Now ye're talking - to a US police officer

Boards.ie: Niamh · 22-07-2019 3:17pm #1

Good afternoon everyone, we have a new AMA for you today and this one is with a US police officer. He's written a fairly comprehensive introduction which should cover some of the more basic questions that might have been asked so please do read it before posting. Thanks!

I’m a patrol officer for the last 23 years, edging ever close to retirement (four more years). I’ll answer questions broadly, can’t give you legal advice, and will only comment on cases/issues/stories in the public domain. Laws & procedures vary in the different agencies and jurisdictions in the US, but as a rule most of it follows the same basic principles.

Yes, I am armed, all police in the US are armed. My basic duty wear is, 9mm Glock 19, two pistol magazines, Taser, Asp, two pair handcuffs, radio, OC spray, small torch, latex gloves. We wear body armour under our uniform shirts. Uniform is a traditional tan uniform shirt with metal badge, black trousers, jacket as required in winter. Hat is a baseball cap.

Our agency is in the process of transitioning to a body camera system, probably implemented later this year/early next year. Our cars all have cameras (front facing) and also record the prisoner cages to include audio.

Our standard patrol vehicle is either the Chevrolet Tahoe, which we are phasing out for the Ford Explorer. They are police package vehicles, heavy duty suspension, beefed up alternator & brakes, prewired for radio/lights/siren, etc. Back seat is a divided prisoner cage with vinyl seats and a barrier between the officer & the prisoners. They vinyl is designed to be easily cleaned and the back floor has a drain hole.

Carried in the car is generally: M-4 patrol rifle (5.56mm), bean bag shotgun, AED, first aid kit, traffic cones, tyre spikes, evidence kits, digital camera, crime scene kits (tape, shoe covers, etc.), small tool kit, breaching tools (crow bar, small sledge hammer), fingerprint kit, water rescue throw rope, various forms, & personal items (rain gear, traffic vests, snacks, water, clipboards, paper, etc.). This all fits in the back in a series of custom drawers & cabinets.

The car comes with a Mobile Data Computer (MDC) (Panasonic Tough Book), electronic ticket writer, fixed multi-band radio, usual lights & sirens, torch charger, map book. The MDC has an integrated Sat Nav function and is linked to our Computer Aided Dispatch. We get all our call information on the MDC, use it to run number plates, driving licenses, ID’s, criminal history and so on. Also has all our report writing software, and links to the e-ticket writer which prints out the ticket issued for offenses. Of course, we still carry a manual ticket book too. Some of our cars have the ANPR system which is linked to the MDC.

spindex · 22-07-2019 3:20pm

Boards.ie: Niamh wrote: »

Good afternoon everyone, we have a new AMA for you today and this one is with a US police officer. He's written a fairly comprehensive introduction which should cover some of the more basic questions that might have been asked so please do read it before posting. Thanks!

Hi,
How many people have you shot ?

kunst nugget · 22-07-2019 3:20pm

Hi, thanks for taking time out to do this. Probably a question a lot of people have - have you ever shot anyone and if so, did you kill them? Is counselling provided to people who shot anyone on duty?

22-07-2019 3:22pm

Hello,

Pretty basic question here but what made you decide to be a police officer?

Thanks!

Fann Linn · 22-07-2019 3:22pm

Without going into too much personal detail is the pay and conditions plus pension good, considering what you lads have to put up with? Thanks.

Gatling · 22-07-2019 3:22pm

How would you compare your duties and risks associated to somewhere like here ,
Where beat officers only carry a telescopic baton

ED E · 22-07-2019 3:22pm

Do you think the overlapping forces of City/State/Feds leads to better or worse policing in your jurisdiction?

red petal · 22-07-2019 3:24pm

Is it a career path you would like to see your younger family members go down or would you advise against it?

green_rim · 22-07-2019 3:28pm

Do you get given a quota of blacks kids to kill or is just one of those things you do to pass the time when bored?

kunst nugget · 22-07-2019 3:29pm

green_rim wrote: »

Do you get given a quota of blacks kids to kill or is just one of those things you do to pass the time when bored?

