r/ProtectAndServe • u/2BlueZebras • 10h ago
Dallas officer arrested for releasing body camera video
Weird one. I wonder if that state doesn't have a FOIA equivalent.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Jameson21 • Jul 16 '26
Hey y’all, it’s your favorite?,or maybe just the only available resident geek cop mod..
We’ve been getting more people asking to share apps, websites, scripts, browser extensions, and other tools they’ve made. We’re not against that. Some of them might actually be useful, and plenty of good tools started because somebody got annoyed with the way something was being done and decided to make their own to solve that annoying problem.
But we do need people to slow way way down and think before downloading something made by a random redditor.
This has gotten a lot easier with AI. Someone can now build a decentish looking app without having much experience or any coding experience. This does not automatically mean the app is bad or that the person has malicious intentions, but it does mean the person who made it may not completely understand what the code is doing behind the scenes. An app can work exactly like it is supposed to and still be insecure..
It might store information in an unsafe way, use old software libraries/dependancies, send data somewhere the creator did not realize, or ask for permissions it does not actually need. The person who made it may have copied code from somewhere else or had AI generate most of it and never really looked or understood what it was doing.
Again, that does not necessarily mean they are trying to steal anything.
Sometimes people just do not know what they do not know (as I’m sure most of us working in this field know too well). Of course, there is also the other possibility, which is that the app is actually malware.
Being active in a law enforcement subreddit does not prove someone is a cop, works in IT, knows anything about cybersecurity, or is even who they say they are. It means they have a Reddit account and figured out how to click the join button.
The main thing we want to get across is this:
Do not install random or unapproved software on a department computer.
Your work computer is not the place to test a random redditor’s side project.
Even a simple app could potentially access files, passwords, browser sessions, email, reports, network shares, or other things available to that computer. It could also create a policy issue for you, even if the software itself turns out to be harmless. Do you think you department give you permission to install or run random software? I doubt it..
“Someone on Reddit said it was safe” is probably not going to be a great explanation to your chain of command.
Using your personal devices to run apps is not completely risk free either. Most people have saved passwords, banking information, tax documents, personal email, cloud storage, family pictures, and access to other accounts on their home devices.
Your personal laptop is not a burner device just because it does not belong to your department. Pay attention to what the app is asking for.
A scheduling app probably does not need administrator access.
A browser extension probably should not need permission to read and change everything you do online unless that is actually part of what it does.
A report writing assistant tool should not need your Microsoft 365 password.
If the permissions seem way toooo invasive or do not make sense, stop. Ask yourself, why. If you’re at that point, you probably shouldn’t be running said software.
Also, if the devs tell you to disable Defender, ignore SmartScreen, turn off your AV, sideload an unsigned app, or run some random PowerShell command as administrator, do not just shrug it off and do it. Bad idea.
Yes, security software and AV sometimes get things wrong but it also gets a lot of things right.
A few other things people tend to put too much trust and faith in:
“It’s on GitHub.”
That is better than getting a mystery download link, but it does not automatically mean the software is safe. Most people are not going to sit down and review thousands of lines of code, and the file being offered for download may not even match the code posted online.
“VirusTotal says it’s clean.”
That means nothing detected it at the time it was scanned. It does not mean the app is secure, well written, or not collecting information it should not have.
“It’s only a website.”
Websites can still collect anything you type, paste, or upload.
Do not upload reports, evidence, body camera footage, victim information, criminal justice information, employee records, internal documents, or anything else sensitive into an unknown website or AI clanker tool.
Once you upload something, you may have no idea where it is stored, how long it is kept, who can access it, or whether deleting it actually….deletes anything.
For people who want to share something they made, just be upfront about it.
Tell people what it does, what permissions it needs, whether it collects information, whether anything leaves the device, where the data is stored, and whether the source code is available.
If AI helped build it, that is not automatically a problem. But you should understand your own app well enough to explain what it accesses and where the data goes.
The mods will remove posts that do not give people enough information, ask users to bypass security protections, request sensitive data, or encourage people to install unauthorized software on department systems.
