I'm not condoning his actions, but I understand:
https://thesmokinggun.com/documents/stupid/cop-stinky-fish-plea-128569

Hey everyone,

I’m a 19-year-old currently in my second year of Criminal Justice and Public Policy (CJPP) at the University of Guelph. I’m looking for some honest advice and different perspectives on my current degree path, my resume, and how to set myself up for success in Ontario law enforcement (specifically targeting Peel, it's the region I live and grew up in and have the dream of serving in it.

Right now, my work experience includes two seasons as a lifeguard and one season working for the City at a municipal marina. I really enjoy the marina job; it's a public service role, and because a police marine unit is stationed right there, we regularly fuel up their boats and chat with the officers. I plan on staying with the marina for the next two summers while I finish my degree, and I am actively looking to start volunteering in the community.

Outside of that, I’m worried I don't really stand out on paper yet. I know policing in Ontario is insanely competitive after speaking to cops, and even people with multiple degrees get rejected.

I often hear the advice to get a degree that gives you a "direct, hard skill." While CJPP gives you great analytical skills, written communication, and a strong understanding of the Canadian justice system and criminological theory, it isn't a hard technical skill. People have suggested things like Comp Sci or Finance for units like Cyber Crime or Financial Crimes, but I know I want to stay within a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about switching my major to Political Science just because I find politics, geopolitics, and how the world works incredibly interesting. To give myself a tangible, technical skill within a BA, I’ve been strongly considering pairing a Political Science (or Criminal Justice) major with a minor in Applied Geomatics (GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis).

I wanted to get some feedback from people in the field or upper-year students:

1. Major Choice: If my ultimate goal is frontline policing (and eventually specialized units), is it better to stick with CJPP for the immediate legal/justice foundation, or switch to Political Science if I genuinely find the subject matter more engaging?
2. Applied Geomatics Minor: Does an Applied Geomatics minor carry weight with recruiters, or give me a solid backup option for civilian roles (like Crime Analysis) if uniform hiring takes a few years?
3. Other BA Paths: Are there any other BA majors or minors at U of G that you would recommend for someone trying to build a competitive, unique police applicant profile?

Hi everyone,

I’m in the process of applying to a few departments and recently asked a couple of them if they offer ride-alongs for prospective applicants. Both said no, which I completely understand. I then asked if there was an opportunity to speak with an officer, sergeant, or someone else from the department to learn more about the culture and what it’s like working there. Both departments said no and mentioned that they had never been asked that before.
Am I overthinking the process of choosing a department? I’m not looking to jump from one department to another. I want to find the right fit and build a long-term career somewhere, so I’d like to do my due diligence before making that commitment.
I’m curious to hear from current or former officers: Is it unusual to want to speak with someone from a department before applying or accepting a position? How did you go about deciding which department was right for you?

Given that most of us only trained on the m4 or crew served weapons.
What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome on the qual?
What was the best advice to help with qualifying?

Trigger warning - details of intimate partner violence.

I (F30) was in an abusive relationship with a man (38) that ended in 2021. He has been out of the picture since then and I am safe. No kids. I’ve moved on and I’m doing good.

I called the police one time during our relationship when he threatened to hurt himself, and when the police arrived I walked my concerns back and lied to protect my then partner. I never reported the violence I experienced to the police and no charges were ever laid, that I’m aware of.

Currently, I work in the field of intimate partner violence, and if I was supporting a woman going through what I went through, I would 100% encourage her to call the police. In fact, I would have a duty to report. He checks off almost all of the risk factors identified in the B-SAFER risk assessment.

I am not asking for legal advice. I know once I report it to the police it will be out of my hands. I am curious to hear from police officers on how they would approach this. What are your initial thoughts?

