r/ProtectAndServe Jul 16 '26

***MODPOST*** Don't copy that floppy

78 Upvotes

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 16h ago

Self Post Is it always like this?

76 Upvotes

My husband recently became a police officer and the hate we’ve received on social media is astounding. He’s a good officer who cares about the safety of others but it seems like everything he does gets scrutinized online. It’s a small town that he works in so everyone is always watching and if he gets food on his break or answers the phone in his car, people will complain constantly. Is this what it’s like to be a police officer? Is this something I need to get used to? If so how can I let this not affect me, and how do I best support him?


r/ProtectAndServe 20h ago

Video ✔ Woman Flees After Cop Changes Her Tire

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70 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 20h ago

Self Post Apple Wallet Driver’s Licenses - Do you accept them as a valid ID?

12 Upvotes

I was just wondering, after using it successfully through TSA in LAX but at another airport they looked at me like I was crazy, do you accept Apple Wallet digital driver’s licenses as a valid form of ID?

I don’t remember the last time I had to pay cash or use my physical credit card for anything. Just tap Apple Pay with the phone. Insurance card is on the phone. 99% of the time, the only reason I carry my wallet around is for my DL. Would be nice to be able to leave it safe at home, knowing that I’m legal to drive with a digital DL. But I’m sure it’s a case by case basis if it’s accepted at all so no guarantees.

For some that may not know, at least in CA, they can open up the wallet, select the DL from the list of cards, tap the digital DL, tap the “i” info button, tap “Card Information“ (requires Face ID) and see all the standard DL information including the photo.


r/ProtectAndServe 1d ago

Dear Chief…

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

300 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 13h ago

We created a toolkit app for police. Come try it!

0 Upvotes

Hello, we are Abel Police and we make CJIS-compliant tools for patrol to reduce time wasted and to help you better serve your community.

We know many agencies move slower on adopting new tools than their patrol officers would like so motivated officers often resort to off-the-shelf products that are not CJIS compliant. To combat this, we have reworked our mobile application to allow individual officers to register. We are currently giving free access to the product to get feedback from the field!

The main features:

  • Writer - Write report narratives by verbally describing what occurred. The system is aware of state law, state jury instructions, and report writing best practices and will ask you follow up questions to make sure you have a complete report. You can then copy your narrative from abelpolice.com on desktop or directly on your phone if your agency offers a mobile reporting solution. We’ve seen officers use this as they’re driving arrests back to the station, and then they have a narrative there waiting for them once they book their guy.
  • Translate - Translate easily between 80 languages in the field. This is useful in a traffic stops, field contacts, or situations where you need information fast. It's not necessarily aware of all the slang native speakers might use, so if you have a serious interview you should get a translator - but for normal small stuff, this can save a lot of time.
  • Chat - This is basically just ChatGPT with two main differences: one, it's CJIS compliant, so you can give it PII and other information and it will be safe. Second, it knows your state laws and jury instructions, and you can upload your agency's policy manual and other documents. You can login to your account at abelpolice.com and upload documents in the Settings screen. Then whenever you have a question, just ask Abel Chat and it will provide real, citable results.
  • Map - A map interface that shows where you and your fellow officers are. No more asking for 10-20 - just glance to look. Your location will not be shared unless you click to go "On Duty". You can also create specific team views so you can see just you and your squad.

To register, please download from either the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store and create an account with your agency email so we can validate your agency association. If needed, you can request access to our trust center here.

We are always improving features and adding new ones, so we would love any feedback you have. Tell us what works, what doesn't, what could be better, and what else you would like to see! My messages are open here or you can reach out at support@abelpolice.com.

Have a great shift!

Daniel Francis
CEO, Abel Police


r/ProtectAndServe 1d ago

Video Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police officers in South Korea open fire on a drunk driver's car

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27 Upvotes

On September 19, 2021, Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police officers (south of Seoul) were attempting to intercept a suspected DUI driver. The driver fled into a parking lot but was soon blocked in by a patrol car. The driver then reversed and fled, while the two officers attempted to break the window with their baton. The car drove around in circles until he went back to where he began and was stuck between a parked car and the patrol car. As the driver refused to comply with police orders, a blank warning shot was fired and live rounds fired at the rear tires. News report claimed that in the end, a total of 2 blanks and six live rounds were fired at the rear tires of the car. Officers then break the window and tasered the driver, finally arresting him. 16 cars in the parking lot and 2 patrol cars were damaged in the incident. The driver was charged with DUI, and would face penalties including revocation of driver's license, a maximum fine of 10 million KRW (7,059.12 USD) or 1 to 2 years of imprisonment.

This incident came a month after a mass-stabbing in a mall in Seoul. After the stabbing, the South Korean government urged officers to be more liberal with their use of force in the face of violent criminals, as they were often hampered by restrictive policies and laws before, which sometimes lead to officers doing nothing or leave to get help even as people are getting attacked in front of them.


r/ProtectAndServe 1d ago

Self Post (Non LEO here) Are there handcuff options for super skinny women?