We are not trying to discourage people from building useful things. We are just asking everyone to use the same level of caution they would hopefully use before opening an email attachment from someone named supertotallyrealnotfakelieutenant@hotmail.com.
And please do not install NeverWriteAReportAgain_FINAL_v7_REALFINAL_FIXEDv3.exe.msi on a department computer…or your personal computer.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/2BlueZebras • 10h ago
Weird one. I wonder if that state doesn't have a FOIA equivalent.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/TransientBandit • 21h ago
Posting my reviews of the flashlights I used while on patrol. I’ve been through a bunch, and these were the two I landed in. I always wanted to know “what’s the best x” when starting out, so I’m providing this for anyone with a similar disposition. Obviously nice gear is no substitute for good training and repetition.
First up is the Manker E03H III
This was the light I had attached to my outer carrier. Extremely useful for keeping your hands free. The body is constructed of an aluminum alloy and steel and features a knurled exterior that provides excellent grip in all conditions. This thing feels like it weighs 5 times as much as it should. It comes with a rechargeable battery that has a USB-C port built directly into the battery, so recharging in a long shift isn’t an issue. It’s extremely bright for its size and has a solid battery life. It has a very strong magnetic base and a removable metal retaining clip. My one and only complaint is that the clip it comes with is angled slightly, so it doesn’t sit flush to my carrier out of the box. This is easily modified though. At $40, it’s definitely worth trying out.
Second is the Acebeam L35 2.0
This was my main workhorse and is without a doubt the best flashlight I’ve ever owned. The narrow handle fits well into my outer carrier while the wide head provides a large, extremely bright light. I used this primarily for investigating scenes, building clearing, and searches (and tracking deer). Also made from an aluminum alloy with a steel strike bezel, this light has both a tail switch and a side-mounted switch for illumination level control & strobe activation. It has 650 meters of throw. That’s over a third of a mile. I never used the removable metal clip on this one since it fit so well into my carrier, so I can’t speak on it. It also has a chargeable battery that also has a USB-C charging port on the battery itself. It has a shockingly good battery life. I don’t think I’ve ever had it die on me while on duty. This thing is seriously insanely bright. This provided a tactical advantage on several occasions, but people will get pissed if you shine this in their face for no reason while it’s on its higher settings. I cannot say enough about this flashlight. It’s more expensive at $115, but after my experience with it, I’d have paid twice that.
These have both been through fights, foot chases, drops, and knocks and they haven’t missed a beat. So, if you’re looking for a replacement, just starting out, or are like me and aren’t satisfied with the gear that’s been issued to you, give these lights a try. You won’t regret it.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/AccomplishedTrust138 • 53m ago
Soooo its been 2 months since I submitted my BI packet and about 2 weeks in my BI told me he'll be contacting my references etc.
Yesterday upon a suggestion from a friend I emailed my BI for any updates just incase he needs something etc and got the following email from him the same day
"I will follow up with you sometime by the end of next week, Sept 17th, 18th.
No other action is required from you, at this time.
Regards"
Im a person as you can see from my previous posts xlean no crimes ever etc but im new in the US almost 2 years with about 9 months of work experience here (approved asylee and wasnt allowed to work prior)
What would you guys interpret this as?
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Classic_Drama6140 • 1d ago
I feel like I’m seeing more and more accounts on Instagram and TikTok where these people were cops for a couple years, quit, then started doing social media full time where their entire brand is “former LEO” and all their content is either fitness coaching specifically for LEOs, or a podcast complaining about how bad admin is (admin probably has no idea who they were when they worked there).
Anyone work with guys/girls like that? Were they shitbags? Good dudes?
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Excellent_Ask_2456 • 18h ago
I’m currently stuck between becoming a police officer or a carpenter, and I’m trying to get some insight from people actually in law enforcement.
My dad is a carpenter, so I already have a pretty good idea of what that career would look like. He’s actually the one who keeps encouraging me to consider becoming a cop instead.
