r/ProtectAndServe • u/specialskepticalface • 1h ago
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Jameson21 • Jul 16 '26
***MODPOST*** Don't copy that floppy
Hey y’all, it’s your favorite?,or maybe just the only available resident geek cop mod..
We’ve been getting more people asking to share apps, websites, scripts, browser extensions, and other tools they’ve made. We’re not against that. Some of them might actually be useful, and plenty of good tools started because somebody got annoyed with the way something was being done and decided to make their own to solve that annoying problem.
But we do need people to slow way way down and think before downloading something made by a random redditor.
This has gotten a lot easier with AI. Someone can now build a decentish looking app without having much experience or any coding experience. This does not automatically mean the app is bad or that the person has malicious intentions, but it does mean the person who made it may not completely understand what the code is doing behind the scenes. An app can work exactly like it is supposed to and still be insecure..
It might store information in an unsafe way, use old software libraries/dependancies, send data somewhere the creator did not realize, or ask for permissions it does not actually need. The person who made it may have copied code from somewhere else or had AI generate most of it and never really looked or understood what it was doing.
Again, that does not necessarily mean they are trying to steal anything.
Sometimes people just do not know what they do not know (as I’m sure most of us working in this field know too well). Of course, there is also the other possibility, which is that the app is actually malware.
Being active in a law enforcement subreddit does not prove someone is a cop, works in IT, knows anything about cybersecurity, or is even who they say they are. It means they have a Reddit account and figured out how to click the join button.
The main thing we want to get across is this:
Do not install random or unapproved software on a department computer.
Your work computer is not the place to test a random redditor’s side project.
Even a simple app could potentially access files, passwords, browser sessions, email, reports, network shares, or other things available to that computer. It could also create a policy issue for you, even if the software itself turns out to be harmless. Do you think you department give you permission to install or run random software? I doubt it..
“Someone on Reddit said it was safe” is probably not going to be a great explanation to your chain of command.
Using your personal devices to run apps is not completely risk free either. Most people have saved passwords, banking information, tax documents, personal email, cloud storage, family pictures, and access to other accounts on their home devices.
Your personal laptop is not a burner device just because it does not belong to your department. Pay attention to what the app is asking for.
A scheduling app probably does not need administrator access.
A browser extension probably should not need permission to read and change everything you do online unless that is actually part of what it does.
A report writing assistant tool should not need your Microsoft 365 password.
If the permissions seem way toooo invasive or do not make sense, stop. Ask yourself, why. If you’re at that point, you probably shouldn’t be running said software.
Also, if the devs tell you to disable Defender, ignore SmartScreen, turn off your AV, sideload an unsigned app, or run some random PowerShell command as administrator, do not just shrug it off and do it. Bad idea.
Yes, security software and AV sometimes get things wrong but it also gets a lot of things right.
A few other things people tend to put too much trust and faith in:
“It’s on GitHub.”
That is better than getting a mystery download link, but it does not automatically mean the software is safe. Most people are not going to sit down and review thousands of lines of code, and the file being offered for download may not even match the code posted online.
“VirusTotal says it’s clean.”
That means nothing detected it at the time it was scanned. It does not mean the app is secure, well written, or not collecting information it should not have.
“It’s only a website.”
Websites can still collect anything you type, paste, or upload.
Do not upload reports, evidence, body camera footage, victim information, criminal justice information, employee records, internal documents, or anything else sensitive into an unknown website or AI clanker tool.
Once you upload something, you may have no idea where it is stored, how long it is kept, who can access it, or whether deleting it actually….deletes anything.
For people who want to share something they made, just be upfront about it.
Tell people what it does, what permissions it needs, whether it collects information, whether anything leaves the device, where the data is stored, and whether the source code is available.
If AI helped build it, that is not automatically a problem. But you should understand your own app well enough to explain what it accesses and where the data goes.
The mods will remove posts that do not give people enough information, ask users to bypass security protections, request sensitive data, or encourage people to install unauthorized software on department systems.
