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Now Ye're Talking to a US Police Officer III

Boards.ie: Niamh

Hi all! Our next AMA guest is someone we've had on with us twice before and he has been both informative and popular and has kindly offered to do another AMA with us.

He has been a police officer for over 25 years so has a lot of experience under his belt. He also has contacts with detectives in Child Abuse, Sex Crimes and Homocide who might also be willing to answer some questions via the AMA.

If you missed the previous AMAs you can read back over them here from 2019 and here from 2021.

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I'm a US police officer, AMA

Opps, sorry gang...the link for the above....

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-62696077

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Yeah that was my vague idea that the whole thing was very fragmented, even as an observer I think it must be massively frustrating to say the least. So transit don't communicate with patrol as an example? That's why I wonder how anything gets done!

Well it's not as bleak as that, more a case of overlapping boundaries. Say a fight kicks off on a transit bus, people call 911. Bus is at a junction between city/county boundary. County SO, City PD and Transit PD will respond as we do have a mostly combined 911 center (which is epically cool BTW. it's some Star Wars kit in there...massive). Odds are County SO/City PD will get there first and deal with the fight (more County SO/City PD than transit). As cops, we have universal authority in the state, whoever gets there first will cuff people, get names, whatever. Then someone will decide, if it all happened on the bus, then it's a Transit PD case, it's handed off to them on scene, and they deal with it. But, if all three agencies wrote reports (you better if you cuff someone), then Transit PD have to track down that officer/deputy, get his/her report for the follow on investigation. But we don't just had reports off to anyone, that has to be approved by legal, so it just slows things down. Day to day, we can jump to each others radio channels, but we don't see their MDC notes, and depend on their dispatcher to tell ours something like this or a pursuit is going through our patch. It's clunky to be fair, and it's not impossible an officer on scene will do the "hey, it's on your side of the road, you deal with it" Not a row or anything but it can get pissy.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Do many New Yorkers share the same sentiment as Louis Rossmann?

Never heard of this guy before today. Don't live in NYC, so no idea if he's popular or not. Honestly, he comes across as just another grumpy guy moaning on about his city government. Before the internet, he'd just be someone banging on at the pub...we all know the type.

As one of my college professors said "For every complex, difficult and broad social problem, there is always an elegant, simple, solution which is completely wrong and useless" Put another way "Bumper stickers are not policy options".

Another gem from a senior Army officer I heard once "Everyone's always had an opinion, and with the internet everyone now has a voice & platform"

:-)

[Deleted User]

Do you think the gun lobby is an issue in terms of how the public approach firearms? Eg the recent creation of the Jr-15 and how firearms are marketed to the public?

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Do you think the gun lobby is an issue in terms of how the public approach firearms? Eg the recent creation of the Jr-15 and how firearms are marketed to the public?

Well I don't want to get into the gun debate beyond saying I think the laws could be stricter. To answer the question, probably so. They are very adept at marketing in all its forms, be it preying on the need to defend yourself in a decaying society (eye-roll, apparently none of them have ever been to Afghanistan), sport shooting, constitutional rights and so on. I don't see guns going away, but I don't think reasonable restrictions are offside. Does one really need an AR-15 for "self defense".

As a bit of a contrarian, when people bring this up ("I need a gun for self defense") I like to ask, who do you know who has been a victim of crime? Most people can't answer that. Likewise, I'll say do you have a fire extinguisher, again, mostly blank stares. I'll ask, have you had better locks & an alarm fitted? "Ohhh...." comes the reply. You get my point. Dara O'Brian sums this up perfectly. :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zopCDSK69gs

And gang, my responses will slow a bit come Monday as I'm back at work. I've been at home dealing with my second effing COIVD infection despite being triple vaxed, so good start point. ANd yes, I caught it at work FFS!!! Spent a week in the spare room avoiding the wife so she didn't get sick....yea, frontline workers!!! I will answer questions, there will be a delay though.

kindalen

How/Why did you leave Ireland, and what was your career journey before police?

