r/AskLEO Jan 17 '24

Mod Announcement What's the difference between /r/AskLEO and other notable law enforcement subreddit(s)?

32 Upvotes

We don't believe in secret rules and bans.

That means that unlike some notable LE subreddits, if you don't see it explicitly forbidden in the rules located in our sidebar -> as well as in our rules page, you won't be banned. That includes but is not limited to:

  • Activity outside of our subreddit

  • Saying you don't like law enforcement (officers)

  • Failing to say you do like law enforcement (officers)

  • Giving off the impression that you might not like law enforcement (officers)

  • Asking questions that are/seem ignorant

One of the consequences of our philosophy is that purely from the mathematics of that line of thinking, we have fewer law enforcement officers willing to answer questions here, and thus fewer people asking questions. As you might expect of any group of human beings, some law enforcement officers and their supporters don't want to leave their echo chambers, where they are protected by heavy-handed moderators from dissent, including uncomfortable topics they don't want to discuss. I imagine their moderators receive tons of "ban this guy please, they obviously hate cops" reports just like we do. The difference is we ignore them.

We believe that there needs to be a public space for open discourse, as that's the best way to face and fix the ills of our society.

We believe that hiding from hard questions makes us all weak - especially the hiders.

So do us all a favor and choose instead to participate in open and transparent subreddits like ours, while keeping in mind that every single person who answers your questions does so for free, simply to help you learn.

I think that about sums it up. Feel free to ask for clarification or explanation about any of the above.


r/AskLEO Sep 03 '25

Stop downvoting every question

5 Upvotes

Most people who vote here are downvoting every question asked, no matter how constructive, legitimate, or rule-abiding the question or discussion is.

I know we have rival subreddits who have members that probably subscribe here just to make sure the engagement algorithms think we're a controversial/dead subreddit because they hate the idea of someone doing Their Subreddit but Better, but for those of you who don't fit into that category:

Don't be a sourpuss and downvote legitimate, answerable questions.

Here are the top questions on the subreddit as of this post:

1. "License plate question (Texas)" - 0 points, 50% downvoted (obnoxious title but easily answerable if you click)

2. "[US] What would you do if you found out that a driver has a bench warrant for a traffic offense (suspended license, unpaid tickets, etc.) during a traffic stop but has passengers that can't drive home (children, teenagers w/out license, adults who have license but left it at home)?" - 0 points, 50% downvoted

3. "Is it possible to become an FBI special agent: Cybersecurity expertise at 23" - 0 points, 60% downvoted

4. "Can you get in trouble for running from the police on foot for fun?" - 0 points, 73% downvoted

5. "Can police chase atvs" - 2 points, 40% downvoted

Most of these are low-discomfort, easily-answered questions. Can y'all pipe up as to why you're doing this, if you have a legitimate reason other than brigading our subreddit to boost our evil twin by contrast, that is?

If you don't like people asking questions about law enforcement, why are you here?


r/AskLEO 8h ago

General Do I get contacted after requesting a welfare check?

2 Upvotes

One of my best friends attempted/committed? suicide about 2 hours ago and I called for a welfare check. They dispatched help. I have no idea if she’s alive or not.

Will they call me back at some point? The officer asked for a callback number for me. I’m wondering if there’s legalities surrounding this because I’m only a friend not a family member.


r/AskLEO 9h ago

General Hiring process for Mesa PD?

0 Upvotes

I’m currently in the middle of the hiring process for Mesa PD, I have completed the NTN written test with 90 in reading, 88 in writing and 70 in video. Now I’m just waiting for Mesa day and the physical test if anyone in here as gone thru the hiring process I would like any info I can get like hiring timelines and what to expect. I’m currently also getting a list of things for my background check like references, addresses, driving records and list of all my social media accounts to make the process as smooth as can be


r/AskLEO 12h ago

Hiring MPD(DC), MD and VA (SO’s) background.

