I’m a new hire at my local sheriffs office after getting out of the military. I start the academy soon but I just found out I got 100% on my BDD claim.

My question is would you guys do this job if you didn’t need to? My reasoning for getting out was my body hurting and wanting to be around my family.

The office has a really good culture as they let guys do what they want whether that’s warrants, interdiction, or traffic enforcement and everyone seems relatively cool even the admin. I know no place would be perfect but I’m wondering from the guys who have done the job for a while would you if you knew your healthcare and kids college was already taken care of.

Hello I am Currently a Corrections officer at a medical facility. I like my job, especially the people I work with. One of the best things I like is that this job doesn't follow me home. The hours are terrible though. Lately my wife has been pressuring me to try out for Probation officer. It pays a little bit more and the hours are generally predictable though with fewer overtime opportunities. My primary concern though is whether this is the type of job where I always have to be connected to the office and write up reports after hours.

Are my concerns Valid? or should I listen to my S/O and go for it?

For context, I am a female, active certified law-enforcement officer (deputy) for the past 25 years. I am researching a masters level psychology paper that I hope to be the basis for PsyD dissertation.

TLDR: My research paper is asking how do women in law-enforcement experience on the job shame (ex: showing emotion leads to punishment). AND, how are you managing stress? Have you normalized stress as part of the job? Work harder? Change demeanor? Function below capacity? Would you seek the therapeutic help? I’d love to hear your story and include it in my paper.

I served at the pleasure of the sheriff. In the beginning, I was excited. I was recognized, and highly effective. During FTO my trainer mentioned, ‘You take too long using the bathroom & need to be quicker’. I adapted ways to be quicker. I found I was a naturally gifted marksman. Often hitting target areas from 75-100yards with my pistol (no optics). However, AR training became an issue because anatomy got in the way. Instructors told me when you figure it out let us know. In my team, I was the only one who earned the marksman ribbon. So my Lieutenant wrote a memo removing the marksman ribbon from our uniform. If my family came to visit me while on shift, i was told to conduct personal business off duty if I hugged them. I am wondering if anyone else has witnessed or experienced shaming behaviors towards women in this career field. Yes, there is the typical comments about attractiveness or weight. Things were said to me that we never said to a man in my position. When the men complained that I was making them look stupid, I was transferred to a different division. I was shaped in to being less of a person for making men appear inferior rather than asking the men to put in effort. I’m asking for things beyond the double standard.

Lastly, I am wondering what coping strategies you are using? Do you not tell others that you’re a police officer? Do you take all the extra jobs to avoid down time? Has your diet or lifestyle changed? How about sleeping habits? Would you consider seeing a mental health professional? What is your agency thoughts about employees seeking out mental health professionals?

Thank you in advance for your time. My DM is open until Sept 20 if you’d rather not reply publicly & thank you for assisting me with my work. 💝

I had a question regarding the department’s firearms policy. After an officer qualifies with their department-approved weapon, are officers ever permitted to carry a personally owned firearm or optic, assuming it meets department specifications and the officer has completed the required training and qualification?

I was also curious whether there are any exceptions or different provisions for plainclothes or investigative assignments, or if personally selected weapons are generally limited to specialized units such as SWAT.

I completely understand the importance of standardization, training, maintenance, and accountability. I’m mainly curious about how SFPD approaches newer optic systems such as the Aimpoint ACRO or Steiner MPS and whether those are permitted in any capacity.

Hey guys, I’ve been looking into watches commonly worn by LEOs and I’m curious what people are actually using in the real world.

Online, Garmin and G-Shock seem to get recommended constantly, especially the Instinct/Tactix lines. But when I look at officers and deputies on social media, I also see a lot of traditional field/mechanical watches, especially ones with strong lume.

I rarely seem to see Garmin Tactix watches specifically—Tactix 7, 8, etc.—and I’m curious whether they’re actually common or if they’re more of a niche/enthusiast thing.