These are the most significant details:
- stole keys to my car and hid my car from me, parked somewhere else in the neighborhood. This was the week before I fled. I convinced him to give me my keys back and discreetly found my car while walking my dog a few days later and moved my car to a new location.
- stole and withheld my driver’s license and debit card. I fled anyways and just hoped I didn’t get pulled over. He gave it back months later after my family member threatened to call the police against my wishes
- threatened me with a hunting knife, stabbed the wall beside my head
- used his body to confine me to our apartment and would not let me leave for hours at a time
- pinned me to the wall by the neck but I don’t have any memory of strangulation, no pain, marks, or difficulty breathing/swallowing.
- insane harassment and threats on social media, text, email, lasted 2 months.
- he is in the military and has access to weapons and ammunition because he’s a trainer for new recruits
- he has history of employment instability and financial insecurity
- issues in relationships in general, at work, with family, neighbours. He always perceived himself as a victim and did not take ownership for his own stupid decisions
- history of violence in past relationships. His “crazy” ex girlfriend called the police on him when he threatened her with a hunting knife.
- he uses substances and has cannabis addiction
- he was diagnosed with bpd as a young adult but rejected the diagnosis, did not receive treatment
- violent attitudes and behaviours, extreme political ideologies (think “eat the rich” and “bring back the guillotine”)

Edit to add: the reason I’m asking is because I want to report it so it’s on record in case one of his future partners calls the police, but I really don’t want to open the door to years of legal stress. I’m struggling with the decision

I currently work for a company that provides services to jails and prisons throughout the country.
I have passed a myriad of background checks for the department of corrections, and a few sheriff’s offices to work in jails. So suffice to say, I have no legal troubles or criminal history and I’m not lacking in integrity.
However, this one site i was transferring to stated I failed their background check during the prescreening phase which was weird since all it was was asking for my license, address history for 5 years and an ROI. What could cause me to fail this one when I have a history of passing every other one?
This sheriffs office does happen to be under investigation currently for corruption, integrity, and ethical issues.

Edit: they also refuse to tell me why I failed and stated that they can fail someone for any reason it does not have to be based on their integrity, criminal history, or anything and that it is up to the discretion of the sheriff.

I recently started talking to this girl, she is gorgeous, funny, and bright. I learned she works at a detox facility and has been completely sober for eight years. All things I can really respect, and i believe in second chances because I've been given my fair share. But I found out she has a more colorful past than just addiction. Here's the part that sucks... turns out she did hard time for an incident 10 years ago involving aggravated MVT, criminal impersonation, and trying to hit a deputy with a car. She was honest about everything and forthcoming, and there's a newspaper article on it. I didn't even get to a first date, and even though she seems totally reformed, I know this is an ethical boundary I can't cross. I admire and respect how she did a total 180, and it sucks that I have to choose my badge over what started out as a seemingly great connection. Not sure how to deal with it on a personal and professional level.

From body cam videos on the web. Crimes related to trading illegal pictures etc on the web.

Literally can be same charges, same crimes. No Criminal history.

Sometimes they are almost breaking down the door with a swat team,
Other times detectives will come to the door calmy like it is a nothing burger ( I assume interrogation tactics)

Both type of suspects end up with same type of jail sentences (10+ years in jail)

Asking as a very concerned wife. My husband (who is a cop) got hurt on the job. The worker’s comp doc gave him a few weeks to stay at home. The option of light duty was available, but everyone agreed that it would be best if my husband stayed home to prevent aggravation to the injury.

His Sgt called yesterday. The PD has their annual gun qualifications at the range. The range is not owned by the PD, therefore, range time is limited. My husband will get disqualified from his firearms by end of month, thus he will be stuck to light duty regardless until they can qualify him. They’re not sure the next time they can get range access (which I think is bullshit).

His appointment in early November before the possibility of returning back to work is an option. He’s feeling better day by day, but he is no where ready to return back to full duty. He will likely go light duty til end of year once he goes to his next appointment.

Can his employer have him come in while disabled to get rifle / gun / range qualified?

