I’m a 19 year old college student looking to become a police officer when I graduate. Would becoming a Police Student Aide on college campus boost my chances of getting into my local police academy when I turn 21? Or am I better off just getting a regular customer service job?

Serious question:

I’ve watched plenty of body cam videos. Several times I’ve seen an arrestee calling the arresting officer racist. I know that officers are called many names and have slurs and other offensive language and gestures used all the time. But does being called racist really bother you more than anything ? If not that then what ? It’s only a few videos I’ve seen where the officer seems genuinely offended. Is it shocking to hear that ? How does it make you feel if you’ve been called racist ? Or is it something you have to grow “thick skin” for when being an officer ?

Does being assumed you’re racist put you on edge sometimes when you go to work ? I’m truly just curious.

Hi! I know it sounds insane but I’m currently watching SVU and there’s a detective that’s currently undercover about to be arrested. Before he gets in the back of the car he whispered a phrase therefore letting stabler and benson know that he was an undercover detective and didn’t want to blow his cover.

But it made me think back on when I was watching to catch a smuggler where they had an undercover cop to bust a drug operation but officer he was apart of the same agency, therefore he got “arrested” as well to avoid his cover being blown, but by the people in his same county, city etc. so they know him.

So I’m wondering is there ever a situation where a cop from a different dep or agency and is undercover how do they let the arresting cops know ? Or do they not ? Is it really a code word or phrase ? Are they made aware before the shift starts ?

I know SVU is fictional but it has me wondering. Especially since this is my third or so time rewatching SVU.

Hello everyone,

I recently received a 2 year deferral from the RCMP. The reasons provided were that I disclosed past behaviours that arent consistent with the core values of the RCMP and my driving record and history aren't in good standing.

Im guessing they were mainly referencing these:

The first is my taxes. When I was self-employed in 2021–2022, I fell behind on filing my taxes. I was never contacted by the CRA or faced any repercussions, but I finally got everything filed earlier this year to get it taken care of before I applied. This was one of the bigger topics discussed during my suitability interview, and the officer conducting the interview told me I was heading in the right direction regarding it.

The second is my driving history. In 2017, my vehicle was impounded for driving without registration. At the time, I had accumulated more photo radar tickets than I could afford to pay off in order to get my vehicle re-registered. Since then, I've received only one speeding ticket in 2024, for going 100 km in an 80 km zone near a construction site where I was working. I currently have only two demerits on my licence.

What can I do over the next two years to improve my chances of being accepted when I reapply, beyond simply staying out of trouble? Would taking a defensive driving course, volunteering with a charity or community organization, improving my credit, or paying off and maintaining a credit card in good standing make a meaningful difference? Are there other things I should focus on that might strengthen my application? I'd be willing to step out of my current line of work and try for corrections officer or something similar if it woud better my odds next time.

I'm also wondering whether it would be worth applying to a municipal police service, such as the EPS, or whether I'd likely run into similar issues with my background. I don't have any post-secondary education, just a trades background working in construction.

I want to add that, from a recruiter's perspective I can understand why I received the deferral. Obviously it sucks, but I'm not bitter about it. I recognize that there are areas of my life and my past that I need to improve on and I'd rather use these two years productively than waste the opportunity.

I'd genuinely appreciate any advice from current or former officers, recruiters, or anyone who's been through a similar situation.

Thanks for any input. You guys are the unsung heroes who help keep our communities safe, and I can't think of a greater privilege than having the opportunity to join your ranks.

Clean background

-never been given a ticket
-never been arrested.

-Only thing I can think of is I used to get into petty arguments with people on Instagram when I was 18 and I’m sure I would use the R word. Never any racial slurs, homophobic slurs or anything like that.

I am nervous because obviously it would be pretty embarrassing to defend that. However, if I professionally state that I cleaned up my comments and don’t use social media anymore because of the realization that the risk reward isn’t there, you think I’m good?

I’m currently in 2nd phase FTO, & I’m genuinely curious how DORs are supposed to work. I have absolutely no problem being corrected when I do something wrong & I appreciate constructive criticism. I’m new, I’m learning, & I don’t expect to be perfect. However, it feels like my DORs are almost exclusively negative. I could be proactive as hell & demonstrate improvement in certain areas, but the evaluation at the end of the day seems to focus entirely on everything I did wrong.
At this point, I feel like I could breathe wrong or blink too many times & somehow it’d end up on my DOR.
What’s particularly frustrating is that interactions throughout the shift can seem perfectly fine, but then the written evaluation makes it sound like I was doing everything wrong all day. It’s gotten to the point where I’m now second guessing myself, & I’m hesitant to even ask questions because they’ll be interpreted negatively on a DOR. Is this normal?