Damien360

I remember your last AMA and towards the end, you had a great female detective answering questions. She had a very tough role and rotated to various sections at (I think) 2 year intervals. Given what you know about her role, have you ever considered a move to detective ? Is there anything she outlined that would have you saying no thanks I’ll stick to my role. I seem to remember you did a lot of traffic corp type work.

A bit of a over generalisation but I would think the primary qualification for a role in the gardai (regardless of rank) is to be a GAA player with no other qualification. Is there a over generalised type of person to at joins the cops in the US ? Ex-college football players ? Ex-military ? How does the employer (state or local - I’m aware it varies by location as you said) decide on who is suitable and who shouldn’t be allowed to join ? Background checks ? Nod and wink ? Genuinely curious and not having a go at you.

Thanks for doing this again. The internal pics with descriptions of your cruiser were fantastic last time.

Worztron

Hi. Is there still a strong contingent of folk with Irish roots within police forces in the USA? Thanks.

MakersMark

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119527569#Comment_119527569

"Yes, only worked in TX. Spoke to this previously, but I'm not a fan of armed citizens."

Pretty shocking comment from an LEO sworn to uphold the Constitution, especially one serving in one of the most militarised police forces in the world.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

How/Why did you leave Ireland, and what was your career journey before police?

Moved over here as I got married to an American. Worked on the buldings, then was a paramedic for a while, moved to LE. Rest is history.

Yeah, thought about it. Never made the move for a variety of reasons, family, money, etc. that would bore the arse off people. After my last military leave, I was assigned to CID, albeit not as a detective, that's a promotion for us. I was basically a helper as CID were swamped and patrol manning was OK. I enjoyed, it, working through the investigative piece. I worked mostly Property Crimes, Child Abuse and Sex Crimes, enjoyed it. Basically the deal was I told the boss, "no child porn". Sure, I saw my share of "broken babies" as they are called, unsettling but nothing I couldn't handle. It's interesting work, has a routine of it's own. a lot of time on the phone, email and digging through medical, phone records and writing warrants for social media.

A bit of a over generalization but I would think the primary qualification for a role in the gardai (regardless of rank) is to be a GAA player with no other qualification. Is there a over generalized type of person to at joins the cops in the US? Ex-college football players? Ex-military? How does the employer (state or local - I’m aware it varies by location as you said) decide on who is suitable and who shouldn’t be allowed to join? Background checks? Nod and wink? Genuinely curious and not having a go at you.

Can't speak for AGS, other than I know their application process takes a long time, and the few Gardai I know don't play GAA :-) As for over here, we're a broad as the population really. The only common thread seems to be a high number of current or former military are on the force, I think it's around 30-40%. I get it, I'm Army myself, I like the structure & the idea of service. Despite the eye rolling and grumbling, cops like serving their community at some level. Otherwise my colleagues were previously in IT, Admin, teachers, builders, military, banking, finance, farming...all over the shop.

Hi. Is there still a strong contingent of folk with Irish roots within police forces in the USA? Thanks.

I think more in the older, northeastern depts where there is a stronger Irish community, think NYPD, Boston, Chicago, etc. Here locally don't know any fellow Micks on the force.

Pretty shocking comment from an LEO sworn to uphold the Constitution, especially one serving in one of the most militarized police forces in the world.

Why? It's a personal opinion, there are other things I don't like about America, just like anywhere else, it's a free country.

And I'm curious about the comment "most militarized police". What do you mean by this, what is your basis for comparison? How do you define a "Militarized police force"? The Gendarmarie Nationale of France are a component of the French military with a LE role to include a significant fleet of armored vehicles. How do we stack up compared to those hommes & filles? Curious to hear your logic.

PreCocious

Does it feel awkward that police forces are now under a greater degree of supervision than before ?