Oooooh... so edgy.

Hazys · 22-07-2019 3:30pm

Do you wear a body camera?

If not, what are your thoughts on having to wear on if it was made mandatory?

Krombopulos Michael · 22-07-2019 3:31pm

Is there a TV show (apart from reality shows) that accurately represents what it's like to be a cop, such as The Wire, or is much of the stuff on TV just hollywood BS.

4068ac1elhodqr · 22-07-2019 3:33pm

Considering the current tech (ANPR) car recognition, and incoming tech (wearable cams), what's your view on the likely approach of 'people recognition'.
I.e. (FRS) 'facial recognition systems'. Is it just a small sacrifice of freedom, in the interest of crime {prevention}?

/Or will it lead to a surveillance state (like some regions of China). The UK Met are having trials (300 faces, per second can be read and ID'd instantly via 5G comms).
One news clip showed a chap complain about it (on his way into a shopping centre), and got handed a 80note fine for obstruction or public order for his troubles.

Bear in mind, at least x3 US cities have already banned it.

Boards.ie: Niamh · 22-07-2019 3:37pm

green_rim wrote: »

Do you get given a quota of blacks kids to kill or is just one of those things you do to pass the time when bored?

Mod: Posts like this are not welcome, please be respectful of the person taking time out of their day to answer your questions. If you can't manage that, just don't post.

irish_goat · 22-07-2019 3:40pm

What's your favourite donut shop and which flavour do you usually go for?

14dMoney · 22-07-2019 3:40pm

Boards.ie: Niamh wrote: »

Good afternoon everyone, we have a new AMA for you today and this one is with a US police officer. He's written a fairly comprehensive introduction which should cover some of the more basic questions that might have been asked so please do read it before posting. Thanks!

I'd imagine being on the beat that long, you will come across all sorts of things. Whats something that will always stick with you, negatively or positively?

Plumbthedepths · 22-07-2019 3:43pm

Where do you serve?my brother is in LAPD for the last 12 years.

magic_murph · 22-07-2019 3:55pm

Should we legalise weed?
How much of your time is spent dealing with weed and how pointless is it to try and police the issue?

dulpit · 22-07-2019 3:59pm

Are the police forces in US inherently racist? From an outsider it looks that way, but I might be wrong.
What do you make of the ever increasing militarisation of the police in US?
Are you Irish? Do you have experience with the Gardaí? Could you work in an unarmed police force?
Why are there so many different police forces in US? Seems to be an awful lot of overlap - is this hard to work in?
How dangerous is it to be a cop in USA? Has it gotten worse?
Has Trump's election changed anything for you as a cop?
Best on-screen cop?
At this point, are you too old for this sh1t?

Rdwrer · 22-07-2019 4:02pm

Hey,

What technology has made the biggest difference in your work since you started, both positively and negatively if possible?

Thanks

Wanderer2010 · 22-07-2019 4:22pm

Given the significant number of killings of black people by police officers in USA, as well as police brutality, false evidence being planted and a lot of corruption amongst members, what safeguards are in place to weed out the psychopaths wearing the cop badges- there is no doubt that many US cops enjoy killing others and indeed join just for that privilege. These people are very good at hiding their true selves so what psychological tests (if any) did you have to go through to be a cop and what is the process now? Do you think its a fair and thorough process?

22-07-2019 4:24pm

As this is Boards.ie, would I be right in taking a guess that you're originally from Ireland or have lived here? If so, how do you compare your current role to that of a Garda (and if you did indeed grow up here, what made you opt for the US Police rather than An Garda Siochana)?

Do you find, in the US, as a police officer involved in everyday crime, that they (the US, whatever state you may be in) have the same kind of lenient, revolving door sentences that lead to you spending all your time dealing with the same faces over and over again? Or is the stereotypical image that the US is much tougher and stamps that stuff out quickly actually true?

