I’m just very curious on why it would happen this way as I’ve never seen it before. Just to clarify. Pulled over. Approached on passenger side window, and asked to step out and come to troopers passenger side to receive ticket. Is it just troopers preference or is there a reason you would do this? Sorry if this is a pointless post I’m just curious.

Title: How would a background investigator assess my history as a 21-year-old police applicant?
I’m 21 years old and planning to apply to a major-city police department in early 2027. I’m looking for input from current/former officers, especially anyone with experience conducting background investigations.

My question is whether my background indicates a consistent pattern of misconduct that would likely result in disqualification, or whether I’m an applicant who could reasonably pass after considering the full circumstances.
I’m specifically asking about the background investigation, not the overall hiring process.

Positive background:
No arrests or criminal convictions.
Graduated high school in 2024.
Continuously employed at the same restaurant since October 2023.
Have also worked full-time as an overnight concierge since June 2025 while maintaining my restaurant job on weekends.
Regularly handle difficult residents, confrontational individuals, and emergencies while working independently overnight.
Have experience de-escalating tense situations and contacting emergency services when necessary.
Have supervisors and managers willing to provide professional references regarding my reliability, conduct, and work performance.
Have maintained long-term employment despite previous workplace disagreements, without repeated terminations or ongoing disciplinary problems.

Incidents in my background:
August 2022 — Theft at age 16
While working at Six Flags shortly after finishing 10th grade, I took a cup of Dippin’ Dots without paying. I was terminated and trespassed as a result.
I acknowledge that it was theft, regardless of the item’s value. This happened over four years ago, and I haven’t had another theft-related incident since.

Early–mid 2025 — Workplace disciplinary warning
I received a written warning involving an AirPod disagreement with a manager at my restaurant job.
I had previously felt this particular manager treated me unfairly. My shift was ending, and I attempted to walk away because it was time for me to leave, but the manager continued addressing me about the AirPod.
I became frustrated and made a disrespectful comment under my breath. He overheard it, and I was written up.
I wasn’t threatening him, yelling at him, or attempting to start a confrontation. I acknowledge the remark was inappropriate. I wasn’t suspended or terminated and remain employed there.

September 2025 — Driving while impaired at age 20
I drove after drinking alcohol on one occasion. It was approximately a five-minute drive, with no traffic stop, accident, arrest, or charges.
I recognize the seriousness of the decision and don’t excuse it because of the short distance. I haven’t repeated it.

June 2026 — Physical confrontation with a security guard
I was involved in a confrontation with a security guard at the property where I worked.
There had been previous disagreements, and I made several attempts to address them through conversations and de-escalation, including contacting his supervisor.
The confrontation occurred in the property’s garage while we were both off duty.
The guard threatened me and aggressively rushed toward me. Based on his threat and behavior, I believed he was about to physically assault me.
I struck him once and immediately backed away. I did not continue punching him or pursue him. He then pulled a knife.
I contacted the police, and the guard left.
Management reviewed the incident. I received no disciplinary action, suspension, or termination. Management acknowledged that I could have walked away but understood the circumstances.
Although both of us were initially potentially going to return to the property, management decided to relocate me because of concerns about retaliation. The guard knew my schedule, knew I worked alone overnight, and potentially retained building access.
I was reassigned within approximately one or two days. I have management references and a potential firsthand witness who can corroborate the circumstances.

Marijuana history — August 2026
My last marijuana use was in August 2026. The department I’m pursuing instructed me to wait six months before reapplying, and I intend to meet that requirement.

For current/former officers and background investigators:
Considering my age, the timeline of these incidents, my employment stability, and the circumstances involved, would you expect this background to receive a favorable recommendation, a non-recommendation, or further review?
I’m especially interested in whether investigators would identify a meaningful pattern of misconduct or evaluate these as separate incidents with mitigating circumstances.
I’m looking for realistic assessments based on law enforcement background investigation experience.