When it comes to being overly aggressive and violent towards people of colour do you have a graduated scale or is the same level of disdain shown to all non-whites ?

scudzilla

Seen in quite a few movies/shows where a long serving police officer in U.S does something wrong, sometimes minor, gets fired and loses his pension

Does this really happen? As in, Do you pay into it yourself for years then boom, 1 incident and you've lost it all

gimli2112

you sound incredibly intelligent, for a gun toting Trump loving Texan. I'm joking except for the intelligent part, thanks for doing this, it's really informative and a great read.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Does it feel awkward that police forces are now under a greater degree of supervision than before?

Not really, it's part of the background noise to be honest. We've had cameras in the cars since the late 1980's, so being under scrutiny is not new. Sure, there are more people with cell phones now of course, but so what? I have nothing to hide and if that catches the Derek Chauvin's of the world, well good. What does frustrate me is some of this stuff ends up online with tight editing, no context before I've even written my report. It can draw a lot of resources when a seeming bad encounter was actually justified, when the whole story is told. It's a lot of energy devoted to addressing a perceived outrage.

When it comes to being overly aggressive and violent towards people of colour do you have a graduated scale or is the same level of disdain shown to all non-whites?

This is an inflammatory and unhelpful comment. I'm professional with all my encounters. If you want to comment on policing, fine, come do a weeks' worth of ride outs with a busy urban department, learn some context.

Seen in quite a few movies/shows where a long serving police officer in U.S does something wrong, sometimes minor, gets fired and loses his pension. Does this really happen? As in, do you pay into it yourself for years then boom, 1 incident and you've lost it all.

Yes, it can and does. If you haven't reached pension eligibility and are terminated, no pension. Most pension systems here don't transfer from one agency to another. It's "stove pipes of excellence". However, if an officer is being fired, it's generally not for a "minor" thing. I value my pension, so I don't do stupid sh*t.

You sound incredibly intelligent, for a gun toting Trump loving Texan. I'm joking except for the intelligent part, thanks for doing this, it's really informative and a great read.

No comment on politics, but, yes, I also consider myself dashingly handsome and witty too.... :-)

I'm a US police officer, AMA

If anyone is interested, Dr. Rosa Brooks wrote an excellent book on modern policing. She is a Georgetown Law profession (prestigious Washington DC university) who became a reserve officer with Washington DC metro PD and wrote about her experiences. The book is a delightful read, she's a good story teller, quirky too. If you don't want the book, second link is a great interview with her. I love and have adopted her answer to the question "What about police reform? Her answer: "Its very complicated". She's right.

Amazon.com: Tangled Up in Blue: Policing the American City eBook : Brooks, Rosa: Kindle Store

To Understand Police Reform, Rosa Brooks Volunteered To Join The Force : NPR

Damien360

The mood this time round is not very nice towards you. It’s a bit “all US cops are bad”.

How is the mood in the police department with regard to “defund the police”. Does the general public understands the concept of what they are asking for and it’s consequences for their safety. Is there a mood in the cops for change or is it just noise ?

[Deleted User]

This is a very interesting read. Thanks for your candour, Op.

Sexual Chocolate

Just wondering are cop shootings down your way common ? Guards have had there fair share of it over the years but I'd imagine there's no comparison to the US unfortunately.

I only recently seen the video of Darian Jarrott in New Mexico and found it horrifying. It's also opened my eyes as to why cops are so cautious and nervous when carrying out traffic stops in the states.

I suppose the flip side to YouTube, Twitter ect when people aren't trying to portray cops as bad is that people can see just as much the **** yous put up with.

On a lighter note. Charger, Explorer, Taurus or Tahoe ?

I thought read somewhere a while ago the Explorers are giving lots of trouble compared to the others. Should probably go with Hyundai tbh 😂

Atlantic Dawn

You see a car next to you at say 8pm on a Saturday night while out on patrol, no stolen vehicle report or suspicious owner reports, you decide to stop and search it, what makes you decide that you need to stop the car and search it?

_Whimsical_

1 . I wonder if you see much evidence of right wing extremist views among your colleagues? Across Europe in recent years there has been a rise in right-wing extremist views in police forces, particularly in Germany and the UK.

2 . I also often wonder how much of the violence we see from US police is the result of PTSD and a reaction to years of serving in situations where you feel physically under threat on a daily basis?