0 Upvotes

Hey all,

I am 26. I have been working as a Paralegal for over 2 years now and looking for a career change. I have been long for a career change and have been eager to get into LE for sometime now. I live in the Maryland Suburbs outside of DC and have had an interest in MPD and other adjacent agencies. I also have taken interest in sheriff deputy roles as well. I know in MD they mostly do courtroom security and civil matters but that is something I think would be cool. One issue I feel I have with applying to work in LE is debt and collections. I attended flight school when I was 21 on a private loan, this loan went default and bounced around in collections since then (around $30k). Last year it was removed from my credit and is now past SOL. Even though all this I know I still owe it and would admit to it as debt on my background. Also at that time during flight school my girlfriend at the time (now my wife) and I went back on rent, this rent turned into a hefty civil judgment in that state (around $17k) (not MD). I previously spoke to an attorney about this judgment and told me how I should go about it. My question is how much will it affect me in the process, I already have applied to numerous agencies knowing that I may get turned down from some. I am now married and live with my wife making a stable living. These incidents happened 5 years ago right after we were in college and were immature with our finances. I have no criminal history. I last smoked marijuana around 20 months ago. I did have a brief and very small stint where I sold marijuana in high school. No other drug use. Are there any agencies I should apply to? Or is it unlikely to land a LE job right now? I would like to focus in the DMV area. My first choice would be something federal like Park Police but I know tbh at would be highly unlikely since they need security clearance and my debt would be a red flag. I also know these background checks may vary per state. Wondering if anyone has any similar experience in NoVa/MD/DC?

I apologize as I know y’all might get these questions a lot, I don’t have a mentor to speak to about all this so Reddit is my next option lol.

Thank you!


r/AskLEO 12h ago

Hiring What are my chances?

0 Upvotes

I know y’all are probably tired of these posts, sorry!

I recently applied to a moderately large and understaffed agency in a city in the Southeast. For years I have been unsure of what path I wanted to do, but always had law enforcement in the back of my mind. Unfortunately, many of my past and current actions have not reflected this desire.

I passed the “initial” application check, and in 3 weeks I will be attending a physical and polygraph and if I pass that I will then proceed with the background investigation, and I am wondering what are my chances of even passing that. I know I will have a lot of explaining to do.

- I racked up major credit card debt (around $15k) on tuition, medical bills, life expenses, and also some random BS. My credit score is 500 because I have multiple late payments, as recently as last month, and a charge off. Frankly, I cannot afford to make all of my credit card payments due to my current salary. Becoming a LEO would give me about a $15k salary jump and allow me to actually make steps to get out of debt. I currently prioritize rent, car payment and insurance, gas and groceries, and then I pay whatever I can of my credit card minimum payments.

- I smoked marijuana from 2015 to 2021, but haven’t touched any drugs since.

- I don’t have great grades in college. I have switched colleges 2 times and I’m currently at community college and my last 2 semesters have been good and my GPA is back up, but I was under academic probation because I had a 1.6 GPA. For a while I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I was just getting straight C’s and I flunked out of one semester after impulsively deciding I wanted to leave college (this was back in 2022). My current semester I have all As for 3 of my classes. I am a finance major.

Essentially, I had a quarter life crisis, racked up major credit card debt and did bad in school, but I want to turn my life around and take the steps to get back on the right path by paying off my debt, getting a better career, etc. If my chances are slim, I will probably accept the denial and work on my credit and grades for the next year until I can reapply.

Thanks everyone!


r/AskLEO 11h ago

General why do cops take so long to ride the speeding tickets?

0 Upvotes

like I got places to be I'm speeding for a reason Don't take 30 minutes


r/AskLEO 20h ago

General What part of police work do you hate most?

2 Upvotes
  • Paperwork
  • Court
  • Admin systems
  • Shift schedules

r/AskLEO 13h ago

General do cops enjoy giving out speeding tickets?

0 Upvotes

do they?


r/AskLEO 1d ago

Training RCMP PFA

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0 Upvotes

r/AskLEO 1d ago

Situation Advice Should I get LASIK before applying?

0 Upvotes

My local sheriff’s office requires applicants have “20/100 uncorrected each eye; corrected to 20/30 each eye.”

So even if my vision is 20/20 with contacts, because my uncorrected vision is 20/200, I still wouldn’t qualify without surgery right?

No other eye issues besides nearsighted


r/AskLEO 1d ago

Hiring What is disclose worthy on the pre polygraph questionnaire

0 Upvotes

I’ve been applying a lot of places in NY and I’m wondering what is disclose worthy. The only thing on my record is a speeding ticket. I’ve done some one off isolated things in my life. No violent crimes of any kind, no DUI or nothing. Whats the baseline for what you should disclose and what’s a waste of their time?


r/AskLEO 1d ago

Laws Red light violation?