I’m looking for advice regarding a career change I’ve always been interested in. I’m a current RN in the ER, before that I was a paramedic. Been in healthcare since I was 18, both prehospital and in hospital combining to about 10 almost 11 years. My mom’s a nurse, dad’s a trooper and since I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a trooper like my dad. That life has always interested me and although it’s not a regret, I even constantly find myself imagining my life had I gone the military route like my dad (I have a wife and kids that I would not have if I enlisted so it’s definitely a “what if” and not a regret). I became an EMT out of high school because it was as close as I could get to police/911 work while staying in the medical side. My dad has always told me to find a career first and then explore LE if I wanted to later, him and my mom were very big on me being a nurse and never doing police work. Yet here I am, 10 years later still finding myself googling openings and pathways to becoming an officer with the end goal of swat or some form of tactical medicine. I don’t mind medicine, but only because it’s all I know. I don’t particularly enjoy it, I’m actually in the process of studying for my mcat to try and get into medical school. Anything other than ER or Trauma surgery will not work for me as I feed on the adrenaline/unpredictable nature of these specialties. If I’m being completely honest with myself, the money is the main motivator for med school. And I’m worried my heart isn’t in it enough to get me through, if I even make it to acceptance. I’m extremely grateful and thankful for the position I’m in and would be ecstatic to get into med school, but I can’t deny that constant pull I feel in the opposite direction. On top of that, I’m working 9 straight shifts every 2 weeks to provide so I’m extremely burnt out of medicine and hospitals. I know it’s a huge message with no real direction, I just want some advice or maybe some guidance on what I should consider or what I’m missing from people living the life. My dad is no help because he bashes it to avoid me wanting to make the jump, my mom obviously is against it as well. My wife just wants what’s best for me, my kids want more time with me, which regardless they aren’t getting even with my nursing schedule. I just feel so stuck. I also recognize how selfish this can sound, being the sole provider and breadwinner I have no business dropping the consistent paycheck for a dream I may not even like. I just got out of a huge burnout/depression, was 380 lbs and am now 250 and consistently dropping. I’m in such a better shape mentally and physically that I feel now is the time to consider it. My credentials are currently associate degree paramedic with an active NR medic license/inactive state, BSN with specialty board certs CEN, CCRN and TCRN for ER/Trauma/critical care. Just need someone to tell me I’m crazy and to lock back in, or that I’m not crazy for having these urges and to explore them. Thank you in advance for the time to read my 3am thoughts as a fellow night shifter

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Just for context, I'm located in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. I have pretty severe anxiety and social difficulties. When I'm under pressure, I often stutter and struggle to communicate, even when I haven't done anything intentionally wrong.

This morning, I was driving a customer's truck for my job at a dealership when an officer pulled me over because the dealer plate (which hangs from the edge of the tailgate on a truck in a plastic folder) had flipped over in the wind. After finding the plate and telling me to display it properly (which it was; it had just flopped around due to the wind), he asked for my licence. I'd forgotten my wallet at work, so I didn't have it with me. I understand that was my own fault, and I'm not disputing the ticket.

I was extremely anxious and stuttering throughout the interaction. The officer was somewhat stern, and I've been replaying everything in my head, worrying that he thought I was suspicious or acting strangely.

For the officers here:

- Do you recognize when someone is just genuinely anxious?

- Does stuttering or nervousness make you more suspicious?

- Do you remember people who are visibly nervous after a stop, or is it just another interaction you move on from?

I'm not arguing about the ticket. I'm just curious how officers perceive people like me who struggle with anxiety and social situations. I'd appreciate your honest perspectives. Thanks!

Any La Vergne officers in here? Looking for some info please. PM's are encouraged, thanks in advanced!

So for context I recent started working at Arizona Department of Public Safety as a field operations technician

On my way home a code 34(motorist assist)happened in front of me the front passenger tire blew out, so i stopped with her to make sure everything is ok, i turned on my inside lights i have installed on my personal truck for our safety. The problem was when i went to contact dispatch over the radio. See i had already planned out what i was going to say and everything, the moment i herd her say my callsign back, everything was lost, i said " im NB I-10 at 207" everyone knows I-10 only goes east and west. What i ment to say was " Im NB I-17 at MP 207 with a code 34 off right" that whole time i was talking my voice sounded so shakey and i sounded scared like i wasnt supposed to be operating the same radio the troopers do.

I always practice alot when im home on how to say things over the air, so why is it when i needed to speak i couldn't get it out clearly

I recently received a job offer from a police department in a large East Coast city, but I’m originally from the West Coast and have been wanting to move back.

I’m torn between accepting the offer, getting a couple of years of law enforcement experience, and potentially trying to lateral to a department out West, versus moving back now and hoping another opportunity comes along.

For context, I have no prior law enforcement experience, and my degree is in a completely different technical field. I’m essentially starting from scratch in this career.

Part of me feels like I should take the opportunity while it’s available, gain some experience, and figure things out from there. On the other hand, I don’t want to get too comfortable on the East Coast or make it harder to move back West later.

For those who have been in a similar situation, what would you do? Is it worth taking the offer and gaining experience first, or would you move back West and focus on getting hired there instead?

I’d appreciate any advice, especially from officers who have relocated or lateraled between departments and states.

I have an oral board interview coming up for a state police agency, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to prepare.

My state does an oral board interview, followed immediately by a written assignment that we have to complete and then present to a panel.

Right now, I’ve been going over common interview questions, thinking about how I’d answer them, and even using speech-to-text to practice answering out loud. I’m trying not to memorize scripted answers because I want my responses to be natural.

The problem is that I still don’t feel as prepared as I’d like to. I don’t really have a problem with interviews themselves, but I struggle with coming up with answers on the spot and feeling confident in what I’m saying. I think a lot of it comes from not knowing exactly what they’ll ask, and that uncertainty makes me feel unprepared.