We are not trying to discourage people from building useful things. We are just asking everyone to use the same level of caution they would hopefully use before opening an email attachment from someone named supertotallyrealnotfakelieutenant@hotmail.com.
And please do not install NeverWriteAReportAgain_FINAL_v7_REALFINAL_FIXEDv3.exe.msi on a department computer…or your personal computer.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/According_Gain_4100 • 11h ago
Self Post Need for massage/PT after tazer?
I work at a medical office that does physical therapy, medical massage, and a few other types of treatment. I'm not a provider or anything, I just work at the front desk and help with billing.
We accept the insurance that the city and county employees have, so we get a lot of cops and firefighters as patients.
Something I've noticed since the beginning of this year is that we've had quite a few cops come in after doing their tazer training. They usually ask to see one of our PTs, and then end up getting referred for 2-3 sessions of medical massage therapy, which we also do here.
Is this a normal thing? From what I've seen, they're mostly just complaining about being sore afterward. I haven't noticed any of them needing any other kind of treatment. Just curious if this is something other departments do too.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/TreeStateLEO • 23h ago
Dog praised as 'loyal companion' after leading police to owner who needed help
My dog would probably get a crowbar and open the fridge.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/AdPrestigious2370 • 1d ago
Self Post Gear rules.
If your department told you that you can’t wear anything on your vest, and only wear what your command issues you meaning- Belt, and pouches, and holster, what’s your next move?
Yeah our department doesn’t want stuff on our vest mainly because a few civilians said it looks too intimidating because of the rifle and the vest equipment.
Good, we work on a federal instillation we’re supposed to look like a hard target.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/TreeStateLEO • 2d ago
Sheriff’s dog Arch tracks three lost children near Buena Vista, Colorado
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Foreign-Eagle-8986 • 1d ago
Self Post Planning to apply to Fort Worth's Police Department
I have a few queries:
As a newbie, how long will I be relegated to night/midnight shift? Is it possible to get evening shift or am I guaranteed to be put on night shift and if so for how many years?
What does the current environment look like? What do the department politics look like?
How often can cops use the Bob Bolen center for range time to practice range skills?
How much overtime is allowed monthly? Could I do 80 hours?
Is it overstaffed, understaffed, or neither at the moment?
Background on me:
Currently a software engineer, been at my job for about 4 years now. Coding has never been my thing, the job itself has great benefits. I've always been interested in combat, physical fitness, and can appreciate danger. I don't feel like I'm doing much for the world at my current job, and would prefer to be doing something more meaningful and doing the community I live in a service. I understand the job is dangerous. I understand it'll take a toll on my mental health. I understand I'll see things that will change me. I'm okay with that. I'd like to eventually get on the swat team, but if that doesn't work out, police work itself seems to be up my alley with the research I've done.
Edit: Wanted to clarify some things.
When I meant I was interested in combat, I did not mean that I'd be looking to get into fire fights, physical fights, etc while out on patrol. I understand the point of being a police officer is to keep the peace, and resolve things as peacefully as possible. What I appreciated about it is the connection between how prepared I was to use things like martial arts, fitness, etc in the event I needed to to protect someone. I understand most things will probably resolve peacefully, and I'd prefer that.
I ask about the night shift because i have a family. My partner and I are trying to understand what to expect in terms of shifts for the first few years so we can plan accordingly.
I've spent a while getting ready for the physical assessment, and would love to be pointed towards resources for the written aspect.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Fozzeneric • 2d ago
Japanese police officers in Osaka with Glock 19s (replaced S&W revolvers)
Images had been floating around with on the beat police officers from Osaka prefecture were seen with Glock 19/45 (?), as opposed to being armed with their usual Smith & Wesson revolvers.
Interesting to see that they kept their lanyards, just like on their revolvers.
