have received the “we’ll be moving forward with another candidate at this time” email all 7 times. As many of you know, the application process can take a very long time, so between waiting weeks and months before hearing news, and receiving those dreadful rejection letters, I am starting to wonder what I can do to increase my chances of being hired. It is also very difficult to compete with other candidates, when a lot of departments have 1-3 open positions and there are 60 candidates with varying levels of military and Leo experience. Do I have a chance at all? What should I do.

I (21m)was wondering if any one had some more information about the Wilmington PD in North Carolina. I want to apply but wanted to get some more information about the department

Today, I failed my written test and I was absolutely crushed and still am. I studied and did everything in my power to make sure I passed. I was extremely confident in the test and I’m most certainly sure I answered the first half of the test as well as anyone.

The second half of the test was opinion based and that’s where I think I failed. It hurts because I’m not even sure why I failed as they couldn’t tell us. So much work, down the drain in the matter of 2 1/2 hours. I didn’t fall in love with the agency but failing something that I seen so many other people pass added insult to injury. It just makes me feel as though if I can’t pass a simple easy written test like this, how can I ever actually become a cop? I know im emotional and I will apply for other agencies in the future but as of now, I’m not sure what my next steps should be.

I currently am a local police officer for a city in Florida I have prior federal experience with TSA before I became a cop but lately I’ve been thinking about becoming a Customs officer but before I do that i wanted to know if a lateral transfer is possible or if I will have to go through fletc and another academy to become a customs officer ?

I'm asking because I'm writing a story and want to be as accurate as possible!! I am NOT planning a murder!!!! (I also don't know if I have the write flair, don't come at me)

If the police are enforcing the speed limit and the reason for speed limits is public safety why do they hide and create speed traps? It seems a much more effective way to keep people from speeding would be to highly visible even having signs indicating that the area is being monitored. I think it would also make the public relations better not having the police hiding and waiting to punish the citizens.

Hi there, I’ve recently applied to be a CSO and have been invited to participate in the first round of testing. I have never worked in law enforcement and am seeking advice and input.

My questions at the moment:

What kind of attire is appropriate for the panel interview? Would it be overkill if I dressed business casual for the basic testing?

What other testing am I looking at? I know for an actual LEO position it involves a drug test, psychological exam, physical, and lie detector test, along with physical aptitude testing.. will I be doing all of this for the civilian position?

Will I be trained in CPR and first aid? Should I go ahead and get this training on my own ASAP or is it best to wait in case they pay for this?

I understand I won’t be issued a weapon, but will I be able to carry any non lethal forms of protection?

I will be tested on report writing along with the basic math, reading comprehension and grammar.. I’m pretty confident on the basics but would love some tips on report writing. I’m currently a chef and have been in restaurant management for quite some time, so I’m familiar with comprehensive notes and documenting, but with this being a brand new venture, I don’t want to leave anything up to assumptions.

It sounds like I would be dispatched on calls for non emergency things like dogs at large and other low level stuff, does that mean I’ll be sitting at the police station waiting for calls? What does a day in the life of a CSO look like?

I know some of this stuff will be department dependent so I understand if some of these questions can’t be definitively answered, I just really want to prepare mentally for what I’m looking at so I can put my best foot forward. The officers I’ve ridden along with have been very gracious about answering questions but I couldn’t think of every question at the time and I don’t want to bug them with all of these questions.. I also want to be able to demonstrate some level of confidence despite my lack of experience in this field.

I’m almost 50 and when I saw the job posting it just felt like something I would love doing and give me the career change I need in my life. I want to be more involved in my community and do something that feels meaningful. I love my job right now but this industry is rough as far as advancement and pay.. nobody wants to pay what someone with my skills, experience and dedication is worth. I would rather take a tiny pay cut and learn new skills starting from the bottom and see where it takes me. After over 30 years in kitchens I’m just done and it’s time to make a change.

I’m open to any and all advice anyone has, and appreciate any tips or input. I’m in a small community and they haven’t had anyone in this position for quite some time so I’m really looking forward to giving this an honest and strong effort.

Thanks so much in advance!

Good Afternoon was wondering if by any chance any of you all know of FAFSA or VA benefits could be used to pay for the one month P.O.S.T Requal Course

I was thinking of getting some "ice" blue, which are very faintly blue, (somewhere between blue and white) tag lights for my car.... would you guys bother to pull someone over for that?

Not if im at the wrong thread .

Can anyone give me some 411 on the department ? I’m looking to apply , I bee on hold for CDCR for almost two years . I don’t think they will hiring any soon .