Does anyone on here have any experience with the Franklin TN Police Department? Is it a good department to work for? I'm considering it as a lateral option from my current PD in a major metro city of approximately 560,000 residents.

What happens when an officer does not pass quarterly/bi-annual/annual firearm qualification?

What is the *correct\* process?

I applied to HPD in January and have completed all the hiring steps. The last step was the medical and psychological test, I was told I would hear back within a week, and now its been 3 weeks. I messaged my private investigator and she said she will email me whenever she has an update on my results.

Should I just go ahead and get my peace officer license or do an academy through a community college?

I always seen it in shows and movies as in bribe can they give them candy.. a trip to the movies.. offer them McDonald or ice cream

Just asking out of curiosity

What’s up, everyone? I’m in the process of searching up EOT course in Florida. I have my form 76 but I have some questions regarding the actual classes if anyone has any information or knowledge on him please shoot me a DM. I appreciate you all. Thank you.

Hi I'm a collector of uniforms and Equipment and got my hands on the Focus X2 but experienced it doesn't charge in the dock. Is it a safety feature? And what software is needed for the Coban or is it not possible for someone outside the US to use or get a focus X2 running thanks.

Currently in the Air Force but wanting to go LE back home (Originally from Fort Worth) and want to obviously make as much $ as possible. Has anyone used skillbridge to get out and go to the academy? How are working with these departments or do you recommend any others in the DFW area? Thank you!

Hey everyone, hope all is well. I'm looking for some perspective on whether this is appropriate or if it comes off as weird.

Back when I was in middle school, I got into a physical altercation with another student at a local park. The SRO at the time ended up giving me a summary citation for disorderly conduct/engaging in fighting. At the time, it felt like the end of the world, but looking back, it was the exact wake-up call I needed. It completely shifted my trajectory. Today, I'm a 3rd-year college student, a nationally licensed EMT, and my ultimate goal is to go into law enforcement myself.

The SRO retired from the city department and is now working as a campus police officer at a university right down the road from me. I found out in a social media post by the new department. I found his public work email, and I really want to reach out to thank him. What's crazy is that he keeps popping up out of nowhere lately. For instance, he was recently at the amusement park where I work part-time as an EMT. He was there with his family, so I didn't approach him because I wanted to respect his personal time, but seeing him again made me want to finally send this message.

I want to let him know his wake-up call worked, and that I'm now pursuing the same career path. But I do have a few questions:

1. Is it appropriate to send an email like this out of the blue, or does it cross a line?
2. How would an officer react to getting a message from a 12-year-old kid they cited years ago, showing how much they've grown?
3. Should I keep it strictly to a "thank you," or is it okay to mention that I'm trying to become an officer too?

Appreciate any advice on how to approach this and thank you in advance!

Hi guys, hope this is the right forum.

Looking to see can I connect with someone in Orlando PD, Florida. Visiting from Ireland for the next week and wouldn't mind an exchange of flashes/badges etc. My request through the IPA seems to be hitting a lot of stumbling blocks.

Thanks in advance

So I worked for the USPS for a little bit a few years ago and I’m having trouble finding the relevant hr information that the investigator needs. I keep seeing that a third party phone number is basically the only option but I’m not sure if that would be acceptable.

This is actually genuine question and for me to be more informed. So active LEO do not have to carry around their qualification cards like retired LEO do, so lets say myself a rookie from BOP who hasn't went to the range yet to qualify decides I'm going to conceal carry with my LEO ID since that's what they look for, what would that look like consequences and all if they decide to actually look if I am qualified? Again this is for me to be more informed it's a genuine question. Thanks!

Edit: Since everyone thinks I am an idiot because they come to the conclusion I am going to carry without being qualified that's not the case. I just used myself in the quick scenario. All I was asking is the consequences that would happen if I were to do so. I am waiting till I am qualified. Glad to clear that up👌

Hey guys I want to get my law enforcement career started and wanted to know what jobs or what steps I can take to achieve my goal. I currently live in the Dallas area and wanted some advice. I have had multiple people tell me corrections and I’m currently looking for openings. But I would like some suggestions on what else I should do I would really appreciate it.

I’m curious to hear what other guys are using for duty lights?

I carry a Modlite HOG as my primary and recently picked up an Olight ArkPro Ultra as my admin/backup. 🔦

Any La Vergne officers in here? Looking for some info please. PM's are encouraged, thanks in advanced!