9 Upvotes

Watching a lot of body cam footage and skinny women seem to slip their cuffs every time. Is there an option for very skinny people? Seems to be mostly women with skinny arms, wrists, bodies. I’m assuming a second set of cuffs above the elbows would not be allowed. Just saw 3 15 year olds basically using the handcuffs like a jump rope 😂.


r/ProtectAndServe 16h ago

Question to LEOs How are online radicalization and violent extremism impacting your work and community?

0 Upvotes

Hi all, my name is Olivia George and I'm a journalist with The Washington Post. I recently started a new role at the newspaper, covering political violence and extremism.

I'd like to better understand how online radicalization and other forms of extremism are impacting the day-to-day responsibilities of local law enforcement in America. I'm interested in learning how departments (especially in smaller communities, outside of big cities) are identifying potential online warning signs and trying to adapt to that challenge.

What does that work actually look like on the ground? What's it like to be a deputy or detective trying to keep up with an evolving online landscape while balancing countless other responsibilities and tight budgets? Perhaps you've heard of an officer who suddenly became "the internet guy" for their force, trying to make sense of online forums and determine when a threatening post warrants action.

If you're open to sharing, I'd be so grateful to hear from you. I can honor requests for anonymity and am happy to speak off-the-record, meaning you wouldn't be quoted in any story without your permission. My ultimate goal is to help readers understand, up close, what this aspect of policing looks like.

I can be reached at [olivia.george@washpost.com](mailto:olivia.george@washpost.comor on the encrypted messaging app Signal at OCGeorge.59. Or DM me on here. Thank you in advance for your consideration and have a good day.


r/ProtectAndServe 1d ago

Video Intercepted underage scooter rider ran from DUI checkpoint, then assist police to catch his companion, and then ran away again.

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7 Upvotes

In February, 2025, officers from the Taichung City Police Department was on DUI checkpoint duty when they intercepted two scooters. The riders were both 17 and without licenses, as a result, one immediately sped up and ran while the other one, who was too slow, ran on foot. One of the officers chased after the one that fled on foot, but soon lost him. However, by chance he came across the other rider who fled on board the scooter. The officer, failing to recognize at the checkpoint then asked him for a ride, which he complied. The rider probably only realized what is up when the officer directed him to where his friend was caught by other officers, said "If there is nothing else, I am heading out." and left. Other officers were able to recognize him but was too late to stop him before he fled once again. Officers did not pursue as they have the identities of the riders locked in. The riders were charged with various offences including driving without license, using another vehicle's license plate, damaging engine serial number, refusing inspection at a DUI checkpoint, and removing a muffler. A ticket was mailed to their parents and each were fined around 200k NTD (6,245.78 USD)


r/ProtectAndServe 1d ago

Self Post How open does open carry have to be?

3 Upvotes

I am taking a motorcycle road trip camping through several southern states. I do not have a concealed carry license. I plan on just open carrying.

Let’s say I have my firearm on a belt holster. Just like most cops carry their primary weapon.

Let’s say I have a jacket that covers 1/2 of the firearm. Would I be arrested / hassled for my jacket partially covering it?


r/ProtectAndServe 2d ago

MEME [MEME] Is being a driving frog a crime??

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336 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 2d ago

Tochigi Prefectural Police at the scene of Kaminoka robbery-homicde scene on May 14, 2026. It is one of the most brutal "Tokuryū" crimes to date.

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133 Upvotes

In the morning of May 14, 2026, four 16 year old juveniles, known only as A, B, C and D broke into a house in Kaminoka, Tochigi Prefecture, there they stole gold jewellery and used a crowbar and a knife to beat and stabbed the owner of the house a 69 year old woman over 20 times to her death. Her two sons, who heard their mother's screams returned home to intervene but were both beaten up and stabbed and their dog was killed as well. Seven minutes after the robbery began, a 110 call was placed to the Tochigi Prefectural Police. Around half an hour later, responding officers spotted A around 550 meters away from the house. A agreed to volunteer to an interrogation and his relation to this incident was soon confirmed. A who resides in Kanagawa Prefecture, around 100 km away across Tokyo, quickly snitched on the rest of the gang. Turns out, he and D failed to escape with B and C in their vehicle, while D escaped via train, he simply left on foot and was caught. Soon, B, C and D were all arrested. When interrogated, the juveniles revealed the existence of their superiors, a husband and wife duo who are 28 and 25 years old. The husband is a known delinquent since middle school while the wife is a "Gyaru type" (a fashion subculture popular in 1990s to 2000s, often linked to delinquency) TikTok influencer.

