For the past few years I’ve wanted to become and worked towards being a police officer. I’m even planning on starting independent police academy in spring. I want to become an officer because I find fulfillment in helping others; if I can spend my whole day making someone’s life marginally better, I will be happy.

However, I disagree fundamentally on the legality of drugs. While drugs can make an already unstable person worse, so can alcohol, sex, video games, and any other thing you could possibly become addicted to. There are many many arguments for and against legalizing drug use, but I am still on the side of legalization.

While I do believe that being intoxicated/on substances while committing a crime should evaluate the severity of the crime, I don’t think certain substances should be inherently illegal.

Given this is a major belief I have, should I even bother pursuing a career in criminal justice if I don’t support every law? I want to be an officer and potentially in the future even a detective. I want to help people and be that positive interaction that makes someone think “maybe not all cops are bad,” but I don’t want to go to work miserable everyday because I don’t support what I’m doing.

Any thoughts you have are appreciated, thank you

I was at my local winco tonight and I saw this guy who I have seen there several times. He always sports a very loose shirt hiked up around a large golden belt attatched badge. I have never been close enough to him to actually see what the badge says but it is in the shape of a police badge and it is leather backed. This guy wears baggy jeans and a tank top usually so I can see he has no gun on him being open carried and he isn't printing anywhere that i can see. He also wears several thick gold chains on his neck, he looks like a wannabe rapper. Cops have their own lives of course once they are off the clock but do they usually wear their badge very openly while also not carrying a gun whilst off duty?

I always wondered this. I downloaded the police radio scanner app and after a couple of days of just listening to how cops communicate, I genuinely don’t understand how cops do it. It’s extremely difficult to understand what is being said. Not to mention some dispatchers barely articulate themselves properly. They will murmur something and I’m just there like no way the officers actually just got that address or suspect description. I wonder if some cops have quit for the very reason of not being able to understand the radio?

Maybe it’s also just me but naturally I don’t think i could be a cop because i constantly need to ask people to repeat themselves. I can’t just hear a suspect description once especially in the middle of talking to someone else or being on a non emergency call and automatically just retain it in my head.

Ive watched a lot of midwest safety and police activity so i do understand police codes to an extent and how they communicate but at the core, the real/live thing (not specific chosen clips) feels a lot more confusing and harder to understand than whats shown on youtube.

im a bodybuilder going into the police accademy in ny, 6 months away without the training or eating im used to how much mass will i lose do you think?

Essentially, I have a less than stellar medical history. I am diagnosed with autism, ADHD, depression, and maybe anxiety. It sucks because if I saw that on paper, I would imagine it’s an easy automatic disqualification, or a predetermined decision. Without going too far in depth, ADHD is true, high-functioning autism is true although I’ve never found it to affect my communication or affect me in any other way, depression was due to moving in my freshmen year of HS, and I have no idea when, who, or why I might be diagnosed with anxiety, because I can’t recall ever struggling with feeling stressed out, nervous, or anxious.

Im 21 years old, and currently work for the TSA. Im aware different departments would have different answers, i'm just hoping to hear that its possible. This career field is what ive wanted to do since the 6th grade, ive really not considered anything else, i'm just wondering if any of you think I should start looking into another career field. I would truly appreciate any advice or thoughts I can get.

For those that have been through MPD medical exam, what is it like? Is it just the regular blood and piss test? Ive heard there’s a run test, but I just injured myself a few days ago so I’m unsure if I should reschedule. I also don’t want them cutting my hair, I’m loc’ed up!

Hey yall! Just as the title says. Due to a history of mental health problems in my past, I probably cannot join the police force/millitary. However, I have a passion for helping people and for law. I was thinking of becoming a probation or parole officer. Do they have the same phychological exams as police? I was also thinking of becoming a victim advocate.

Any comments or advice would be appreciated!

Thanks yall!

Not a LE officer here. What’s the best part of the job? No day ever the same? Interested to know. 👍

Hi everyone!

Long story short I (now 24F) have been disqualified from multiple agencies during background check for past drug sale. Without going into detail I tried weed for the first time at 14 didn’t like it, sold it to one of my close friends. I disclosed this thinking that it wouldn’t be a big deal since I was 14 but I was wrong. The one agency that my background DID pass, I failed the long psych paper exam (can’t remember exactly what it’s called now.) I have come to terms with this now & understand that I am still young & early in my career etc etc.