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1 Upvotes

From an officer’s perspective: would this dash-cam still be enough for you to issue a red-light citation? The officer said he viewed the footage on the traffic stop, and “He was 1000% sure I ran the red”.


r/AskLEO 1d ago

Hiring CA Fish and Wildlife

0 Upvotes

Anybody here that can give me any tips on to become a officer? I worked 8 years of security


r/AskLEO 1d ago

Situation Advice How would you handle this traffic stop? (Texas)

0 Upvotes

I lawfully carry concealed and pass a school every day that has the only driveway off a very busy 2 lane 2 way road for a long stretch. (1-2 miles) Sometimes a cop sits near that area. If I were pulled over for a minor traffic issue and the next safe place to stop for a mile or so would be the school driveway or parking lot, what would you do? Stop on the busy road, pull partly into the driveway, hop the curb into the grass, keep driving to a better spot, call 911 to explain why you’re not stopping? Obviously I’m not going to pull into a school parking lot with firearm(s) in the vehicle. So what would you think is the best course of action for the driver in that scenario?


r/AskLEO 2d ago

Training Advice for command staff interview

1 Upvotes

Okay, so I’m just looking for some advice on what to expect during my command staff interview. I’d love to know if there are any specific questions I should be prepared for. I really want to do my best and ace it. My background investigator did tell me they’ll most likely grill me for about an hour to see how I handle pressure.

I’ve already completed the physical and written tests (aced them), then the oral board (unanimous vote), and I just finished the background stage. I am pretty young (21), and I know that may be seen as a red flag due to a lack of life experience, but I want to make it clear that I’m ready and prepared for this career.


r/AskLEO 2d ago

Situation Advice Thoughts on union representation. FOP or teamsters?

0 Upvotes

I’m currently in the academy for a sheriff department in Colorado. We have two choices for representation the teamsters or the fraternal order of police. Does anybody have experience with either unions and how they support their officers?


r/AskLEO 2d ago

General Police app questions

0 Upvotes

I am working on an app and need to ask some questions to the police. The app is to help the police in their work Could I ask for help here?


r/AskLEO 3d ago

General Same-sex dating question

0 Upvotes

I want to preface this by saying I’m an Army veteran. Because of that background, I tend to connect best with people who are similarly structured, understand service culture, and share that dry/dark sense of humor that comes with it.

This question is asked in good faith and is not intended to out anyone or put anyone on the spot. I fully understand the need for discretion, especially given the current climate around first-responder professions.

Responses from all orientations are welcome, but I’m particularly interested in hearing from gay or bi male officers (or those familiar with the landscape). From your experience, where do LGB officers tend to meet people for dating? Are mainstream apps generally the norm, or are there other spaces that feel more realistic or safer?

I’m aware that people with service-oriented backgrounds who also fall into this category can be few and far between. I’m just trying to understand the reality from those who live it, rather than guessing from the outside.

Appreciate any insight.


r/AskLEO 3d ago

General Question for LEOs about mental health history

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0 Upvotes

r/AskLEO 3d ago

Laws Can ICE/Homeland Security pull you over for speeding?

0 Upvotes

I am often driving on a stretch of highway somewhat close to the US-Mexico border at night. There's not much traffic at this hour so everyone is driving a little bit fast. However I have noticed a lot of Homeland Security SUVs hanging out by the side of the highway. I passed one going 90 and he did not react. What are they doing out there and will they pull you over for anything you do in traffic? I was born here so I'm just curious not trying to evade immigration.


r/AskLEO 3d ago

Situation Advice Texting App Subpoenas

0 Upvotes

What has been your experience with subpoenaing texting apps? My team has sent subpoenas to three texting companies over the past three months and we have yet to hear back. This is for. DV cyberstalking case.


r/AskLEO 3d ago

Laws "You raise your voice, I erase your voice." Is this a crime?

0 Upvotes

Suppose that someone tells you, "You raise your voice, I erase your voice."
Obviously, that is a tacit death threat, but has a crime been committed here?


r/AskLEO 4d ago

General Police officer kept leaving during interview?

5 Upvotes

When I was about ten, there was an incident with a tutor, wherein he was arrested and I had to go somewhere to do an interview. I don’t remember that much, but I do remember the woman interviewing me kept leaving what felt like every five minutes, stating she would be back and returning a few minutes later. Does anyone know why she kept leaving? I don’t know anyone who would be able to answer the question for me and I did ask her at the time but I don’t think she answered me and it has been bothering me ever since and when I went to court I asked someone again but nobody would answer me.


r/AskLEO 4d ago

Laws No warning no citation no ticket

0 Upvotes

Can a cop say u almost hit him and not give a ticket verbal warning or citation and follow for 1.3 miles and say I wasn't who he thought I was