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Careers: Police/Questions Answered by Expert Eric Potts
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Will bad credit affect me becoming a police officer? | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: Growing up I have always had problems with good credit, early on it was I did not have enough credit ... A: Beau, Unfortunately bad credit will effect your chances of becoming a police officer if your credit ... | |
| police officer | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: i'm in 11th grade and i'm not a citizen american. i will be citizen after 2, 3 or 4 years. i still ... A: Yes you can still become a Police Officer, how long it takes depends on you. If you get a college ... | |
| qualifications | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: I was jus wondering if i am able to be a police officer if i have ever used drugs ecstasty,cocaine? ... A: Adam, I've explained this answer in the past and it wasn't met with positive results, however I need ... | |
| background application | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: I'm applying for a police job and was having a hard time getting my history of traffic tickets. I ... A: I would never recommend a site to look up someones history or background. Some sites are not ... | |
| Help | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: I've been trying to start a law enforcement career for some time now. I was wondering if my credit ... A: When doing a background check on any potential candidates a check of their financial record is ... | |
| Homicide Detective Requirements. | 9/19/2009 |
| Q: I have been researching for how to become a homicide detective, and it would be a career I would ... A: Meiha, Go to college and work on getting good grades, concentrate your studies to areas that would ... | |
| Army schooling | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: Alright, if I go into the army for MP could I learn what I needed to be a police officer when I get ... A: Joe, You will still need to attend a Police Academy when you get out of the Army, while you do ... | |
| depression | 6/1/2009 |
| Q: Potts, Depression is considered a mental illness. If someone has depression that causes some ... A: It is not likely a Police Department will hire someone that is taking medication for depression, ... | |
| Becoming a LEO with a misdemeanor | 5/31/2009 |
| Q: I recently have been charged with a DUI (extreme), if convicted will I still be able to become a ... A: Adam, I'm not sure I understand what DUI (Extreme) is...does your State have Tiers in DUI ... | |
| Length of Criminal Tresspass Warning | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: If someone came on my property and was given a criminal trespass warning, how long is that good for? ... A: Kristopher, I can not give you an answer to this question because I do not know Texas law. Each ... | |
| Possible disqualifier for DEA | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: In 2004 I chewed on a few coca leaves. I did not know it was illegal but now realize that it was. ... A: Adam, I don't know if you would be disqualified at a particular Police Department other then the ... | |
| is this a violation of rights? | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: I am to assume that a commercial vehicle (semi truck) would have different privacy laws than a ... A: You assume incorrectly, the same rules apply to the truck as any vehicle, the officer has a right to ... | |
| Disqualifications for a Police Officer | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: my fiance just turned in his application and I had a couple of questions about disqualifications. He ... A: Different Departments look at different things when hiring Police Officers...some put a higher ... | |
| need advice! | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: i am currently serving in iraq in the army, i am a mp and i am interested in becoming a civilian ... A: Stephen, Your best bet is try to get some college while you are in the Military. Serving in the ... | |
| Hireable? | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: I was in the military for approx. 2 years. I was engaged to be married at the time and my then ... A: Chris, Anything other than a Honorable Discharge is frowned upon during the hiring process. Be ... | |
| becoming a police officer | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: I am a u.s marine and i have been in for 3 years with two deployments to iraq . i am wondering where ... A: Bobby, Start looking in places you'd like to live for the local police departments and when they ... | |
| Military Vs police | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: Im in a military college and i have an opportunity to contract with the Army and become an Army ... A: Shawn, The choice is yours, either way is a good way to become a police officer, and either way ... | |
| dd-214 effects | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: I went through most of Marine Corps boot camp, over 2 years ago, I ended up getting an admin ... A: Josie, Unfortunately it will greatly effect your chances. Anything less than an Honorable Discharge ... | |