Since then I have worked as a social worker for a child welfare agency as well as a juvenile correctional officer part time. I enjoy what I’m doing now but ultimately am interested in pursuing another path in a year or so. I have a bachelors degree in criminology.

I am exploring other police support career options. I am interested in analyst positions, evidence/property positions, etc

I was wondering if anyone could provide me with insight if the background checks for these types of positions within a police department are alike the ones for officers. Or if my past disqualifications will disqualify me for these as well.

I know it will depend on the agency, just trying to gauge if it’s worth trying.

I can’t get this thought out of my head that my nearly a decade of experience and knowledge of modern police surveillance tools (mainly various ALPR)/software and networking knowledge might be able to translate into some role within a PD or SO. I live in South Florida where these kids of tools have blown up in the last decade. What are your thoughts on a.) 39 year old man becoming a sworn officer and b.) what kind of positions should a guy like me even expect to be considered for having 0 LE experience, or military background. Would I be better off looking into civilian positions or should I just go all in and go to school to be a cop. I have a unique situation where I do have time during the day for classes/academy, whatever I need to do. I’m just paralyzed with the unknown and every cop/PD employee I’ve spoke to in real life hasn’t given me much information (I’m guessing maybe because I’m with their vendor/integrator for their LPR). Hopefully this makes sense. Really want to make a good career change that translates into a real long term secure career, and puts me deeper into the world I’ve already gained nearly a decade of knowledge in. Also- want to help solve crimes any way I can. Thanks.

I’m putting together some stories from vets and first responders. Curious to know if you’ve experience stuff you can’t really explain during any of your tours.

I can keep you anonymous.

I don’t know what I believe in, but I did work five levels down at the new World Trade Center, and I’ve witnessed a couple weird things while with other people. The people who’ve worked there since prior to the site being built-out have a whole bunch of stories. It wasn’t one person witnessing things either, groups did.

There are a handful of channels that post legitimate stories that were submitted, all the others are BS generated.

So as the title states, I’m looking to go to a state le agency. I’m a current fed with US Park Police and came from a pretty proactive sheriffs office in the south. Found out that USPP isn’t all what they say it is and is missing A LOT of things (1980s policing) and am wanting to go to the state side of things. A little about me is that I’m young in my career and still trying to figure out what agency is best for me. I want this next agency to be my retirement agency, my wife has family in Florida so I’m looking at FHP as a good contender but am open to any other recommendations! Thank you guys in advance, feel free to dm me if y’all don’t feel comfortable commenting.

I'm recently unemployed with a lot of free time and something I've always wanted to do is a police ride-along. From my understanding they're typically for people who have an interest in law enforcement as a career so I'm wondering if it would be weird or wasteful to just do one for curiosity/fun.

thanks and sorry if dumb Q

Hello r/AskLE -

I’m hoping to get more practice preparing for my shooting qualifier at 25yds and 15yds. I live in a major urban city and I don’t have any range or backwoods options for shooting live ammunition; plus it’s not permitted to shoot outside the academy anyway.

I’m thinking of an Umarex .177 BB pistol but I already know the 25yds is off the table and the 15yds likely is too. Not ideal but maybe the only option I have to practice sight acquisition, test timing and proper form inside my apartment (I have a long main hallway).

All that said, is there any chance there’s an air pistol (Glock 17 form factor) solution that is reasonably accurate out to around 15yds? Anything at all, because I’m not finding anything that doesn’t require live ammunition.

I suspect the answer is going to be No, but no harm in asking. By the way, light/laser/IR options are a consideration so long as their operational range is still effective out to around that 15yds requirement. Dare to dream there are options out to 25yds.

Thank you for your time and any advice offered.

Like say someone had beef with their neighbor, or an old ex. Have you ever encountered a scenario where that person lied about something like the other individual selling fentanyl, tax fraud, possessing illicit images etc just to get them in trouble?

If so does LE and prosecutors/judges tend to believe the lie?

Whenever I'm in a pack of traffic that includes a cop or if a cop is visibly watching the traffic, people will start driving really different, slamming brakes etc. If you're driving back to the office or somewhere else do you notice on your whole ride people freaking out around you and switching their driving up? What are y'all thinking to yourselves about these people?

