I am going to make a suggestion since you are posting so many questions. I would strongly suggest you schedule a ride-a-long with your local cop shop. Keep in mind policy and procedures are not the same with each agency. I would run these questions by the officer you are scheduled to ride with. Since you are an applicant I would concentrate my efforts on obtaining employment. You are getting way ahead of yourself. Take a deep breath and relax.

It sounds like your ride along will be a full shift (8 hours) with the officer so don't flood him/her with all your questions at once. You are welcome to ask the officer questions about police work and LE but keep in mind, the officer is a normal person and have other interests/hobbies outside of police work so try to talk about that to break the monotony. Ride alongs are suppose to be enjoyable and a good learning experience so don't stress. Just my 2 cents! 

Yes, asked and answered.

Next question.

Suggestion: I can appreciate the question are you asking. Why don't you just start a discussion topic called "Questions from tomcatphtm". That way you can get all your inquiries concentrated in one place.

Interesting username by the way: Sounds a little like a cobbled hand radar brand.

Or a couple of jets of notariety: The Tomcat (F14) and the Phantom (F4). I predate both with the F-8 Crusader and A-4 Skyhawk. Most pilots considered driving an A-4 equivalent to being behind the wheel of a high performance sports car. 

I love your profile pic schultz, good memories. I wasn't sure if my theories on car angle were correct or not. They sounded reasonable, but I was unsure.

Sarge, you're correct, it's for my favorite jets. I wish they were still in service. You're the FIRST person to figure it out in several years...or at least tell me.

I'm a little wary about a whole discussion for my questions...uncle d pointed out some vailid things: I'm going to learn alot of this information if I get the job, but I need to get the job first. However, your idea is a pretty good one Sarge, so I don't choke the forum with my name.

tomcatphntm says ...

IowaNinersFan says ...

It sounds like your ride along will be a full shift (8 hours) with the officer so don't flood him/her with all your questions at once. You are welcome to ask the officer questions about police work and LE but keep in mind, the officer is a normal person and have other interests/hobbies outside of police work so try to talk about that to break the monotony. Ride alongs are suppose to be enjoyable and a good learning experience so don't stress. Just my 2 cents! 

Thanks for the info. My last ride along was only half a shift so I need to remember this will be a longer ride and apply questions accordingly.

A full shift! Also apply how much you eat and drink accordingly otherwise you will stopping to pee way too much and WOW have you seen some convenience store bathrooms in case you have to do the other?!?!?!?

We do like questions, honestly we do. As police we are skeptical about giving free information to strangers that could jeopardize officer safety. Somebody came on here a while ago asking where we keep our backup weapon....not giving that info out. Ask questions more related to your development as a candidate for police service instead of "why do you do this" type of questions. I promise you that you will get sarcastic answers, but you'll also find some valuable information from officers on here. Develop thick skin, enjoy humor, and think before you ask. You'll do just fine. I hope you enjoy your ride along.

The most appealing qualifications according to me to get into law enforcement are college, military, strong work history with positive references, volunteer work, reserve policing, stability, financial strength. They are very straight forward, and you can see where you rate in each of the categories. It does not take all of these to get a job, but the more you have the better your chances will be. I have never seen a candidate with all of these qualifications, but if one did exist, I would hire the applicant in an instant.

No need to add to the above comments as the answer(s) have already been given.

As to the screen name "tomcatphantom" and your comment TheSarge was the first person to figure it out in several years....... maybe with those with whom you have been associating.  Most people here have some affiliation with the military, moreover the Navy who flew both and Marines and Air Force who flew the Phantom.  It took me a matter of less than a second to make the connection.  Others probably figured it out just as quick and just didn't mention it whereas TheSarge did. 

If a points system is in effect for the hiring process, honorable military is automatically awarded bonus points. It is ten points for our hiring process. It actually made the difference in our last hiring procedure. One candidate scored 84 out of 100, and our military applicant scored 82. He was hired after adding in the military preference points.

tomcatphntm says ...

schultzy04 says ...

If a points system is in effect for the hiring process, honorable military is automatically awarded bonus points. It is ten points for our hiring process. It actually made the difference in our last hiring procedure. One candidate scored 84 out of 100, and our military applicant scored 82. He was hired after adding in the military preference points.

A slightly frustrating point for one who hasn't had that honor yet, especially when I'm hoping to get into departments in a heavily Navy area.

It's a way to say "thank you" to those that served. While it may be frustrating to you now, it may be a blessing. If you know that military have preferential hiring status, you know you have to make up for it in other areas. A college degree, reserve policing, and good work history ar some things most military personel have not yet had the opportunity to do. They can make up the difference in the points given for military status.

after months of being away i thought i would drop in. this person seems to be an overactive thinker. do what these guys suggest or you will be doomed from the get go. i wont wish you good luck. you need more than luck to be successful in this work.