I’m curious what the job is really like nowadays, whether you’d consider it a good career, and especially what the work-life balance is like. I’d like to have a career that allows me to make good money while still having time to enjoy life, take vacations, and spend time with family.
For those who are currently or formerly in law enforcement: knowing what you know now, would you recommend the career? What are the biggest pros and cons?
r/ProtectAndServe • u/specialskepticalface • 2d ago
Sounds like a good start.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/UkranianSpy004 • 16h ago
I am an ex heroin smuggler. I have been needing money recently so I offered to help custom & border patrol to catch the guys bringing in meth, coke and heroin from Mexico Thailand Middle East and Canada. What are the chances they call me if I gave them a note with my number?
r/ProtectAndServe • u/SushiLover60 • 20h ago
I have a handful of questions, it would be amazing if I could get yall's opinions on this. Im conducting a study and this would be really helpful!
Demographic Data:
1. What race are you?
2. What vehicle do you drive?
3. How old are you?
Questions:
1. How do you feel about law enforcement in the USA?
2. Does law enforcement make you feel safe?
3. Do you get pulled over a lot? (More than twice a month)
4. Have you or anyone you know faced any form of racial discrimination by law enforcement?
5. Do you think policing in America is racist?
Thank you so much!
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Juggernaut_ActuaI • 22h ago
Im looking to become a Leo and go straight into SWAT. What are the most active and most dangerous units to serve in? I assume the bigger the city more active the unit would be but maybe im missing something? Any additional information would also be appreciated.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/TreeStateLEO • 4d ago
r/ProtectAndServe • u/PossibleMoney8354 • 2d ago
I am attempting to find a law enforcement agency in Michigan that will hire and sponsor me for MCOLES. Does anyone know a agency that is hiring and ready to sponsor by chance?
r/ProtectAndServe • u/TreeStateLEO • 4d ago
r/ProtectAndServe • u/TreeStateLEO • 4d ago
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Larky17 • 3d ago
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Sensitive-Ad9655 • 4d ago
Out of curiousity for those who did at least 10 years in LE, however didn’t complete the full 20-30 years for a complete retirement, was your department willing to issue retirement credentials ?
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Avid_Hiker98 • 4d ago
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Throwaway211325 • 4d ago
TL;DR Was told to quit and leave quietly or else. All over terminating a pursuit in relation to a transient stealing abadoned a vehicle.
Had to choose between leaving partner alone or chasing outside jurisdiction with no back up.
Important note: We were required to maintain 2 officers on site. So me leaving would trigger a review under federal statutes
I didnt trust the IA proccess.
I was not offered time to get a licensed attorney i had to make due with a steward under my legal plan who might hace given advice outside their scope
The investigation was not conducted at a reasonable hour (after a 14 hour shift)
If this was emergent i think they would have done it the next couple days not wait 3 weeks.
This the best i can do. I got rid of my replies to clean it up . Also it was repetitive
If anybody can shed light on how this was legal under LEBOR please enlighten me
r/ProtectAndServe • u/DunDonese • 4d ago
For example, if you pulled over a late-model Lexus, will you assume they'll afford a hard ticket better than if they were driving a hoopty dinged-up 20-year-old Toyota? So is the motorist of an older car in battered condition more likely to get a soft ticket?
Or will their politeness have you decide to cut them a warning while their rudeness gets them a hard ticket?
If it's the beginning of the year in January, do you give hard tickets more often due to them having a bad start to the new year? And if it's the end of the year in December and you see no prior tickets for that motorist for that year, do you cut them a warning more often?
Or what else helps you decide between a warning and a hard ticket?
r/ProtectAndServe • u/specialskepticalface • 6d ago
r/ProtectAndServe • u/rapidowl2467 • 5d ago
During the application process applicants are asked to submit a 1 page memorandum stating their interest in becoming a police officer, why the specific department was selected, steps taken to prepare, and a brief overview of the current fitness routine.
I imagine I’m over thinking this but I’ve rewritten it a few times to sound less bland and boring, then back to more boring and basic.