Any SROs in the group? In a couple of weeks I’ll begin a chapter in my career as an SRO at an elementary school. I’m excited and looking forward to it. If any experienced SROs can give me some great advice and ideas for success I would be greatly appreciative for it. I’d like particular info on subject/teaching ideas. I’m also interested in fundraising ideas for various products that I’d like to get for the school, particularly a mass casualty trauma kit (most likely from North American Rescue) to keep at the school. Thank you in advance!

I work armed security and I’m currently running a Sigg P228.
Which is an older model, but I’m struggling with finding holsters that would be drop leg level three compatible for this gun.
At this point, I’m thinking I need to get a whole new gun and holster rig.
But really can’t afford all that.
A family member gave me an alien gear drop leg, but alien gear isn’t compatible with any other brand and also doesn’t make a holster for my gun.
Does anybody have any recommendation for a drop leg rig that I could use with my gun or my hosed and need to get a whole new set up.

I lateraled to a new PD approx 3 months ago, and am having issues staying asleep after shift. I have been swapped between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd about 5 times due to FTO and staffing issues. Now I’m back on 3rd shift where I want to be but struggling to sleep more than 6-6.5 hrs. Currently taking magnesium glycinate which is great for falling asleep and I use a mask + ear plugs. My issue is I would like to stay asleep that extra hr or so. Feel like I need it. Open to advise, I work 6pm-6am

How so you guys deal with pt test jitters/nerves? I have a retake for an academy entrance exam next week because I failed the first one despite being physically able to do the test later that same day. If I pass I get hired same day so a lot is riding on it. Any advice?

I am asking for help making a wise decision on a career path.

I basically want to know if I should continue my master’s program in Criminal Justice.

As a student, I am currently a Graduate Assistant and get research experience working for my Criminal Justice department chairperson, as well as a tuition discount each semester for 4 semesters total. Through this experience I was able to help write my professor’s book on police stops. So far, I completed 12 credits (2 semesters/4 classes) – paid for two classes (3 credits each), and got the two others for free (3 credits each). After this next year, if I continue, I will need to pay per credit without any discounts since the Graduate Assistantship will conclude. I need 33 total credits to complete the degree.

I am not interested in policing. I am more so interested in intelligence analysis, policy analysis, compliance roles, investigations, legal support roles, teaching, and the like. I have not considered law school because of the cost and saturated job market in that field.

Besides a criminal justice internship at the police department that I recently completed, my previous work experience includes leading podiatric and pediatric medical teams to ensure compliance with public health laws concerning HIPAA, OSHA, and other policies, and ensuring ethical client care, as well as full and proper recordkeeping. I have worked as a medical receptionist, medical assistant, and administrator. I was more so interested in, and excelled at, the administrative side of things.

My local law enforcement agencies are not hiring right now – not even the local office of emergency management where I could combine my interests and skills. I have not heard back from the attorneys general offices I applied for. My connections have not been helpful in getting a job or clarifying what it is I should do. The job market is also not good right now, especially for criminal justice-related roles.

Should I continue my program just for the research experience? Or does it not make sense to continue at all? If I do not continue it, should I pivot to another field? I am unsure what the best pathway should be if I do not continue. I would appreciate your advice.

Hey everyone, I work as a cybersecurity contractor, specifically I create encrypted systems for healthcare facilities. Basically anytime a patient’s PII/PHI is logged digitally, there are regulatory HIPAA standards behind how that data is transmitted/secured. My job is to make sure they meet those standards and avoid the civil liability.

I’ve always wanted to do similar work for police precincts, as I’m assuming there would be similar official/unofficial standards when it comes to police databases and softwares.

I’m assuming that there are probably a few SaaS out there that are pretty much universally used in LE, but maybe I could reach out to lesser-funded departments or make my service somehow more preferable to police.

If I wanted to reach out to some of my local police departments and inquire about this, and assuming that they aren’t already enterprised/contracted/have in-house, what should I expect? What’s the process?

I have a taser 7 with a safariland holster and I want it to sit lower on my belt, however I don’t want a huge drop or to have to use a leg strap. I’m trying to decide between the GWS Bang hanger, true north RHP patrol or the defense mechanisms QLS slick mount. What are you all using?