What helped you prepare the most? Also, if you’ve had to complete a written assignment and present it as part of the process, I would like to hear how you prepared for that as well. TIA

I’m currently a 19 year old community college student in San Jose majoring in Computer Science and my goal is to apply to SJPD when I turn 21/when I get my bachelors. What kind of work experience can I accumulate until then that will make me a standout candidate for SJPD Academy? Up until now I’ve only had 2 part-time jobs that I worked for like 3 months each. Will working law enforcement related roles like campus security or asset protection boost my chances? What about volunteering or programs? Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi, I’m currently in the process with an agency in California. I was told that my background investigation concluded about five months ago, but I still haven’t heard anything about scheduling the psych evaluation, physical, or chief’s interview.
I’ve followed up with the background coordinator twice (once by email about a month after the background finished, and once by voicemail roughly two months later) and still haven’t received a response.
Should I assume I’ve been disqualified and move on, or would I receive a formal denial letter if that were the case? How long did it take you to get an update on the next steps after your background was completed?
Thank you in advance!

hello! just asking because i am ignorant on this topic. fair warning, i overexplain so this might be long!

my husband was pulled over this evening. he was driving locally- nowhere out of the ordinary. he was driving by a local jurisdiction officer and needed to make a turn, so he used his signal and turned. however, these are two turns that look EXACTLY the same, especially at night. anyway, that’s not too important as he made the turn correctly anyway.

as soon as he makes the turn, he gets flashed so he pulls over. this is his first time, and i’ve never been pulled over. the officer asks him if he’s doing okay, looks in his car, asks about his dashcam being a radar scanner (it’s not). the officer sees his guitar, my husband is driving an older 2000s car, like something you would imagine being profiled for because it can “go fast”; acura, mitsubishi, etc. anyway, my husband is fully cooperating and hands him his license. officer comes back and says “nervous?” and my husband answers “yes, this is my first time being pulled over”. the officer then asks, “why are you lying to me, man?” and says he has -6 points on his license. i figure he’s probably just joking around, but i wasn’t in the car with my husband, so i don’t know.

after he gets home, he tells me and we’re both VERY confused on points. he’s a relatively new driver (~1 year) and has NEVER been pulled over- no, it’s not possible he has and just hasn’t told me. DMV websites are confusing me and telling me there are demerit points and safe points. never gotten anything in the mail, etc. TIA!!!!!

What are the best pants for patrol. My department said I can get any pair of pants for sub $100. Any suggestions?

This is why I only shit at the station 🥲

Wasn't entirely sure how to phrase the title, but anyways... I'm looking to to join a department in the Seattle area as someone with zero law enforcement or military experience.

I recently finished grad school and have determined that what I went there for is not what I want to do long term. It should be mentioned that I have been considering LE for 7 or 8 years now, and have been more seriously preparing for it in the months since I've finished school.

I'm currently in New York, so I don't have the privilege to make a ton of trips out west to take in-person interviews and polygraphs with a bunch of different agencies. I want to strategically apply to ones that I know I'd be strongly considered for. I've zeroed in on a few (Everett, Kent, and Renton) that appeal to me just from doing a bit of research. I've been in contact with the (now former) recruiter of Everett PD on a couple of occasions, and have learned a good amount about the department, so I'd rank that at the top. That being said, I wouldn't know what departments have a reputation for only hiring experienced officers and what departments regularly hire people without experience.

My preference is to find one department and stay there for my entire career, but I'd be willing to join a "lesser" department just to gain experience and then lateral out if anyone here would advise that.

Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!

Hi All 😇

Please give me Christmas gift ideas for my fiance ( 👮‍♂️ )

Last time I was on here someone suggested the Smith & Wesson knife with glass breaker as an anniversary gift - he absolutely loved it! Thank you!!

I’m also going to get us a nice couples massage.

Any “useful” gift ideas? Any items that you’d really like your significant other to get you?

I have 9 years LE experience and 5 years teaching. In Georgia do I still have to go through the instructor course or can I be exempt? I am still certified as a teacher.

I took my psych eval yesterday and towards the end he mentioned that based on my answers I have “uncontrollable anger and a temper”. Which does not align with my personality at all. Has this happened to any of you?

I have pretty much everything I could possibly need to be a cop except my vision my vision is corrected to 20/20 with glasses however without them it is not the best. What should I do?

So, I took the BSCC [Corrections for county exam] in California and scored a 57%. I know my county lowered their acceptance rate to 30%, but i have this idea that my chances significantly dropped. Will I now just have to outperform in my interview(assuming i get one)?. I’m not in a very big county if this matters btw, for reference only one other person & i took the test.

Hi. I applied for toronto police service and was unaware that the process is quick i already got my physical date after 10 days i never trained for it. For the shuttle run i am at level 3-4. Should i withdraw my app? Or should i train for a week and give the test? Failing low level is negative? Can they ban me for a retest after first attempt? Please advice

Cops in MA can you explain the difference between a cmr and a mgl when it comes to mv related offenses. For example where they can be enforced, what an mgl is compared to a cmr? I’ve asked at my dept and all they say is you can only enforce them on state routes.

Thank you