| Hoping you can help me decide. | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: My goal my whole life has been to work as a special agent in the FBI, I have worked hard to achieve ... A: Tristan, If you are graduating College and the FBI is your ultimate goal, you might consider ... | |
| some questions | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: #1 is getting in to the police force or in a station like getting in to the Miltilary? #2 what are ... A: Jenna, I'll be honest with you, getting into the Military Police was a lot easier than getting ... | |
| disqualifying factors | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: i have always wanted to be a police officer,but fought with a drinking problem.i have been sober for ... A: Kris, The only way to find out is to start applying, taking tests, going through the process and ... | |
| Question | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: I reside in the state of maine. I am currently enrolled in criminal justice degree I want to become ... A: Ken, I do not know the Laws in the State of Maine, I can only speak for NJ and the answer here ... | |
| Benefits of being an MP first then a civilian police officer | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: I am an army recruiter and am asked all the time about if the military police education helps ... A: Police Departments are "para-military" organizations to begin with so any time spent in the Armed ... | |
| Can I be hired. | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: I am 21 years old and my question is do you think I have a chance at becoming a police officer. I ... A: Jim, Stealing makes you automatically untrustworthy, if this was to come to light in a background ... | |
| Police | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: I am Richard Kennedy I am only 13 and i really would like some help on a road to becoming a police ... A: Richard, All those courses sound exciting and will help you go far in life. I would focus on ... | |
| military to police | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: i am going to the army and i want to know , if i go to the military and become a military police ... A: Antoine, This is a very simple question to answer, because I am asked it very often here on All ... | |
| Developing My Career While In College | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: I am currently in a well-known community college in the Metro Detroit area that is highly respected ... A: Rick, Check in the area and see if any of the Departments participate in VIPS (Volunteers in Police ... | |
| Police Car lights and stopping | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: I was told by a border partol officer that you legally do not have to stop for a vehicle unless it ... A: Each State is different in the color of their lights and their requirements. Does Florida have a Red ... | |
| ANY ADVICE WOULD BE HELPFUL | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: I currently live in kyle Texas. I have been wanting to be a police officer for about 10+yrs now, but ... A: Jeremy, I'm not sure what advise I can give you. It sounds from your letter that you are doing ... | |
| DUI and becoming a PO | 1/29/2009 |
| Q: I am an army veteran who served in Iraq. I have had a wet and reckless charge when I was 18 and a ... A: Police Departments will look very closely at someone with a prior DUI on their record and depending ... | |
| seeking advice | 12/4/2008 |
| Q: My name is Chris I am 23 year old mechanic who is SERIOUSLY considering changing careers to try to ... A: Chris, Unfortunately anything other than an Honorable Discharge is frowned upon, however, you may ... | |
| police work | 12/3/2008 |
| Q: I am a senior in highschool finishing up the year and planning for college. i am planning on ... A: Dan, Only you can answer that. People don't go into the Police Field planning on getting hurt but ... | |
| military | 11/26/2008 |
| Q: I'm twenty years old and I never knew what I wanted to do until very recently and that was to become ... A: Certainly serving in the Military can help in your Law Enforcement career and particularly serving ... | |
| Become a police officer | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: I'm a retired veteran, 20 yrs. Army/Honorable discharged. Retiring correctional officer, 20 yrs., ... A: Baron, I'm assuming your time in the Army was Reservist time/National Guard and not active ... | |
| Questions about Law Enforcement in General. | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: How ya doing? Ok well I've got a few questions about Law Enforcement. 1. If I get a bachelors in ... A: I will do my best to answer your questions as best as possible, I'll take each one separately. 1. ... | |
| College | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: Do you have to go to college before you go to the police academy? Or do you only have to go to the ... A: Jon, Most Police Departments today have a 2 year minimum college degree requirement, some waive ... | |
| How Do I????? | 10/11/2008 |
| Q: ..PLEASE HELP A: Raymond, I would suggest looking in the newspaper for area police departments that are hiring, ... | |
| Infantry to PD | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: Mr Potts- First off thank you for your service during your enlistment. It is much appreciated. My ... A: I can not speak for all Police Departments, I can tell you that from experience many departments do ... | |