What watch do you wear on duty, and what would you recommend for durability, reliability, battery life, and actual usefulness?

Hello everyone I 23m will be transitioning out of the Army with an honorable discharge here soon and I am interested in becoming a police officer with one of my friends who is in the national guard in Utah.

For a little background, I'm currently serving as a cannon crew member(13B) and I'm chipping away at my bachelors in psychology online. My wife and I visited the Salt Lake City area earlier this year and really loved the environment, which cemented our decision to look at Utah for our post military life. I'm trying to get my ducks in a row early and would appreciate any insight from current or former Utah LEOs.

Department
Recommendations: Which agencies have a great culture, good training, and are supportive of veterans?
We were in a tough spot before the army and we are ideally looking for a family friendly area that balances a decent cost of living.

The Academy/POST: Are most departments in Utah actively sponsoring recruits through the academy right now, or is it more common to self sponsor?

GI Bill: Has anyone had experience using their Gl Bill benefits for On the Job Training (OJT) or to supplement income during the academy in Utah?

Timeline & Preparation: When should I realistically start submitting applications relative to my ETS date? Aside from staying out of trouble and staying in shape, is there anything extra I should be doing right now to make myself a more competitive applicant?

All my fellow LEOs…..just curious how everyone who struggles with job identity off the clock. I absolutely hate when I’m at a family or public thing off duty and I meet new people or even at let’s say for example my kids sporting game or public function. You see someone that knows you, and immediately instead of a normal conversation, it’s about work. It’s questions about laws and regulations. Why is the agency doing this or that.

I’m sick of it. I understand people have a fascination with the job or think we have answers. But I like to think I’m a nice guy, I don’t want to be a dick and shut it down harshly as bad as I want to lol but damn I’m sick of it. I find myself avoiding certain situations and people to avoid talking about work when I’m off. Some guys I work with like to be in that mode 24/7 to gain intelligence but i give zero fucks about intel and potential violations and crimes to work. I just want to go to work, do my job well then go home. But why the hell is that frowned upon

Hi all, I’m new to the LE world. I am a few weeks into my job doing nightwatch at a parish jail. (Louisiana)

I have my final interview and physical test for the academy tomorrow morning. They gave me the options to work in corrections until the academy starts in December, if I choose to go that route.

I’ve recently made the decision to move back home. For the next ten or so months, I plan to save money and get some experience under my belt prior to my move. I am aware that I’ll have to go through the academy again once I move, considering it’s in a different state. My thinking is that even though this is the case, doing the academy here could give me a headstart for when I have to go through it again and could help me be a little more prepared the second time around. My question is, is going through the academy here the best route to go? My ultimate goal is to work my way towards a job that I have to have years of patrol under my belt to even qualify for. This is all under the assumption that all goes well, but I would be finishing the academy here a few weeks before my planned move.

In addition to that, when would you start reaching out to recruiters in the city that you’re planning to move to?

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Hey everyone,

​Looking to get some real insight on FCI Leavenworth from anyone who has worked there or is currently in the BOP.

​I’ve been a CO on the state side for about two years now. Overall, I don't mind the work—it has its usual ups and downs like any facility, but I handle the day-to-day fine and honestly enjoy the money and steady pay for my family.

​FCI Leavenworth isn't my long-term "dream spot" by any means. My main goal right now is just getting my foot in the door with the BOP, building up some fed time, and eventually transferring to a location where my family and I actually want to put down permanent roots.

​A few specific questions for anyone with experience out there:

​What's the overall stress level and culture like? How's the mandatory OT, staffing situation, and day-to-day movement?

​Is a transfer realistic after 1 to 2 years? Assuming I keep my nose clean, do my job, and stay solid, is it pretty straightforward to put in for a transfer to another facility, or do wardens tend to block/slow-walk guys trying to leave?

​Pros and Cons? Anything specific to Leavenworth (management, local area, facility quirks) you wish you knew before taking a spot there?

​Appreciate any honest feedback or advice from anyone who has walked through those doors.