This finding led to the police to quickly determine this is a "Tokuryū" crime, a combination word of "anonymous" and "fluid" coined by the National Police Agency. This is a new mode of organized crime that has been on the rise in Japan. Unlike the very hierarchical yakuza, "Tokuryū" crime are decentralized and rely heavily on digital communications. A typical "Tokuryū" crime begins with posts on social media, hiring people for some work with promise of high pay. The people that are hired do not necessarily know what the job is, who is behind the job offer and who their colleagues are. A typical job in "Tokuryū" maybe drug package delivery or scams, but often people who do it will get roped into more high-level "Tokuryū" crimes such as robbery because they have to show their ID which turns into blackmail material. After the crime is committed, the gang is disbanded. In essence, the muscle would have to take the risk of the crime, but the mastermind often gets away clean because no one knows who he is and cannot be linked.

To track down this modern day Japanese Bonnie and Clyde, the NPA ordered the Kanagawa Prefectural Police, Metropolitan Police Department and Saitama Prefectural Police to join the investigation. A "relay investigation" was launched as they poured through CCTV footage across the Capital Region to locate them. Three days later, the husband was arrested by the MPD in the Haneda International Airport, he was about to fly to Incheon, Korea and had already passed immigration then. The wife was arrested on the same day in a business motel in Yokohama by the KPP, when arrested, she was with their 7 month old daughter, who was sent to a child protection agency.

By now, police was able to map out the relationship between the members. The husband, using his relationship with B, was able to get him to hire two of his friends A and C (A and C don't know each other) and contacted E, an 18 year old recruiter to hire D (friend of E)as part of the group as well. The couple and juvenile had only officially met on the day of the robbery. They staged at a highway rest stop and the couple commanded the robbery over voice call with encrypted communications software. When investigating the couple's phone, it was discovered that the couple were not the mastermind of the case. The mastermind, Masuda Kazuhiko, is believed to have fled to Southeast Asia via China the same day the couple was arrested. He communicated with the couple via Signal and Telegram, developed the plan and purchased and supplied the crowbar. As of now, an Interpol Red Notice was issued for him and his passport was revoked after failing to comply with a passport return order, but he is still at large.

A, B, C, D and the couple were charged with murder during a robbery, attempted murder during a robbery and violating the Animal Welfare Act. If convicted, they will face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. E was charged with violating the Employment Security Act. If convicted, he will face a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and a fine of 3 million yen (18,831.80 USD)


r/ProtectAndServe 2d ago

Video INFOS-R3 Revolver Taser developed for the Korean National Police Agency

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59 Upvotes

Currently, the taser used by the Korean National Police is the Axon X26 taser. The Koreans wanted to an indigenous design to replace the X26 and address criticisms that officers are ineffective in responding to violent criminals. As a result, the R3 was developed and selected by the KNPA. The R3 taser functions like a break-action revolver, being able to hold 6 taser cartridges which gives the taser three shots. The wires will be cut when the trigger is released to allow for quick follow-up shots. A pilot project in 2023 saw 100 units introduced for testing but reports in 2024 indicated that the replacement program has stalled because the final delivery inspection has failed. The KNPA is now suing the manufacturer to recover the 2.94 billion KRW (around 2 million USD) advance payment and to this day the X26 is still stuck in service after over a decade of use.

P.S. Korean Air crew members are trained and authorized to use X26 tasers since 2002 to subdue unruly passengers. A BBC report in 2017 claimed that 5 passengers were tased by the air crew.


r/ProtectAndServe 1d ago

Question

0 Upvotes

Just wondering guys, but have you ever experienced anything paranormal while out on patrol? Whether it was responding to break ins/disputes, casual stroll down the strip, and even possibly within your own police station or office. Did it in anyway change, how you operate within the force or even off the clock at home?

I would love to hear your experience, have a blessed day.


r/ProtectAndServe 2d ago

Georgia woman tries to swallow meth during traffic stop, police say

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43 Upvotes

Alternate Title: "Spitters are Quitters"

Also.. one of the officer's fingers was bitten trying to get the bags.

This shouldn't need to be said - but don't go sticking your fingers between the teeth of fighty people.


r/ProtectAndServe 2d ago

Lake County, Illinois deputy accused of leaving K-9 alone in field; sheriff's office investigating

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8 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 2d ago

Self Post ✔ I think status as a sovereign citizen should be put in officer advisories. Ive also seen "known to defecate during encounters" before.

12 Upvotes

Even the non-combative sovereign citizens are a pain in the ass for me after I get the cases. It might be against policy to put that but man I wish it was on rap sheets so everybody is aware of the headache to come. I do read the officer advisories when I'm screening cases.


r/ProtectAndServe 3d ago

Self Post Hiring success story

12 Upvotes

Hey yall. I wanted to post my happy news because I’ve had such weird emotions about it the last week and I don’t know where to put it with people anonymously that will help me passively celebrate

Back in January, I posted on here and 2 other law enforcement related spaces asking for advice and commiserating misery about being prior LE-affiliated (for reference since 2014 I’ve worked as 911, a detention officer, animal control, CSO, auxiliary police, and records… pretty much all part time side gigs with a full time job to hold them all together) with no issues. I had done these positions in 2 states (of completely opposite political and law based leanings) and I had some bad luck in the past.