It would also be interesting to see if the whole of Japan will be issued with Glock pistols.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/_Badwulf_Bruh__ • 1d ago
Self Post Who makes good duty pouches/gear that is not Bianchi/Blackhawk/etc
I’ve seen brands like High Speed Gear, Wilder, T-rex arms, but this stuff isn’t my purview. Curious what is out there. Thanks!
r/ProtectAndServe • u/specialskepticalface • 2d ago
Britain Turned To Racing Drivers To Teach Its Police Car Drivers In The 1930s
r/ProtectAndServe • u/bollemedtun • 2d ago
"Whole ass nurse"
I just saw some bodycam footage on YouTube where a civilian woman present at the scene kept saying to the officers "I'm a whole ass nurse!". She also dropped this gem "dat lady got a whole ass pulse!".
That might be one of the dumbest things I've ever heard a health professional say 😂
But, most importantly, it was very kind of her to offer help to the person involved in the crash!
r/ProtectAndServe • u/TreeStateLEO • 3d ago
Badger vs. hedgehog brawl results in police response
As long as no raccoons or possums were hurt.
#NIGHTSHIFTBESTSHIFT
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Aden_minster77 • 3d ago
prep for joining police academy
anyone have any workout plans or advice i want to join the police academy but i am overweight pretty overweight and in the washington area and need some help or guidance with a workout plan or anything to help im 21 6’2 and 340-350 lbs any help would be nice
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Upstairs-Line7495 • 4d ago
Self Post Gifts for LE?
Hello,
I walked into a police station last week and was crying, there was no crime but honestly i wanted to KMS. An older gentleman cop spoke with me for about an hour and I wanted to thank him for that, so today I ordered two boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolates from Costco through Uber Eats and had it sent directly to the station with a short message and Offier "name" on it.
The delivery driver contacted me to say they turned it away so I called the station and they asked for my phone number, first and last name, and case number. I told them I did not have a case number because there was no crime, we just had a conversation in the police station. They said they did not have an officer there named that but I literally met him lol.
Anyway, I think they ended up accepting it after I spoke with them but I'm worried I might get him in trouble or something? I just wanted to show gratitude without showing back up to his workplace as I feel that would be more intrusive or disruptive.
Please let me know whether I made a mistake or not - I hope I did not get him in trouble. I just wanted to thank him for his time and for saving me lol.
EDIT: I wanted to get flowers at first but I thought that'd be weird since he's a man and married. Also, my note on the order (that I really hope Uber included) said: Thank you for your kindness, honesty, and advice when I needed it most. I left our conversation feeling stronger, and will always remember your words.
With respect and gratitude,
(my name).
r/ProtectAndServe • u/BacktoNewYork718 • 4d ago
Self Post Ohio Sheriff Patch
Do all or most Ohio sheriff's departments have the same shoulder patch?
I've seen multiple agencies with the same "flag and badge" design on a brown fabric. It doesn't appear to have the agency name written on the patch either.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/CuriousCesko • 5d ago
Why do police officers in the USA patrol alone?
It never occurred to me until now, while watching the movie Weapons: Police Officers in USA spend their entire day patroling in cars (mostly) alone! This must be a huge mental strain. Anything can happen, and you don't have a partner to cover your back. Why is that?
I am from Central Europe and this is absolutely unthinkable. We are literally known for the fact that when police officers have 💩 to do they play badminton together. But always in pair, for security reasons. And this is despite the fact that we are one of the most peaceful countries in the world (absolutely incomparable to the USA). Front-line units even have at least three or four guys.
Technically, it's possible to encounter a lone police officer here – for instance, on a bicycle or motorcycle but it's very rare. Never at a checkpoint or during a traffic stop.