| Just wondering | 9/28/2008 |
| Q: The thing is i have a criminal backround from when i was younger and acting stupid. Over the years ... A: I don't know about the State you live in, but here in NJ you can not become a Police Officer with a ... | |
| Military Police | 9/17/2008 |
| Q: I am 17 years old and i have a long term goal of becoming a police officer. I am checking all my ... A: Sean, The choice is yours, either path is a good choice. Personally, I went into the Army, becamse ... | |
| Supervising Officer | 9/15/2008 |
| Q: If a more experienced officer were to supervisive two younger officers on patrol what might be the ... A: Demetrius, The ages would be mid 30's to 40's for supervisor and in the 20's for younger officers. ... | |
| i want to become a detective | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: my name is Brian and i'm 16 right now. i really want to become a cop, but i haven't prepared for it. ... A: Well first, stop smoking and start doing better in school. That is the very first thing you need to ... | |
| Careers in CJ | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: For one of my classes, I need to write and paper and do a presentation on a career that interests me ... A: You might consider working in a forensics lab. If you have the time and resources, look into a ... | |
| us marshal service | 8/29/2008 |
| Q: I will be redeploying soon and I will have 8 months left in the service. I want to become a US ... A: I can not tell you want the US Marshals policy is for hiring, I know after serving 6 years in the ... | |
| who gets units together? | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: I am planning to write a story in which three officers do good work in a certain area, and so are ... A: Yes the Captain would have his own office. The older men would obviously be wiser, having seen and ... | |
| alabama officer | 8/23/2008 |
| Q: His daughter lives in Alabama and he wants to be closer to her. We have called some of the local ... A: In my opinion he should try and get the job he really wants. I can not speak of the rules and ... | |
| who gets units together? | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: I am planning to write a story in which three officers do good work in a certain area, and so are ... A: Demetrius, Everything is relative. The Chief can be young (in their 30s) or older, he or she could ... | |
| Background | 8/11/2008 |
| Q: I'm in the background process in becoming a deputy sheriff.And want to know if my boyfriend ... A: In a word, NO. However, if your boyfriends background is shaky at best, and the behavior that made ... | |
| appointment with an expunged felony record | 8/10/2008 |
| Q: I am looking to become a police officer in NJ and my question is whether or not i will be ... A: I don't think there is any way of sugar coating this issue, this will be a hindrance to you becoming ... | |
| Becoming a Police Officer | 8/5/2008 |
| Q: i'm very interesting in becoming a police officer and actually took the cjbat for Miami-Dade police ... A: It is always good to hear from someone who has learned from their mistakes. I always try to be ... | |
| Life-long Career in LE | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: Eric: Thank you very much for reading my question! I am a recently graduated high school student. ... A: Christopher, You were 12, you have led a clean exemplary life since then, right? I would say you ... | |
| Disqualifying Factors? | 7/30/2008 |
| Q: My goal is to become a police officer here in california. Now I do have some minor issues in my ... A: Don, I'm not sure how to answer this question. To be honest with you, if I was doing a background ... | |
| Becoming a Police Officer | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: I want to become a police officer but have had a written and verbal warning at a job that I worked ... A: Brian, Being deceptive is NO WAY to begin a career in Law Enforcement. By omitting this job from an ... | |
| getting paid while going to school | 7/22/2008 |
| Q: Sir, I have just gotten out of the Navy after a great 8 years and really want to go into law ... A: KEvin, If I'm following you correctly you're looking to get hired on a Police Department and have ... | |
| Become an officer with an other than honorable discharge? | 7/22/2008 |
| Q: After first reading the question your first thoughts are probably, "Are you insane?", but just hear ... A: Well Mike, I am a bit concerned as to why your discharge was anything less than Honorable. You may ... | |
| Become an officer with an other than honorable discharge? | 7/21/2008 |
| Q: After first reading the question your first thoughts are probably, "Are you insane?", but just hear ... A: Michael, I can not imagine how they found out you were gay unless someone told them, obviously you ... | |
| Dispatcher Interview Question | 7/20/2008 |
| Q: I applied for the job of dispatcher with some local police departments. During an oral interview I ... A: Jim, This is a common question asked in job interviews. Many people think an answer such as "I tend ... | |
| help! | 7/12/2008 |
| Q: My Fiance is currently in the blet program at our local community college. He is an iraq veteran ... A: The only thing he can do is answer the questions honestly and hope...as time passes the mistake ... | |
| help! | 7/11/2008 |