Hey guys so my re-applying date is in 2 weeks after a 3 month deferral,nearly made it to the end of the process but I had paperwork that I needed and they took forever so I got deferred.When I was originally applying I wanted to stay in the east and go to j division but now I feel like that’s not going to happen considering I’m from Montreal,Quebec and already in the east so I’ll probably get shipped out west.My question is how often do they send troops out of depot to E Division specifically McBride or Valemount,essentially LDP in Northern BC.Is it likely out of depot or I’m I delusional is my question would love to hear your opinions,because I’m really considering doing that especially since I think it’ll be good for me getting out of Metropolitan areas and out of my comfort zone, going out west for 3 years or so to help smaller communities for a while.

In your professional experience, would you recommend Judo? Please specify whether you think civilians should learn it for defence or students in training.

I watched a video that made me skeptical about judo.

In summary, the creator pointed out that wrestling makes more sense:

• Throwing will always be higher risk than going for the legs.

Have you gotten injured while performing these throws (either training or out in the field)?

• Gi is highly unrealistic. Has Gi training actually helped you?
• A person slammed on the ground doesn’t stay down.
• Judo only really works on drunkards

.

I know BJJ is the most popular in law enforcement; are there any other martial arts you recommend?

I’m in a crisis with selecting a career path for myself and my family (30M) in the process with local PD hiring and also a few federal agencies for their SA starting GS-7. The biggest question is about pay scale. I’m highly considering going through with LE and moving into specialized units just because of their starting pay is great right now as patrol officer plus my degree and language pay. I don’t really understand the starting pay for the SA 1811’s and how it progresses over the years if it’s worth going that route due to my age.

Hi everyone! I'm an IB student working on my Global Politics Extended Essay about Flock Safety's automated license-plate recognition (ALPR) technology in the US, specifically looking at whether local oversight mechanisms effectively regulate its use.

I'm hoping to learn from people with different perspectives and would really appreciate any help connecting with:

• Journalists who have reported on Flock Safety, ALPR cameras, surveillance, data-sharing or privacy.
• US residents who live in communities where these cameras are used, or who have followed local debates about them.
• Government officials or law-enforcement representatives familiar with ALPR policies, data access, oversight or public accountability. Also officers who have any personal experiences they may want to share about the technology.

I'd ideally like to conduct a brief interview (around 10–20 minutes), either over email or a video call. I'm happy to share questions in advance, and I would only use responses for my school research with the participant's permission.

If you've worked on this issue, have relevant experience, or can point me towards useful contacts, reports or public records, I'd be very grateful. I'm posting here in hopes of finding active law enforcement officers who could help me at an official capacity. Thank you in advance.

I came across my local small PDs Facebook saying they were recruiting for a SGT and I was wondering how come they cant promote one of the officers already there? I know that some towns hire Chiefs from other departments if none of their officers have enough experience but how often is it done for other ranks like SGTs and LTs?

I am on season 5, so just a few shows from finished. Online, at least, its pretty well received and noted as being a gritty police show. I often here people talk about people calling The Rookie the paw patrol of police shows... I've never seen it.

Anyways, I know that hollywood is always going to place having an enticing show above reality. Still, I would imagine most of these shows have consultants. So, I'm wondering... what aspects are the most real and most fake?

Some things I've noticed...

The frequency of murders doesn't seem to match what they showed. In LA in late 00s, early 10s murders capped at about 300 per year city wide according to google. You would think that it was 2 or 3 per day based on what they showed. Also, from what I could find, retalitation killing for "snitching" isnt as predominant as they show; is that correct? I do appreciate that they don't follow the trope of one person doing everything like arrest, investigate, test DNA, etc. I also appreciate the human side they show. As a non LEO, I can only imagine how frustrating it is now to have every minute recorded and can only imagine how that plays into ability to be flexible. Cops should be allowed to get passed, tell people to stfu when it is appropriate, etc.

How about other things they show like personal life, cop parties, minor or somewhat understandable "corruption" in the name of the greater good/what is right.

Anyone have experience working a downtown/metro area vs random city/suburbs?

Comparison to other police shows?

Anyways, appreciate what you all go through despite so many not realizing the difficulties and dangers of job and just thinking every cop is misusing their power.