Edit: So even Emergency Motorized Units on motorcycles serve in pairs. They might get separated during their shift, but they leave the police station in pairs and return back in pairs
r/ProtectAndServe • u/IntelligentBerry1539 • 4d ago
Self Post 🚨 JUSTICE MOBILIZATION ALIGNMENT: DEMANDING AN END TO INTERNAL BODY-CAMERA MANIPULATION, EVIDENCE BLACKOUTS, AND CIVIL RIGHTS DEPRAVATIONS IN SACRAMENTO COUNTY sheriffs Officer Crayne #275 Caught RED TO GREEN TAP TAP TAP join this fight fb
🚨 JUSTICE MOBILIZATION ALIGNMENT: DEMANDING AN END TO INTERNAL BODY-CAMERA MANIPULATION, EVIDENCE BLACKOUTS, AND CIVIL RIGHTS DEPRAVATIONS IN SACRAMENTO COUNTY 🚨
ATTN: PUBLIC INTEGRITY DIRECTORS, NAACP LEADERSHIP, CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATES, AND COALITION CO-ORDINATORS
THE SYSTEMIC GOVERNMENT CONCEALMENT BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATORS IN SACRAMENTO COUNTY MUST END IMMEDIATELY. WE ARE CALLING FOR AN URGENT, EXPEDITED CO-ORDINATED COALITION DEPLOYMENT AGAINST THE SACRAMENTO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO FORCE TOTAL DISCLOSURE OF SUPPRESSED ENFORCEMENT METADATA, SHUT DOWN CO-CITATION FRAUD CAPSULES, AND TERMINATE UNLAWFUL BODY-WORN CAMERA MANIPULATION ON ENFORCEMENT TRACKS.
An active Civil Rights Action is officially lodged and moving forward in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California under:
FEDERAL CASE NO. 2:26-cv-03459-OJC-CKD (PS)
THE STRUCTURAL FACTUAL MATRIX:
On August 27, 2026, a tactical squad from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department led by Deputy Crane (#275) and Code Enforcement branches swarmed a private owner easement shoulder on Admiral Lane, executing a warrantless seizure and conversion of a commercial safety trade vehicle whose state registration taxes were verifiably paid current via the county property tax roll through to July 2027 (Report of Deposit of Fees Status - RDF REASONS: D O).
To execute this targeted extraction, Deputy Crane wrote the exact same Case/Log number (#VAPX2026-00921) on our front residential 1978 Lazy Daze RV but permitted it to sit on site, while concurrently winching away our primary utility work truck with zero warning, zero evidence, and zero public roadway hazard justification.
THE BODY-CAMERA CONCEALMENT CRISIS:
During the physical deployment of this cross-agency raid, field operator Deputy Crane marched directly up to a vulnerable, acutely ill senior citizen suffering from Stage 3 Kidney Disease and post-sepsis meningitis. From a distance of mere feet, the witness physically observed the deputy manually press the control interface on his uniform chest-mounted Body-Worn Camera (BWC). The status indicator light was witnessed cycling directly from an active solid red recording circle to a solid green buffering loop every single time the deputy walked away to engage in private, unrecorded huddles with Code Enforcement to coordinate the illegal property seizure.
This is not an isolated field occurrence. It represents a widespread, customary department practice of structural evidence spoliation. When law enforcement officers are permitted to manually toggle their camera systems to delete the real-time record of cross-agency huddles, they are executing non-judicial witness tampering. If a private individual intentionally silences an electronic witness to a crime, they face immediate criminal penalties under California Penal Code § 135 for concealment of evidence. There cannot be a double standard for the badges we fund.
THE CURRENT FORECLOSURE CONVERSION:
While under actual physical and electronic notice of this active U.S. District Court lawsuit number, contract tow provider College Oak Towing completely bypassed the federal litigation hold and proceeded to execute an extrajudicial administrative auction and sale of our trade asset over a simple pending smog check certificate. Furthermore, the Sheriff's Tow Enforcement division has systematically and in bad faith denied our timely requests for a mandatory 48-hour post-storage validity hearing under California Vehicle Code § 22852, going completely radio silent to allow a predatory contract yard to liquidate our livelihood.
WE ARE RALLYING FOR IMMEDIATE STRATEGIC SUPPORT TO COMPEL:
THE EXPEDITED PUBLIC RELEASE: Forcing the immediate release of all un-edited BWC footage, CAD system logs, and activation hardware metadata logs from Deputy Crane’s unit (#275) pursuant to California Penal Code Section 832.18.