| Q: My Fiance is currently in the blet program at our local community college. He is an iraq veteran ... A: First off God Bless your finace and the service he has rendered to this Country. I salute him and ... | |
| general civil service question | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: "I am looking at signing on with teh border patrol but I have a couple questions. I served in teh US ... A: I would not be able to tell you how this would effect your Top Secret Clearance status as that is ... | |
| Getting the paperwork together | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: I have a question on all the background paperwork. I took my time and thought i had everything ... A: Robert, What was left off the application to disqualify you? I'm not sure I'm following your ... | |
| Marine Police | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: My 19 year old son is thinking about a career in Marine Police. We currently live in Delaware - ... A: I'm assuming you are talking about the Police on Boats and not Marines as in the Military, at least ... | |
| Background | 6/10/2008 |
| Q: Hey Eric, my name is Joe and I just had a quick question maybe you could help me out on. First off I ... A: I'd say your chances are very good. You obviously learned from your mistake, entered the service and ... | |
| hi | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: a frend of mine gave me a bullet how od i tell if it was fired it was kinda beat up and i suspect ... A: You should not be holding onto a bullet I don't know what kind it is or what the circumstances are ... | |
| Should I even try | 6/2/2008 |
| Q: To whom it may concern, I am a 23 year old male who is starting to have doubts about applying ... A: Congratulations on deciding to get your life in order, while I try to remain positive in my ... | |
| police work | 5/31/2008 |
| Q: Mr. Potts i am a high school student, and i am thinking of a career in law enforcement. But i don't ... A: First, thanks for your understanding in my delay in getting this answer to you. An example of Police ... | |
| general | 5/20/2008 |
| Q: I have been wanting to become a police officer since I was about 5 and would like to go for the job. ... A: Often times when we are young we do things that we later regret in life, some times worse than ... | |
| Police Sniper | 5/18/2008 |
| Q: I am 18 and I want to become a police patrol man right after I finish high school, (at age 18-19) ... A: First and foremost before you are anything in the Army you are a SOLDIER...you must go through Basic ... | |
| Police Sniper | 5/13/2008 |
| Q: I am 18 and I want to become a police patrol man right after I finish high school, (at age 18-19) ... A: As a Military Police Officer I did much the same as I do now. Enforce the laws of the Uniform Code ... | |
| Becoming an SVU Investigator | 5/10/2008 |
| Q: I know that I must become an officer and gain experience before I can become an SVU Investigator. I ... A: Are you planning on staying in the Army until retirement? If so, I would consider changing my MOS to ... | |
| Police Sniper | 5/10/2008 |
| Q: I am 18 and I want to become a police patrol man right after I finish high school, (at age 18-19) ... A: Enthusiasm is a good thing but sometimes reality steps in and directs us down the right path. I'm ... | |
| police detective | 4/30/2008 |
| Q: what course in high school do i need to focus on? what college i need to attend and what i have to ... A: If your High School offers any electives that cover forensic science that would be a course I would ... | |
| military and police work | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: I am a 14 year old girl, who has big dreams. I want to go to College in Oxford, England and then ... A: First off, congratulations for knowing exactly what you want to do in life. You have a head start on ... | |
Careers: Police
Answers by Expert:
Eric Potts
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I am a Veteran of The United States Army where I served as a Military Police Officer for 6 years and have been a Municipal Police Officer for 20 years. I am a certified Arson Investigator, as well as a certified Community Police Officer. I am a DARE teacher in the local schools. I am a Defensive Driving Instructor and worked for years as a Detective specializing in White Collar Crime. I'm qualified to answer general law enforcement questions, general procedure questions (all departments have different rules and regulations. I can answer questions about how to become a law enforcement officer, and questions that might help someone understand why an officer acted a certain way. I am also a Police Suicide Awareness trainer and a member of the NJ Critical Incident Response Team. PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME ANY QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO SWAT-I AM NOT QUALIFIED TO ANSWER THEM AND WILL REJECT THOSE QUESTIONS.
Experience
I have 27 years total Law Enforcement experience in a wide range of areas. I have worked as a Detective and a Patrolman and have made well over 2,000 arrests in my career.
Education/Credentials
Graduated from the United States Army Military Police School
Basic Law Enforcement Training
Arson Investigators School
DARE Officer Training
Interview and Interrogation School
Police Suicide and Awareness Trainer
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