So I’m in Minnesota and I’m about halfway through my Peace Officer Education AAS degree. I’m looking at trying for my local sheriff’s department or state patrol. I like the idea of being local for my community, so does my fiancé, but I like the idea of being in the state patrol. Just looking for any opinions for insight.

Hey guys,

Posting here for the first time. I'm looking to join the San Francisco Police Department and wanted to see if any current SFPD or Bay Area officers had some guidance or insight into the current academy pipeline.

My background:

• Military: USAF Cyber Transport Veteran (3D1X2). Held a Top Secret clearance (expired now). Deployed once under Force Protection, so I got to spend a lot of time working directly with Security Forces.
• Background: Squeaky clean. Never even gotten a speeding ticket.
• Physical: I do BJJ, Judo, parkour, tricking, and bboy powermoves. Athletics and the PAT shouldn't be an issue for me.
• Written: English is my first language and I've been studying the new 2026 POST material. My PELLETB is scheduled for November 18th.

I actually own a home right in the SoMa neighborhood. Living here has made me really want to get directly involved with protecting and bettering my immediate community, and given my background, I thought there was no better way to serve than to join SFPD.

Would love to hear any tips for the oral board or academy prep from people who know the department, or connect with anyone currently on the job out here. Thanks!

- my partners parents have been separated for 8-9 years.

- FIL was arrested 9 years ago with Contribute Delinquency of Child, Agg assult, Battery - Dating Viol. (He threatened to kill her and she had to hide in a bathroom) a few years back. He and his wife separated after this. He doesn’t live with the family. He then got arrested two more times for DUI’s and resisting without violence.

- before the major arrest happened, she claims he had previously tried to smother her with a pillow/hand while he was intoxicated.

- Every so often he will get really scary and threaten her. She got a 3am text the other night stating he was going to try and get full custody of the younger kids amongst other things.

My partner and I live with the entire family. My mother in law has been planning to finally serve him with divorce papers. She’s also been on dating apps truing to find love again. We are all scared he’s going to snap and break in.

Any tips, advice, or encouragement welcomed.

Hello, are there any ISP Troopers I could message regarding the oral interview process? Thank you.

Currently a Cop for four years, in the NY metro area of the country. I’m four years in and honestly don’t think I can do this job for 20+ years. I’m burned out of the politics and liabilities from it. This is coming from a very proactive cop (multiple gun, warrant, drug arrests) not a slug at all lol.

I plan on marrying a very lovely lady in the next couple years and don’t want to put her or my future children through the stress of the job.

I’ve been thinking hard of different careers to get into. I don’t mind starting a new career and going back to school/seeking training.

My interests right now are accounting, construction, running a business, real estate. I’ve read Rich Dad Poor Dad and Psychology of money, those books have completely changed my ways of thinking lol.

Has anyone ever taken the leap of faith, if so what career did you get into ? Thank you in advance for responding 🙏🏻.

Hey everyone,

I’m super excited about the possibility of joining my local PD, but I received an email today letting me know I’m #42 on the candidate list.

I feel absolutely crushed by this news, given the department only has 10 vacancies and will continue to cycle in new applicants that could end up either ahead of or behind me as time goes on.

I’d love to hear your perspective on how good my chances are, if any of you have been in a similar position or if you have any recruiting experience.

Thanks in advance!

Edit: redacted some identifying information

What 3D prints have you found useful on patrol? I have a few things on my vest, wondering about for in the cruiser

Hello, I was hired with a very short notice to a department that requires residency within city limits. Fining an apartment isn’t my issue, it’s getting a drivers license within this short time frame (2 weeks) showing the new address. Paper license is fine, but having two forms of documentation in (Illinois) would require a lease. That’s easy. The other forms are more confusing and take time. These include utility bills and such. I’m unsure how to meet the second requirement to get drivers license with proof of city limit residency. If anyone has had this happen before, specially moving from out of town to join Chicago Police Department, PLEASE dm me.

I’m week 6 on FTO as a Texas State Trooper. Not really liking the job and already want to resign, since I don’t think I'm good at the job. Everyone is telling me just finish FTO and give it chance. should I listen or just resign?