I actually feel very sorry for US cops. I can't imagine getting up everyday to encounter situations of the gravity you tend to. It must take a hell of a toll on every aspect of your life.

cena

How can an guy in Ireland become a police office in the states?

I'm a US police officer, AMA

The mood this time round is not very nice towards you. It’s a bit “all US cops are bad”.

Oh, I'd say its about the same really. People form their perceptions from however they consume information. Bad news stories outrun the good ones, as good news is boring. I don't think there is a media bias, I just know "if it bleeds, it leads". I have two reporter friends, and they agree with me on that one.

Well morale is down right now and has been for a while. Don't get me wrong, it's not like we'll all depressed, muttering and kicking rocks. It does however wear ya down from the relentless onslaught. Protests and pickets go away once people make their point and get bored but the name calling & stuff can get old. I really don't care personally, if I did I would have quit years ago. Look at this AMA, that's the sort of tone we deal with daily and it does get tiring.

There is a lot of appetite for "police reform" but that is a loosely defined term with no real meaning. What is "police reform"? Yes, more oversight is useful, and so is more training & resources, but the larger structural issues are way beyond the control of the police. I'll use homelessness as an example. What is the police role in dealing with the homeless? Being homeless is not a crime, but in some places sleeping on the sidewalks is. So do we make an arrest for a crime or are the police responsible for finding this person food, shelter, healthcare and so on? Remember, society (be it city/county/state) passed a law of some kind making sleeping on the streets a crime. So, where does that fall in the remit of police reform?

There has been a slow move to shifting some resources away from police into things like mental health & social services which I submit is a good thing. I'm not a mental health professional, so good. 911 callers are asked "police/fine/EMS/mental health?" and there is a Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) of mental health professionals who respond. But if the mental health consumer (the current preferred term), turns violent, MCOT calls us. So is this a LE problem, a mental health problem or a social problem? And the answer is "yes, all of the above". We work with MCOT with dedicated officers, but it won't solve a larger society problem.

Locally, as part of "defunding the police" we didn't hire for two and an half years. Resources were diverted to the MCOT and some other programs. However, we're now 100's of officer short. Violent crime, especially gun crime has surged since the pandemic, murders are way up locally as are deaths from fentanyl as are traffic fatalities. Now there is increasingly vocal pressure for "the police to do something about crime". We've gutted all our specialty units, disbanded the traffic corps, we have detectives working patrol (while not working their child abuse, family violence or property crimes, auto theft) and we're struggling to answer calls for service. If you house is burgled, and the perp has left, 911 takes a phone report, gives you a case number and suggest calling your insurance company. Eventually, weeks later, you might hear from a detective, but you won't get a patrol response. We just dont have the resources. I know I sound "pro-police" but reality is, this is what a defunded police department looks like.

Racism and prejudice in LE do exist, I'm not stupid. And I'm all for more training & screening, and when this happens, those bad apples deserve to be punished. Put another way, after the Rodney King beating in the late 1980's, the Christopher Commission dug into the LAPD. They found out of something like 8000 officers, 183 officers had more than two excessive force complaints from 1986 to 1990. Empirically, a reasonable person would say, "well lets focus on the bad actors, and take care of them". However, there was no way in hell the city was ever going to say, "Oh, we looked, it's just 183 bad cops". Why? As a society, we don't always want uncomfortable truths do we? A lot easier politically to say "we had a commission, we're taking all these steps, and have revamped our training". You get my point.

Do cops want change? Most of us don't have strong feelings one way or another. Cops are generally suspicious of changes, it can be a conservative culture. Change is sometimes perceived as "Oh, here we go again, we're getting screwed". What is see lacking in some cases, is involving police and/or their unions in the change process, you'll get buy in that way. We live this sh*t every day, so we do have opinions, ask us, we can help. Sadly, there is a mood in some quarters of keeping the "evil cops" at arms length because "they are the problem". You wouldn't try and determine best way to repair your car by assembling a group that didn't include a mechanic would you?