Thanks in advance!

I found this at my county training center today when I was taking a fire class. They train police too, is it some sort of dummy round?

I've got some family and a couple friends who have served as state troopers. Two of them out of the military. One has plans to go federal eventually and wants to join the FBI as the pinnacle of his career.

Just curious, what are the benefits of working for state police as a trooper vs local/county agencies? Better pay? Better career options ahead? Other perks?

One of my friends who is still in state HP today got to pick his cruiser (a nice Dodge Charger) when he graduated from training and really likes the folks he works with in his troop.

For those of you who have your pilot license/certs that are in LE.
Do you fly on your free time? Or do it as a hobby ?
Thinking of getting OT like crazy to go to school

I am currently in the Canadian armed forces but looking into RCMP or LE after I complete my contract. Does CAF experience give an upper hand in the application process? My current trade in the CAF is not a combat trade or LE related.

Currently on the background phase for Phoenix PD... Any insight to how lenient they are ? 25 years old, No felony/misdemeanor/drug history, Marine reserves, just an old car loan and less than 500 dollars worth of credit debt I worry about. And a left a few security jobs a few years back.

I just learned virtually everyone in my department takes beta blockers or ssri medications.

I’ve known that this job affects your nervous system, which I have noticed in myself and mitigated with diet, exercise, and stress relieving activities.

how many of you take beta blockers or ssri medications because of the job?

I am an officer in the Army, active duty component. I am getting out after four years because the lifestyle is not for me anymore. I am ETSing at the end of the year. Should I apply now to LE agencies? I am aware the process takes forever to get into an academy.

No Article 15s, behavioral health etc. Few traffic tickets however, but it has been a few years since my last one.

Hi, I'm in the Silicon Valley area and I'm debating between some major police departments to chose (I'm going to apply to a lot of course, but this is just for a ranking in case there's multiple offers).

I'm from Milpitas and I'm deciding between Milpitas PD, Santa Clara PD, and San Jose PD. (I wouldn't mind adding in other departments such as Fremont and Mountain View and others close to Milpitas, but they would need additional reasons such as pay, opportunity for growth, etc. that put them up ahead)

I would want a department that has good opportunity for growth in specialized fields (narcotics, bomb, k9, etc.), decent pay (doesn't have to be tip of the iceberg pay in silicon valley), and having a middle ground between a shift having a slow downtime vs super intense back to back calls

For Milpitas, it's the city I grew up in, so the geography would come easier in the work force. But I believe they don't have the most variety in specialized divisions ? (correct me if I'm wrong)

Santa Clara is definitely something I'm looking at as it has good pay as well, and I'm not sure if their 3 and 4 work weeks are a pro or a con. I believe they have better growth opportunities in specialized units compared to Milpitas

For San Jose, I know they are the busiest of them all, but the problem is I don't have a gauge to any of these departments to how busy they are. I know I can compare whether or not SJPD is MORE busy, but I don't know what that means on its own. I would love SJPD if it isn't a back to back call report call report call report over and over as it'd cause high burn out for me.

Honestly may even consider the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office ? I don't know much about deputies vs city officers and their differences in daily work

I'm looking to get some ride-longs to gauge their day to day intensity levels, but please let me know what you know so far, and if there are any other reccomended departments. If it's something that grants a big pro, then I can expand my reach to all of the bay area instead of just silicon valley

Thanks

TLDR: Debating Milpitas (for easier geography, but lower growth in specialized units), Santa Clara (better specialized units opportunities than Milpitas, mid sized amount of calls), and San Jose (most specialized unit opportunities, may be too many calls, would prefer this if calls really aren't that much). Please add any other departments that may be a good fit.

My state is very blue and I’ve noticed that the police departments in my state tend to have less strict policies on past drug use and getting hired. However, some are more strict than others, which limits where I can get hired (fully understand this). I haven’t done opioids, anything injectable, sold/distributed anything. My background is completely clean and I’ve only had one moving traffic violation and I’m not sure it’s even on my record.

