2 Questions

[WesleyMoore]

My first question is regarding the distance before pulling over.


How do you judge when someone has crossed the line in pulling over? How far should someone be able to go, and still claim they were looking for a safe place or what not? If you light up someone on the highway and its dark because street lights are out will you fault them for exiting and going to a filling station or similar place? Just wondering what rules you have about that.



second

I am currently applying to some police departments. I am working out everyday, and making sure I keep all my ducks in a row, so to speak. I am lining up character referrals, and letters of recommendation. I know several cops who have been my friends and family friends for a long time.

My question is about gun training. Would it be a good or bad thing to get some firearms training and get a LTC? Would that look like anything bad or good to a dept thinking of hiring me? I know that most officers do carry a pistol off duty. I was thinking of getting something that could be used for that purpose in the event I am hired. I have some of those same officer friends who have volunteered to give me proper instruction in the use of firearms. I just dont want to do anything to hurt or hinder my chances.


thanks for your advice.

[SL124]

1)It varies by situation. Where we're at, what the person was doing, what they're doing while I'm behind them with all my gear on...there's not a 'set' distance or anything with me, it all depends on my feeling of the stop.

2)Don't get instruction, I'd wait until you're in the academy and let them teach you the way they want you to do it...it's harder if they use a different style than what you already know and you have to adapt. As for buying something in the event you get hired, why? They'll issue you a duty weapon that you can carry off duty...but you're not going to be able to carry on or off duty until you're out of the academy, no reason to go spending several hundred dollars now.

[1042 Trooper]

My first question is regarding the distance before pulling over.


How do you judge when someone has crossed the line in pulling over? How far should someone be able to go, and still claim they were looking for a safe place or what not? If you light up someone on the highway and its dark because street lights are out will you fault them for exiting and going to a filling station or similar place? Just wondering what rules you have about that.

Not a problem. As a motorist, you should stop as soon as possible, but never before you feel safe. Even if the officer gets irritated, once you expalin why you took so long, because you felt unsafe for yourself or for them, they will understand. If they don't, tough noogies for them. You stop when you feel safe - but be reasonable about it. Driving all the way home and in your driveway before you "feel safe," ain't gettin' it.



second

My question is about gun training. Would it be a good or bad thing to get some firearms training and get a LTC? Would that look like anything bad or good to a dept thinking of hiring me? I know that most officers do carry a pistol off duty. I was thinking of getting something that could be used for that purpose in the event I am hired. I have some of those same officer friends who have volunteered to give me proper instruction in the use of firearms. I just dont want to do anything to hurt or hinder my chances.

thanks for your advice.

Hold off on the the gun thing. Just let them train you and take it one day at a time.