Just wondering are cop shootings down your way common ? Guards have had there fair share of it over the years but I'd imagine there's no comparison to the US unfortunately.

Reality is, cop shootings arn't that common. Most of us will never hear a shot fired in anger, but then it does happen. And that's why we're careful, I'm not risking my life or the publics on the statistics that it will probably be ok.

Yep, thats why you stay cautious. And I get it, our approach can seem robotic and overly tactical. This is why, will it happen, most likely no, could it happen that day, that call, maybe....what would you do>

I'm a US police officer, AMA

I suppose the flip side to YouTube, Twitter ect when people aren't trying to portray cops as bad is that people can see just as much the **** yous put up with.

I guess, I think in the 21 century, people curate what they WANT to see more so than whats out there. Interestingly, in the UK, North Yorkshire Police tweeted out every 999 call they received in a 24 hour period by call nature. The amount of "no, people don't call the cops for that do" responses was funny. It's just another day for us.

On a lighter note. Charger, Explorer, Taurus or Tahoe ? I thought read somewhere a while ago the Explorers are giving lots of trouble compared to the others. Should probably go with Hyundai tbh 😂

Personally I prefer the Tahoe, just roomier, but we've gone to the Hybrid Explorers. They are ok, no real issue, just cramped compared to the Tahoe. But ya can't beat the mileage on them.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Not that simple. If there is no violation of the law, I have no reason to stop them. Before I can do anything I have to have at least reasonable suspicion or Probable Cause (PC) to make the stop. I can't stop someone just because I want to. If the vehicle breaks a traffic law, then I can pull them over to investigate the traffic violation, say illegal lane change, speeding, whatever. I make my approach, talk to the driver, figure out what's the deal. At this point, I still can't search the car, unless I have probable cause to search the car. And probable cause is not "I think you've committed a crime". I have to have very clearly articulable facts I can explain to a judge in my Affidavit as to why I searched the car.

Now, I can ask the driver for permission, if they give it, then I'm free and clear, that's a lawful search. If they say no, then, off they go. A hunch is not PC. Now I can follow them for a bit, if they violate traffic law, then I can make the stop and see how it goes as above. But I'll need more than the hunch.

I think its out there. Some off duty cops got rolled up in the JAN 6th fiasco at the US Capitol. And I'm not naïve, I'm sure they are out there. It's very tricky though, especially for the agency. Where do you draw the line between protected, free political speech and extremism? Most of us keep our politics to ourselves. Those groups are under a lot of scrutiny, so it's likely cooled a desire to be members at least openly. But, I'd bet they are out there.

2 . I also often wonder how much of the violence we see from US police is the result of PTSD and a reaction to years of serving in situations where you feel physically under threat on a daily basis?

There are some thoughtful studies linking a career in public safety (police/fire/EMS) to chronic PTSD. And yes, it does make you cynical as we tend to see humanity at its worst and dumbest. I'm not qualified to speak to a connection between a violent officer and PTSD, it's too individual. There was an analysis some years back discussion how one study determined that 40% of retired police officers die at their own hands within 10 years of retirement. As a profession, we're only beginning to address mental health.

In Ireland the police very very rarely come across a person with a gun and life threatening situations are dramatically less likely to be encountered than in the US. It's just hard to believe that these US cops that wildly overreact are ALL "bad guys". Do you all receive much psychological support for dealing with the pressures of policing in the US? I actually feel very sorry for US cops. I can't imagine getting up everyday to encounter situations of the gravity you tend to. It must take a hell of a toll on every aspect of your life.

I'm not saying they are all bad apples, but it's a complex problem. Our training relentlessly stresses officer safety because of incidents like the Darian Jarrett above. Some advocate that training be shifted to make it less confrontational, but it's striking the balance where the rub lies. It's hard not to be constantly on your guard when your life has been threatened. And life/death decisions have to be made in seconds, it's a tough nit to crack. Do we get much support, it depends, we have a pretty piss poor Officer Mental Health Program here. Chief barely supports it, she is "old school" and doesn't believe in "that touch, feely stuff". Sure, she'll talk it up in public, but try and take a "mental health day" and you'll be asked for doctors notes and explanations. We have a dept. psychologist, but she doesn't get agency support. We can do better.