And a silly question, but have you ever seen or experienced one of your patrol cars being stolen/pursued? If so, does it make it a bit more complicated (is there an element of trying to avoid damaging the vehicle etc.)?

Cheers

BorneTobyWilde · 22-07-2019 4:35pm

How come a police officer can't admit they're wrong, is it a training issue where you have to be right no matter what.
You see so many incidents on youtube where a cop is so so wrong, but will NEVER let it go. Why is that.

punisher5112 · 22-07-2019 4:48pm

What's the biggest challenges you come across and what's the biggest change you've seen over your time.

Are you constantly watching your 6 and why are so many alone with such dangers out there.

osarusan · 22-07-2019 4:48pm

With all your experience, are there any laws you really feel don't really serve a purpose and could do with being changed or abolished?

careless sherpa · 22-07-2019 4:53pm

Are you worried that you will get into some bizarre and dangerous situation as you get to within a few days of your retirement?

Zaph · 22-07-2019 4:56pm

Going back to your OP, what are an Asp and an AED?

What's your favourite cop movie car chase?

Agent Smith · 22-07-2019 4:57pm

Do you have a bedside locker?

Whats in your bedside locker?

Has policing become safer or more dangerous since you've Become a a Police officer

Vinculus · 22-07-2019 5:01pm

The word is on the corner is that you got Joey Four eyes whacked!
Am I hearing this correctly?
Just wanna be shure, you know what saying

I'm a US police officer, AMA · 22-07-2019 5:09pm

I'll try and consolidate answers as best I can:

How would you compare your duties and risks associated to somewhere like here
Where beat officers only carry a telescopic baton/

Policing is policing, the context is just different for an unarmed police force. With little to no risk of an armed encounter, the baton seems appropriate enough. Having said that, I can't imagine an armed encounter with only a baton. Without a deadly force option, it does require a different skill set (de-escalation, etc.)

Do you think the overlapping forces of City/State/Feds leads to better or worse policing in your jurisdiction?

In my opinion the multiple jurisdictions is inefficient and wasteful, especially at the local level. In my county, pop 1.3 million, we have 26 local agencies, all essentially doing the same job for their relevant patch. One small town has a whole seven officers. These small agencies don't have any real capacity, limited career progression and usually don't pay well. The larger agencies end up providing support (crime scene, SWAT, etc.) because they are essentially a security force. According to the US Dept. of Justice, 60% of the police agencies in the US have 40 officers or less. This is a problem when it comes to training standards, education and officer quality.

Is it a career path you would like to see your younger family members go down or would you advise against it?

Should we legalise weed? How much of your time is spent dealing with weed and how pointless is it to try and police the issue?

The decision to legalise weed is for society & the policy makers to decide. I'm personally fine with legalizing it although I've never tried it and don't intend to. Legalizing weed will remove a whole layer of profit from drug cartels and reduce the burden on the court system. In my agency, we've always had a pretty tolerant informal attitude to it. I rarely make an arrest for very small amounts of MJ as I have better things to do with my time. Beyond a single joint, it's jail time. While we have a lot of officer discretion, we are duty bound to comply with the law. Is it pointless? Is traffic policing pointless, I don't think so. We'll do our best to enforce the laws as best we can, so until it's made legal, we'll follow the law.

It's a great career, would deffo support a family member doing it. yes, there are issue in law enforcement, but it's an incredible way to serve your community. It won't always be easy and it can be very challenging, but it is rewarding like nothing else.

Do you wear a body camera? If not, what are your thoughts on having to wear on if it was made mandatory?

As stated in the introduction, we are in progress of fielding them. I'm a big fan of them. I have nothing to hide and don't fear them. I see it as an extension of the car cameras (which we've had, by state law) for nearly 20 years. The body cams are still a work in progress as regards when are they recording, how long is data stored, who will have access, etc? If I'm getting a coffee and Joe Bloggs walks up to ask directions, do I need to record that encounter? If I'm taking a burglary report in a residence and the owner is in his/her underwear and have other embarrassing personal items on display does that need to be recorded? bear in mind, most of what we'll record is going to be available under the open records acts here. These are issues for the leaders and lawyers to sort out.