So for context I recent started working at Arizona Department of Public Safety as a field operations technician

On my way home a code 34(motorist assist)happened in front of me the front passenger tire blew out, so i stopped with her to make sure everything is ok, i turned on my inside lights i have installed on my personal truck for our safety. The problem was when i went to contact dispatch over the radio. See i had already planned out what i was going to say and everything, the moment i herd her say my callsign back, everything was lost, i said " im NB I-10 at 207" everyone knows I-10 only goes east and west. What i ment to say was " Im NB I-17 at MP 207 with a code 34 off right" that whole time i was talking my voice sounded so shakey and i sounded scared like i wasnt supposed to be operating the same radio the troopers do.

I always practice alot when im home on how to say things over the air, so why is it when i needed to speak i couldn't get it out clearly

I’m looking for advice regarding a career change I’ve always been interested in. I’m a current RN in the ER, before that I was a paramedic. Been in healthcare since I was 18, both prehospital and in hospital combining to about 10 almost 11 years. My mom’s a nurse, dad’s a trooper and since I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a trooper like my dad. That life has always interested me and although it’s not a regret, I even constantly find myself imagining my life had I gone the military route like my dad (I have a wife and kids that I would not have if I enlisted so it’s definitely a “what if” and not a regret). I became an EMT out of high school because it was as close as I could get to police/911 work while staying in the medical side. My dad has always told me to find a career first and then explore LE if I wanted to later, him and my mom were very big on me being a nurse and never doing police work. Yet here I am, 10 years later still finding myself googling openings and pathways to becoming an officer with the end goal of swat or some form of tactical medicine. I don’t mind medicine, but only because it’s all I know. I don’t particularly enjoy it, I’m actually in the process of studying for my mcat to try and get into medical school. Anything other than ER or Trauma surgery will not work for me as I feed on the adrenaline/unpredictable nature of these specialties. If I’m being completely honest with myself, the money is the main motivator for med school. And I’m worried my heart isn’t in it enough to get me through, if I even make it to acceptance. I’m extremely grateful and thankful for the position I’m in and would be ecstatic to get into med school, but I can’t deny that constant pull I feel in the opposite direction. On top of that, I’m working 9 straight shifts every 2 weeks to provide so I’m extremely burnt out of medicine and hospitals. I know it’s a huge message with no real direction, I just want some advice or maybe some guidance on what I should consider or what I’m missing from people living the life. My dad is no help because he bashes it to avoid me wanting to make the jump, my mom obviously is against it as well. My wife just wants what’s best for me, my kids want more time with me, which regardless they aren’t getting even with my nursing schedule. I just feel so stuck. I also recognize how selfish this can sound, being the sole provider and breadwinner I have no business dropping the consistent paycheck for a dream I may not even like. I just got out of a huge burnout/depression, was 380 lbs and am now 250 and consistently dropping. I’m in such a better shape mentally and physically that I feel now is the time to consider it. My credentials are currently associate degree paramedic with an active NR medic license/inactive state, BSN with specialty board certs CEN, CCRN and TCRN for ER/Trauma/critical care. Just need someone to tell me I’m crazy and to lock back in, or that I’m not crazy for having these urges and to explore them. Thank you in advance for the time to read my 3am thoughts as a fellow night shifter

I’m currently a 19 year old community college student in San Jose majoring in Computer Science and my goal is to apply to SJPD when I turn 21/when I get my bachelors. What kind of work experience can I accumulate until then that will make me a standout candidate for SJPD Academy? Up until now I’ve only had 2 part-time jobs that I worked for like 3 months each. Will working law enforcement related roles like campus security or asset protection boost my chances? What about volunteering or programs? Any advice would be appreciated.

hello! just asking because i am ignorant on this topic. fair warning, i overexplain so this might be long!

my husband was pulled over this evening. he was driving locally- nowhere out of the ordinary. he was driving by a local jurisdiction officer and needed to make a turn, so he used his signal and turned. however, these are two turns that look EXACTLY the same, especially at night. anyway, that’s not too important as he made the turn correctly anyway.

as soon as he makes the turn, he gets flashed so he pulls over. this is his first time, and i’ve never been pulled over. the officer asks him if he’s doing okay, looks in his car, asks about his dashcam being a radar scanner (it’s not). the officer sees his guitar, my husband is driving an older 2000s car, like something you would imagine being profiled for because it can “go fast”; acura, mitsubishi, etc. anyway, my husband is fully cooperating and hands him his license. officer comes back and says “nervous?” and my husband answers “yes, this is my first time being pulled over”. the officer then asks, “why are you lying to me, man?” and says he has -6 points on his license. i figure he’s probably just joking around, but i wasn’t in the car with my husband, so i don’t know.

after he gets home, he tells me and we’re both VERY confused on points. he’s a relatively new driver (~1 year) and has NEVER been pulled over- no, it’s not possible he has and just hasn’t told me. DMV websites are confusing me and telling me there are demerit points and safe points. never gotten anything in the mail, etc. TIA!!!!!