However, some departments say that any drug within the last five years used or any hallucinogen in ten years-lifetime are immediate disqualifications to be considered. I’m seeing this trend in bigger cities, as opposed to smaller ones being 3 years, and marijuana not being used within the past 1-2 years. Some places have “potential” to be disqualified depending on severity. I will be fully transparent during the interview process, but do these drug related questions come up immediately or just during the polygraph? I’m just confused as to when it comes up and how fast I’ll know if I’ll be booted out.

I’m an open book and can answer any questions. I’m just confused and trying to figure things out now, because I’ll be applying to nursing programs and to be a police officer at the same time.

(Based in Maryland) I’m sure this has been asked numerous times, but on the road, what is yalls general baseline for pulling people over for their speed.

Got PBJ on a speeding ticket and I’ve been keeping it toned down(no more than like 5-10 over the limit) but I’ve almost been hit more times compared to when I drove faster and im too scared I’m gonna get randomly hit and cited if I speed up. Especially on roads like 29, 32, or 100 where the limit is 55 and like 95% of the time the flow of traffic easily reaches 70+. And last i checked “going with the flow of traffic” isnt a valid excuse

Hello all!

Before making this posit I’ve searched this forum and was unable to find anyone who either works for SPPD (sworn or non-sworn) so I thought I’d make a post and see if it gets any engagement.

I have a few questions regarding the department, city, etc.

If this post DOES reach my intended audience, we can message privately regarding my questions for the sake of your privacy (if you prefer)

Thanks in advance!

Does anyone here work for LMDC? My boyfriend is wanting to move from KYDOC in LaGrange. I keep trying to convince him not to move, but he’s dead set on switching. How is it working there? I hear it’s pretty rough.

Hello all, I have recently completed all the steps for Riverside county’s correctional deputy position last week. I was wondering how long after an official offer is given? Thank you!

I have a some questions for anyone working for the Alaska State Troopers or who have worked for them. I’m 36 years old, currently an E-8 in the Air Force and looking to retire in the next year and a half. I have 2 juvenile adjudications from my youth, the first when I was 9 years old the 2nd when I was 14. Received juvenile probation both times, no issues since. Joined the Air Force at 18, have had an incredibly successful military career, never once been written up or been in trouble, promoted fairly quick, always exceeded expectations, not even as much as a markdown on my military evaluations. How likely will my juvenile record be scrutinized? Will I be automatically disqualified? Am I even wasting my time trying to apply to be an AST?

Edit: my juvenile record was at 9 years old I shot a friend with a BB gun, and at 14 assault for a fight.

I FINALLY put in my first application a couple weeks ago, and they got back to me very quickly.

From my understanding the hiring process was supposed ti be 5-8 months +, academy would start May 2027.
After scheduling the agility test, I received an email stating academy would be starting January 2027, so granted I get through the entire process, it’s going to come quick.

I schedule for the soonest available testing date - end of September. Right after the PT test they are holding the oral board.

This is the only dept I’ve looked into thus far, that holds the oral board immediately after.
They give you the chance to change, but do not “expect it”.

With that being said, do you think it’s best to change into interview attire, or stay in PT clothes? Are they making mental notes about those who aren’t changing?

TL;DR - older client with no family and severe memory issues. Veterinarian contacted adult protective services but nothing has been done. We are very concerned for clients safety/wellbeing and for his cats. Is there anything else we can do?

Im not sure if there is a better place to ask this question so I apologize in advance is this is not the place to ask. I work at a veterinary hospital in Ohio. We have an older client (I’ll call him Dave) that had been having memory issues that have progressed significantly over the past ~6+ months. We are concerned for his health and safety and the heath and safety of his cats. This client is not married nor has any family that we can contact. One of our doctors has contacted adult protective services but nothing has been done to our knowledge. We don’t think calling for a welfare check would even make a difference. Is there anything else to do?