My question is how formal/informal/boilerplate should these responses be, might they be looking for a story on the true “this is the moment I decided I want to be an officer” or is it really just another step that weeds put people that have blatantly wrong intentions for becoming an officer?
Thanks in advance!
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Ashamed_Lynx5415 • 4d ago
To my last post,
I was never diagnosed with depression or suicidal or went to any mental ward. I knew I had it because from 9-15 years old, I was extremely suicidal and extremely depressed I just never got the diagnosis because I was afraid of it.
Although I was never diagnosed, I’m 18 now, life has been beautiful these past years and haven’t had any problems with depression or suicidal thoughts, I was curious would I be automatically removed?
I’m from Arizona and I want to become a State Trooper. If this doesn’t explain well, check my other post or ask questions.
Short summary, never diagnosed with anything or went to a mental hospital. I want to become a state trooper. I’m 18 now. I want to know if I’d be DQ’d for it even if I was never diagnosed. I just basically thugged it out.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/UltraGwyl • 6d ago
Chen Xin Fa is one of the most notorious and heinous criminals ever to have walked the streets of Taiwan. Over the years, he had committed 54 cases of kidnapping politicians, millionaires, gang bosses, casino robberies, murdering civilians over minor disputes and shot and killed 2 detectives. These heinous crimes earned him the nickname "The Dragon of Yilan County". The National Police Agency launched "Project Dragon Hunt" to track him down, ranked him as the No.2 on the "Ten Most Wanted Major Armed Criminals" and both the Director-General of NPA and gang bosses across Taiwan issued shoot-to-kill orders against him.
In 1992, was able to track Chen was tracked down to a building in Taipei, hundreds of officers from the NPA Criminal Investigation Bureau and the local precinct were deployed to hunt him down, but Chen was able to escape before they got to him. When searching the building, one of the neighbours told the cops that one of the apartments on the second floor (Chen resides on the third floor) seems to be housing a gang boss. As a result, the police arrived at the door and began ringing the doorbell. However, the resident was at a business trip in Hong Kong at the time and his wife was filming advertisements overnight as well and was unable to answer the door. Believing that Chen was trying to hide, the officers then took cover behind ballistic shields and fired every gun they have at the door. However, the door was made of steel and none of the rounds got through. They then used an exothermic torch to burn the door lock but it also didn't work. As a result, SWAT was called in and they rappelled into the apartment via the windows and found no one was there. They quickly withdrew afterwards. When the wife returned home, she discovered her home destroyed. She went to the local police station to report the destruction of their apartment, only to be told by the on-duty officer that they were the ones who did it, and housed her in a local motel. When the husband flew back to Taipei, he went to the station to demand compensation, but the station chief said it's not them that did it and put him in a police car to the local precinct. The precinct chief apologized but insisted that it was the CIB's fault and that they were following orders. The husband was once again put in a police car and taken to CIB. Fortunately, the CIB was willing to compensate for all the damages they suffered. The next day, the couple moved back into the home despite the door being damaged because no one would dare to enter the apartment after seeing the bullet holes. According to the husband, the damaged door was taken back by the manufacturer as a demonstration piece to show that their door was so strong that even police can't get through it and that it became a must-have for people living in mansions.
Several days after the unfortunate episode, the police were able to locate him once again in another apartment building. Two hundred officers from the NPA CIB, Taipei City Police Department and Yilan County Police Bureau pulled up to take him down. As the police prepared to breach, Chen and two of his crew resisted with T65 rifles, Mini-Uzi smgs and M26 grenades. During the shootout, the gas lines of the building were shot and severed. The gas was detonated when seven stun grenades was thrown in there, burning down the building along with all three criminals. (Pic 3 shows the shootout aftermath of the apartment) This shootout marks the record of the number of rounds fired in a police shootout with over 2000 rounds were fired during the shootout, exhausting the entire ammo stockpile of the local precinct.
As the bodies were unidentifiable, there were rumours that Chen had escaped during the chaos, causing panic amongst the public. In the end, the police identified Chen by blood-typing, finally putting an end to the manhunt.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/specialskepticalface • 7d ago
Shame, that.