Is there a TV show (apart from reality shows) that accurately represents what it's like to be a cop, such as The Wire, or is much of the stuff on TV just Hollywood BS.

Other than The Wire (my favourite) it's all just fantasy. A 3AM barking dog call or minor traffic accident does not make for exciting TV or movies. Going back, Hill Street Blues was good and for some UK flavour, Scott and Bailey was very authentic.

Considering the current tech (ANPR) car recognition, and incoming tech (wearable cams), what's your view on the likely approach of 'people recognition'.
I.E. (FRS) 'facial recognition systems'. Is it just a small sacrifice of freedom, in the interest of crime {prevention}? Or will it lead to a surveillance state (like some regions of China). The UK Met are having trials (300 faces, per second can be read and ID'd instantly via 5G comms).
One news clip showed a chap complain about it (on his way into a shopping centre), and got handed a 80 note fine for obstruction or public order for his troubles. Bear in mind, at least x3 US cities have already banned it.

For body cams, see above.
FRS: The intersection of emerging technology like FRS and law enforcement will be a political/social/legal decision for society at large. As it stands right now platforms like Google, Apple & Facebook know more about us than ever anticipated and we continue to willingly sign up for these platforms. Google maps can determine your location down to a metre right now. Of course, these are voluntary, one doesn't have to have a mobile although life would be very inconvenient. I'm an advocate of constitutional protections, but I suspect we will see these platforms evolving and being used more and more, especially once the technology becomes more accurate and refined.

What's your favourite donut shop and which flavour do you usually go for?
Doughnuts are disgusting, I don't eat them, never have and neither do most cops I know.

I'd imagine being on the beat that long, you will come across all sorts of things. Whats something that will always stick with you, negatively or positively?

Negative: The constant whining from "good citizens" who complain about a traffic ticket or the same ungrateful good citizens who complain because we didn't show up in 5 minutes for the noisy neighbour call on a busy Friday night. Get over yourselves and put it in perspective. Best way to avoid a traffic ticket? Slow down, wear a seat belt and follow the law.

Positive: Working with committed professionals who do more than people know to help the community. I've seen officers buy food for homeless, stay late to give a stranded person a lift and just work their arses off to do the job. The unsolicited "thanks" from the public helps too.

Where do you serve? My brother is in LAPD for the last 12 years.

I'm in Texas, won't say more beyond that on a public forum. Well done him on LAPD.

Odyssey 2005 · 22-07-2019 5:09pm

Hazys wrote: »

Do you wear a body camera?

If not, what are your thoughts on having to wear on if it was made mandatory?

You probably missed that bit

Plumbthedepths · 22-07-2019 5:21pm

I'm a US police officer, AMA wrote:

I'm in Texas, won't say more beyond that on a public forum. Well done him on LAPD.

On social media he's listed his occupation as garbage collector. ;-) . However he lives for the job, my own son is a member of AGS for the last 2 years and like my brother lives for it.
Stay safe and enjoy your retirement when it rolls around, are you planning to play 'golf' or seek a new career?

Mrcaramelchoc · 22-07-2019 5:46pm

is there corruption in the/your police force?have you ever seen or witnessed it?

punisher5112 · 22-07-2019 6:12pm

Why is the police force suffering with so much corruption?

Do you screw people over or are you one that actually listens and gives people respect obviously this must be both ways of course.

Have you been in many shooting incidents.

How to you find winding down or copping with stress is best achieved.

What's the best cruiser you've ever driven.

What's the most rewarding pert of the job....

Do you love giving tickets?

cursai · 22-07-2019 6:14pm

Why do the FBI have those oversized badges. Is it a case of small man syndrome?

khaldrogo · 22-07-2019 7:25pm

27 years is very short for a full career in something. Retired by 50.....what do you do with the rest of your life??