Over time it does take it's toll. I have an amazingly supportive spouse who gets it (she's a retired firefighter), and I've used private mental health for my PTSD to help work though things. It's not easy, but I'm ok. As a profession, we're just now starting to understand mental health.

How can an guy in Ireland become a police office in the states?

If you can sort through the immigration/citizenship and otherwise meet the agency requirements, sure.

I'm a US police officer, AMA

From my time in Child Abuse. In my agency we also investigate crimes against the elderly & handicapped.

Six open cases:

Disabled person assaulted by roommate (both in their 60's)

Two teenage sexting cases

alleged abuse of twin brothers by father (accusation made after divorce papers filed)

alleged sexual assault of a 12yo female by 22 yo family friend

alleged choking of 9yo female by 11 yo cousin

Disabled person assaulted by roommate (both in their 60's)

Took phone statement from witness, victim is non-verbal, so can't talk to me. No interview possible, took written statement. Tried to reach suspect for interview, he's apparently left town. Victim or witness can't positively ID suspect, only "kinda know him". Was working up a photo lineup when all parties moved out of town with no working phones/email. Case suspended for now as victim is none hours away. Time spent: 7.5 hours.

Two teenage sexting cases.

One: Two teens aged 16 sexting & sending each other nudes. They break up, one threatens to send nudes to whole class at school. Victims parents in uproar. Interview victim, she's not thrilled about this, parents apoplectic discovering their daughter is sexually active. Suspect won't talk, parents lawyered up. After a few weeks of back & forth, case suspended in the interest of justice by DA. Ultimately while in bad taste, it was all consensual sexual encounters and she agreed to posing for the pictures. Suspect never did send them to anyone and allegedly deleted them form device. Time spent: 19 hours

Two: 16 yo boy sends nudes to person he met on Instagram who demands money. He sends $100, then gets scared & tells parents. Speak to parents, look at the screenshots from his account, suspect Insta account already suspended, screenshots reveal suspect's phone showed "Nigeria Wireless". Case suspended, nothing we can do with that. Time spent: 2 hours

Alleged abuse of twin brothers by father (accusation made after divorce papers filed)

Interviewed mom, decided to Forensically Interview boys, (twins aged 12), FI was inclusive, no outcry or claim of abuse, father lawyered up, refused to talk, interviewed family doctor, family therapist, boys teacher, researched kids entire medical history from various hospitals, (300 plus pages), reviewed social media videos provided by mother showing father in drunken rage (he won't win dad of the year award any time soon), reviewed social services reports, interviewed neighbours. No outcry or any evidence to support allegations, case suspend by DA for lack of any evidence. Mom & her lawyer furious at me, tried to subpoena me for custody hearing. Time spent: 120 hours

Alleged sexual assault of a 12 yo female by 22 yo family friend

Interviewed parents & family friend. No other witnesses to allegation. FI the victim, she alleges he kissed her briefly on the lips, nothing else. Tracked down suspect eventually. He's an illegal immigrant, convinced his dad to have both of them come in for interview after repeated assurances we are not connected to Immigration. Interview him with assistance of bilingual officer, he disputes victims version of events. Send him on his way, case suspended for lack of evidence. Time spent: 12 hours.

Another day at work, eh?

PCeeeee

Could you expand more on the pay please? You said 45k earlier? That sounds incredibly low. But most of my experience of the US is California so perhaps TX is different?

[Deleted User]

What's your opinion on border controls in the USA and IRELAND

In ireland we basically have no border and we are letting in untold amounts of refugees unvetted. Do you think this is going to lead to bigger problems down the line? Would you like to be policing these people in ten or 15 year's time?

I imagine Texas gets alot of action in terms of people coming to the border.

cena

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119539113#Comment_119539113

What kind of requirement would I need to meet? I know in new york you have to live in New York and be a citizen.