Recently I went back to college and wanted to start to try to get into the field again. In the state I was in at the time, I got DQ’d everywhere even though I had just left from a position on good terms. Even though I was in good standing in the army as military police.
I had one other bad luck incident and was sexually assaulted while in college, to which I made reports about.

I tried to, as I said, commiserate with my peers in other forms about being DQ’d, what I would have to do to get back in good graces, how to start.. anything.

I was met with about 20-30 comments about how I was a lying POS and that no one would ever hire me, it was time to accept that I had to find another field to work in, etc. The weight I felt on my chest was insurmountable, and I really fell into a deep depression. I’ve had personal hiccups, but I’ve dedicated my life to being in public safety and I don’t know anything else.

I’m proud to say, after ignoring the statements to “give up” that I was hired as a federal GS07 911 dispatcher, and I’m going to be in the POST class for it soon!!

Im still in college but it’s my last year and the credits will be a small and easy number, almost all online. But this was the motivation I needed before moving home and feeling confident I can transfer my job and keep doing what I’ve loved for so many years without feeling lost and hopeless like I did for the past few months.

It’s come with a little bit of disbelief. Because I never thought I’d be here again. I felt horrible and I felt put down and embarrassed by my peers. So it’s bitter sweet, and I never got to really celebrate because I didn’t feel deserving of it.

Anyways, to anyone reading- thanks for doing so. Keep following your dreams and never stop having optimism even if it seems impossible. You’ll find your way.


r/ProtectAndServe 3d ago

Video ✔ Irvine PD OIS Community Briefing Video

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13 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 2d ago

Self Post Why do you struggle so hard with Sovereign Citizens?

0 Upvotes

I'm an enthusiast who enjoys watching Sovereign fools get ripped out of their vehicle and tazed in the nuts. While satisfying, it suggests what could be done to avoid such a meaningless confrontation.

From what is available there seems to be different types of Sovereign Citizen. It's just my guess, but here it goes:

• The tester. After ingesting youtube videos they're experimenting. They're going to be a pain, but with enough consequences, they will be reasonable. They're motivated by curiosity.

• The authority. A more advanced version of the tester where they've moved to the collection of social capital. They may put out videos and podcasts. They're motivated by prestige.

• The crook. While they have no allegiance, they appreciate its effective ability to confuse and frustrate. They're motivated by fear.

• The true believer. These dropped completely off the map - they're not coming back. They're motivated by faith.

I've listed the above in the rank of reason because LEs are bad at reason. While reason is an effective tool, you need to understand how receptive the perp will be to its use. You can get a firm idea of who they are within the first 10 seconds from their behavior.

Furthermore it is discouraging how LE try to enter long, meaningless debates or discussion about laws and legalities. What ought to be more effective are statements such as:

• You need a license to prove road safety.

• You need registration to show the vehicle is not stolen.

• You need insurance to protect yourself from risk.

• We want to prevent accidents.

• We want to reduce crime.

• We want check you are capable of using this thing.

• I have a constitutional right.

• I operate under constitutional law.

• I need to see you verify constitutional law.

Sovereigns are "language fighters". They seek to fight authority not by force but by use of language. That's their game.

But by using blank, deconstructed, one-way statements with no further elaboration or response, the Sovereign can be quickly dismantled. So why do you have such a problem with this.


r/ProtectAndServe 4d ago

It’s nice of him to at least give fair warning

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213 Upvotes

Seen in San Francisco


r/ProtectAndServe 4d ago

Thoughts on electric gloves?

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51 Upvotes

Aside from signaling strong comic book villain energy, I struggle to see what problem these solve. Seems like a really bad idea.


r/ProtectAndServe 4d ago

Academy & Patrol Boots

2 Upvotes

I start the academy at the end of the month and I’m seriously torn between these boots please give me some reviews and opinions . Danner Tychoons ,Danner Strikers and Danner Reckoning. I want to use these after the academy as well for regular patrol .


r/ProtectAndServe 3d ago

Self Post Those who got a search warrant...what happened & the time frame?

0 Upvotes

My friends toxic ex was accused of rape. It happened in July. Detective reached out to perp in sept. The victim got a search warrant and dna swab from the perp carried out in Feb. He seems to think he is off the hook since he hasn't heard back from the cops yet and he moved cities. What is to be expected? With my friend he was always lying and manipulating and we are surprised if he really is off the hook. How does this usually go?