Mrcaramelchoc · 22-07-2019 7:29pm

khaldrogo wrote: »

27 years is very short for a full career in something. Retired by 50.....what do you do with the rest of your life??

Enjoy it id imagine.

punisher5112 · 22-07-2019 7:30pm

Do you know of other officers that are corrupted?

Example they lie and say they seen something but weren't even there.

I suffered from this and it was a Irish cop in Dublin.(Gaurd)

He made up a false statement and even changed a witness name on a sworn statement.

He had me in court 4 times over something I didn't even do and had actual witnesses stating so.

mikemac2 · 22-07-2019 7:54pm

careless sherpa wrote: »

Are you worried that you will get into some bizarre and dangerous situation as you get to within a few days of your retirement?

Especially if the OP gets paired with a rookie :eek:

Gatling · 22-07-2019 8:02pm

Has the current political situation with trump and co in power lead to less thrust within the communities your patrolling especially with the sizeable Mexican population in Austin .

Is Texas hard to police with a lot of rural areas and proximity to the border as well as larger city areas

Collie D · 22-07-2019 8:15pm

This could be one of the better AMAs. Kudos to Boards and thanks to the officer.

My question: I’ve often read about wanted or on the run criminals being finally caught at random everyday pullovers.

Have you ever caught a really big fish for something silly like driving without a seatbelt or no tax and insurance?

Zaph · 22-07-2019 8:16pm

Gatling wrote: »

Has the current political situation with trump and co in power lead to less thrust within the communities your patrolling especially with the sizeable Mexican population in Austin .

Is Austin hard to police with a lot of rural areas and proximity to the border as well as larger city areas

He didn't say he was in Austin, just that he was in Texas and didn't want to reveal any more than that.

Gatling · 22-07-2019 8:20pm

Zaph wrote: »

He didn't say he was in Austin, just that he was in Texas and didn't want to reveal any more than that.

Apologies I thought I read Austin.

I edited my post to remove the reference

Sorry op

eeeee · 22-07-2019 8:27pm

Is there a problem with racism within your force?

Muahahaha · 22-07-2019 8:37pm

Whats your views on the relationship between easy gun ownership and mass shootings? And how do you view the NRA solution that we need more citizens to be armed to prevent mass shootings?

Tell me how · 22-07-2019 8:50pm

The number of people incarcerated in the US increased by approximately 500% from 1980 to 2016. 1980: 319,598, 2016: 1,505,400
Link - (https://sentencingproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Trends-in-US-Corrections.pdf)

Why do you think that is?

Better detection rates?
Increase in crimes committed?
The development of Prisons as a for profit enterprise?

Do you think the country is safer now than it was in 1980?
Do you think that the criminal justice system in the US is making society safer through reducing the likelihood of crimes being committed in to the future?

I'm a US police officer, AMA · 22-07-2019 8:54pm

Are the police forces in US inherently racist? From an outsider it looks that way, but I might be wrong.

This is a complex question, not easily answered in a short forum, so bear with me, and I can only speak from personal experience. I don't think so, most of us just don't care who you are, who you sleep with, what you look like, what you wear/drive. There is a connection between poverty, unemployment, race, education and criminality that is a legacy of history, bad policies, social norms which is a complex and difficult issue. If a minority group suffers from all of the above and an area becomes a high crime area, then there are more police interactions, arrests, searches, etc. Law of numbers say there will be more minority convictions, etc. So, it can be easy, for a quick sound bite to say "the cops only arrest XXXX race in this town". Yet, police face pressure to "clean up YYY part of town, arrest all the criminals". Generational poverty, social expectations and behavior are not going to be solved by the police and more training. However, I'm a realist, are there racist cops, sure, just like there are racist bar staff, lawyers & cooks too. So, probably not, but as a community we can all do better.