I would love to be a cop

martingriff

Hope these question are not stupid and hopefully not answered before and may come from police shows sorry

1. Is there much cross cooperation cases between different eg local police state police etc and if so how does it work. I am guessing you don't work together in 1 place and have you been part of one.

2. Is Internal affairs a thing and are they hated

3. Have you heard of many cases of swatting. I saw 1 on twitter where the cop came in realised the mistake quick said sorry and appeared on screen to say hello. If that one is true would they be in trouble.

4. I look at instant karma clips of YouTube of a convient cop (also a reddit forum) have you ever caught someone like this and is it as satisfying for ye as the ones who watch

I'm a US police officer, AMA

Could you expand more on the pay please? You said 45k earlier? That sounds incredibly low. But most of my experience of the US is California so perhaps TX is different?

Pay is hyperlocal, you really have to look at it though local living expenses, cost of health insurance (we have to pay for that here), where ya want to live, lifestyle, family etc. Then add in local bonuses, specialty pay, language pay, degree pay, rent assistance, take home car, etc.) Policing in America is not a monolith. A random sampling of starting salaries:

Local city PD: $60K, small town north of here: $50K, Small city in our county, $45K, State police $45K, LAPD $74K, our county sheriff, $60. NYPD $42K. Yes, that's $42 000/year to be a day 1 beat cop in New York City!!!!!! FBI Special Agent, $51K. Think about this.... the FBI agents who served the Trump warrant were on about $60K/year...now they are being doxed, harassed, and cyber stalked, all for $60K a year. And people wonder why we're short cops....

These are all starting salaries, and like I said, it's hyper local. If you want to be rich, don't be a cop, but we do get to wear cool polyester uniforms and get slagged off near daily for doing our job, don't we. :-)

What's your opinion on border controls in the USA and IRELAND

Complex question. And it's very political. I'm generally of the opinion that any country should have a degree of control over its borders. Easier said than done of course. I don't think it's unreasonable, being a compassionate society to accept refugees from conflict/whatever. How many, tough call. I submit, overall, a diverse population is a better one. How do ya get there, different story.

I'd also offer that the US is too focused on race-based immigration policies focused on trying to secure a very porous, land border of thousands of miles. I'd be for a more structured legal migration process, allow people as vetted as one can, to come in, work legally, pay into tax & social security without being able to benefit from it. This way we take money from human smugglers & cartels, move a huge amount of money from the black, cash economy to the regular economy and take the crime out of being in immigrant. I'd add caveats, of commit crime, you are deported, etc. We spend billions on trying to stem a problem that is as old as time, so why not regulate it and have our economy profit from it. I assure you, immigrants are not "taking our jobs", they are doing all the shi**y farm, labor & service jobs we don't want to do.

In Ireland we basically have no border, and we are letting in untold amounts of refugees unvetted. Do you think this is going to lead to bigger problems down the line? Would you like to be policing these people in ten- or 15-years' time?

I'm policing them now. There are third & fourth generation immigrants everywhere. Like anything else, most of them are fine, law abiding, some aren't. I've meet plenty of illegals who've been here over 30 years, they own houses, have cash businesses, and send their kids to school. All while terrified they are one traffic stop from deportation. Are some criminals, sure, just like the rest of the population.

I imagine Texas gets a lot of action in terms of people coming to the border.

Yep, border is busy. I was detailed to a border task force in a non-front-line role. Basically, a liaison between local LE and US Customs & Border Patrol (USCBP) AKA "la migra". It's depressing TBH, these people get treated like garbage all the way to the US side, then if apprehended, are sent back to the misery that is south of the border. But, a note of caution, immigration is a very political issue be it Ireland or the US, and I won't be drawn into the political debate beyond what I've said.

What kind of requirement would I need to meet? I know in New York you have to live in New York and be a citizen. I would love to be a cop

You have to be legally able to work in the US however that works for your situation. Most LE agencies require you be a US citizen too. Beyond that, each agency has its own terms & conditions, IE age, residency status, background, blah, blah, blah, blah....checck out the recruiting sites.