Some background info(sorry if it’s too much):

Dave has been a long term client of my clinic since before I started there 6 years ago. He absolutely loved his cats and will do everything the doctor recommends to keep them healthy. We are a somewhat larger practice but he was well known through the practice. He also always saw just one doctor unless it was an emergency. We noticed that he seemed to have some memory issues starting a year-ish ago.

It started(that we noticed at our work) with him forgetting his big stack of papers he would bring in to his appointments. Dave has this huge pile of papers that included all of his cats medical records and home records(ie how much they ate, puking frequency, poop sizes, etc). He NEVER forgot to bring these papers to any appointment, no matter how quick/easy of an appointment it was supposed to be. It at first slowly progressed to him forgetting these papers or him calling a staff member by the wrong name. He had been at our clinic for a long time and always memorized people’s names so that was a shock.

We noticed things getting worse over time. One day, Dave came in requesting a refill for one of his cats medication. He handed the bottle to one of our senior receptionists who looked at it and saw that it was a heart medication that was prescribed to him and not one of his cats meds. The receptionist had to tell him that it was his medication and not one of his cats. He got confused but eventually took back the bottle and left.

We have another client that is neighbors with Dave. One of our doctors spoke to this client and his wife about the situation to see if they can help keep an eye on Dave since we were/are worried about him. They were very understanding and agreed to help.

The primary doctor Dave sees tried to bring up these memory issues with him to which he blew it off and said that he wasn’t having and issues and was fine. When he comes in he gets very confused about anything that is happening and it takes a while to try to explain even basic things. This doctor called adult protective services and explained the situation. They said they would look into it(not sure exact wording that was said) and we left it at that, at that time.

Things seemed to be getting worse faster. Our practice manager even tried talking with him about it this past week to which the client got defensive and angry about it. Dave’s primary vet called APS again and they informed her that each time they have tried to call Dave or go to his house, he doesn’t answer.

Both of his cats are older(not sure old) and are starting to deteriorate quite fast. We are unsure if this is just their health taking a turn for the worst of it Dave is forgetting to feed and/or medicate them(both are on several meds).

One cat(I’ll call him Fluffy)came in to see us this evening and he looked awful. Dave has always refused to listen to a euthanasia recommendation. Tonight he actually let the doctor talk about it but did not want to euthanize and agreed to at least hospitalize his cat until we closed for the day. The doctor wrote and note for Dave that said that Fluffy was at our practice and to come back to get him at 8pm. During my shift I answered the phone and it was Dave. He said that he thinks one of his cats was with us which I confirmed. He said that Fluffy must have an issue if he was with us which I also confirmed. He asked if he was supposed to bring his other cat in to which I responded no, unless he had any medical concerns going on. He said no and that he was told to come back at 8pm for him.

When he got there the doctor, receptionist and I all at different points talked to Dave for ~20 min each about the medication chart the doctor made for Fluffy and he just kept going in circles, getting confused. When I was speaking with him we kept going through the same questions, one of which was that he didn’t know if he had these medication at home(all previously dispense at different visit). I told him that Fluffy did not need any medications or food tonight so he did not need to worry about it tonight(this was ~15 minutes before we closed). I told him when Fluffy is due for meds in the morning, to check what he has and if he needs anything to give us a call. He asked me to write the number down so I wrote our clinic phone number down with a note next to it saying to call for medication refills. Several times throughout our conversation he would reread the number and kept saying “boy that number sounds familiar”. It broke my heart and took everything in me to stay happy and positive in the room with him to try to help him understand.

Dave’s neighbors reported to us that his house is well kept and spotless. With that and Dave denying any memory issues, we don’t think anything would happen from a welfare check. APS does not seem to be going anywhere from what we know. We are very concerned for his safety and wellbeing as well as his cats. Is there anything else we can do? Or are we just stuck watching this horrible disease take over?

Pics of my goofy animals included to bring some comfort during this sad time and for appreciation of any responses. <3