What do you make of the ever increasing militarisation of the police in US?
I'm not a big fan of the whole "tati-cool" thing, with leg holsters, tactical vests for regular patrol officers. It intimidates people and reinforces the us vs. them mentality. There is a place for helmets & heavy body armour (I keep both in my patrol car) and some sort of armoured vehicles. When responding to an active shooter, which sadly is increasing, then yes, I want a bullet proof hummve and all the kit. Look at the Las Vegas or Dallas shootings as examples, you need military grade kit to respond to military grade threats. So, having it available, yes, daily use no but keep the kit close at hand.

Are you Irish? Do you have experience with the Gardaí? Could you work in an unarmed police force?

Yes, from Dublin originally (up the Dubs :-) Know a few Gardaí but never served in AGS, but do enjoy comparing notes with them. At this point I don't know if I could work unarmed even in Ireland. I think it would be difficult to unravel 20 plus years of training & reaction processes.

Why are there so many different police forces in US? Seems to be an awful lot of overlap - is this hard to work in?

Embedded in the US law/constitution is the inherent right for local control. Each city, county, state, agency has the right to control itself to one degree or another. Hence local police, sheriffs, state police, feds, etc. Given the size of the US, to a point it make sense, but I would prefer no lower than county size to get away from the silliness of seven officer agencies. It's duplicative & inefficient.

How dangerous is it to be a cop in USA? Has it gotten worse?

Hard question to answer simply, the stats from the US Dept of Justice are fairly consistent over the last 10 years, so that's reassuring to some degree. Most cops die of heart attacks due to poor lifestyle choices FWIW and most of that is preventable.

Has Trump's election changed anything for you as a cop?

Yes, the immigrant communities won't talk to us. It's very frustrating, we see victims daily who just clam up and say nothing. Four years ago we'd have made good cases and arrested the perps due to cooperation. The rise of White Nationalists haven't helped either. A lot of them seem to like to carry assault rifles, that makes us nervous.

Best on-screen cop?

US: Joe Friday, Dragnet & "Bunk" in The Wire, UK: Jane Tennison, Prime Suspect.

At this point, are you too old for this sh1t?

The day I get up and don't want to do this any more will be that day. Running, CrossFit & Jujitsu allows me to keep up with the young pups.

I'm a US police officer, AMA · 22-07-2019 9:04pm

What technology has made the biggest difference in your work since you started, both positively and negatively if possible?

Our Mobile Data Computer (MDC). It's life changing. I run all my call on it, it has SatNav mapping, gives me directions to calls, shows me location of other units & other services (fire & EMS), call details. I run all my checks on it, number plates, ID's, vehicles, warrants, everything form the front seat of my car. I use it to write my reports & submit them digitally, all from the car. It stores my camera video & audio, I do email, use the internet. It's connected to my e-ticket writer to print tickets, no more carbon copies to route to court. Our reports are legible, auto-formatted and stored on the server for the detectives, analysists. Its night & day compared to paperwork

Bellbottoms · 22-07-2019 9:05pm

My questions are a little heavy and I appreciate how they might be difficult to answer in this medium.

1. Why do you belie is behind the disproportionate shootings of unarmed black men in the US, by police officers?

2. Why do you believe the officers are barely reprimanded for this? Many dont even lose there jobs.

3. Is there a way for police forces to address this and to stop murdering unarmed minorities?

alchemist33 · 22-07-2019 9:09pm

As a foreigner, did you have to jump through any extra hoops to join the police force? Related, are you now a US citizen?

Roughly, what percentage of your colleagues are from ethnic minorities? And do your superiors deliberately mix pairs of cops so as to have a non-white member, or station certain cops in areas with a similar ethnic background to them?

And thanks very much for doing this.

mikemac2 · 22-07-2019 9:10pm

Ever get the "do you know who I am? " rant from someone important? Maybe the daughter of the state governor or some spoilt rich kid. And these people indeed may have the power to get you fired. Ever see a colleague get sacked for stopping the car of someone important and entitled?

Whats the story with field sobriety tests? If you asked the sober Methodist pastor in town to say the alphabet backwards or stand on one leg and touch their nose they would probably fail. We all would. Seems very subjective

Now ye're talking - to a US police officer

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