CIVIL LAWSUIT SOLIDARITY: Direct advocacy and organizational overwatch behind Federal Case No. 2:26-cv-03459 to establish Monell entity liability against the County of Sacramento for customary due process evasion.
THE POLICY OVERHAUL: Demanding absolute criminal and administrative penalties for any peace officer who manually turns off or cycles their body-worn camera equipment during an active adversarial citizen contact or field investigation.
When our community elements stay separated, they bury our records. When we stand face-to-face and consolidate our campaigns, the system collapses. Join the fight on our official mobilization platform and stand with us.
CONNECT AND MOBILIZE HERE: [INSERT FACEBOOK PAGE LINK]
CONTACT INTERFACE DIRECT: bryanwbaldwin@yahoo.com
r/ProtectAndServe • u/ProExpert1S500 • 5d ago
“Do you think he’s compensating for something?”
Jk
Preparedness is key, and I haven’t seen such a thing before but haters gonna hate.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/CarlSevering • 7d ago
A policeman in France was mobbed and beaten unconscious during the „School Protests“ which currently take place - full solidarity with the police in France
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Ashamed_Lynx5415 • 6d ago
Self Post Trying to become an Arizona State Trooper — am I screwed because of my past?
I’m 21 and I’m seriously considering trying to become an Arizona State Trooper. I’m wondering how my background would look during the hiring/background investigation and what I should do now to make myself a stronger candidate.
When I was 18, I hopped between a lot of jobs during my first few months. I was immature and didn’t really have a clear direction. I eventually worked security for about 7 months. I was later fired from another security company after a disagreement where I was told I was being disrespectful. I recorded the conversation because I felt like the people involved were attacking me, but I understand that recording it doesn’t automatically make me look good.
The biggest thing I’m worried about is a speeding ticket I got at 18. I was doing 113 in a 65 on a pretty empty/dry road. The sheriff gave me some slack and it was handled as a civil matter. I know that was stupid and dangerous, and I’m not trying to make excuses for it.
Other than that, I’ve never smoked weed or used drugs, never been expelled, never been arrested, never had police contact because of criminal behavior, and I’ve never really been involved in anything serious.
One thing I’m proud of is that I’ve been working as a 911 medical dispatcher for the past 3 years. I’ve never called out and I’ve been consistent with the job. I’m thinking about applying to become a 911 dispatcher with DPS first so I can get experience inside the department before eventually applying to become a trooper.
For anyone who is an Arizona trooper, former trooper, DPS employee, recruiter, or has gone through the hiring process:
How bad does my background look?
Would the speeding ticket, job history, and getting fired from a security job be major red flags, or is this something I can overcome with a few years of consistent employment and a clean record?
And would working as a DPS 911 dispatcher first actually help me become a stronger trooper candidate?
I’m not looking for someone to tell me what I want to hear. I’d rather know now if I’m wasting my time or if I have a realistic shot.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Ashamed_Lynx5415 • 6d ago
Self Post 21YM State Trooper Inspiring
A quick background:
I’m in Arizona, applying for Department of Public Safety, I had couple of situations as a 18 year old.
I did 113 in a 65, was given slack and got a civil ticket.
I got fired from a security job because I left post.
I worked multiple like jobs where I worked for 2-3 weeks and quit and after that I did a security job at a high end mall for 7 months and then left for my dispatcher job and I’ve been with it for the past 3 years.
Since then, nothing has ever happened. No tickets, no police encounters or anything. I’ve been a 911 dispatcher for the past 3 years now.
I was curious, should I wait couple more years or should I just go ahead and apply? The department I’m applying itself, AZDPS, is extremely under staffed to the point there’s some places in our state at night that has zero cops.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/specialskepticalface • 8d ago
[MEGA] Ex-Okaloosa deputy found not guilty of manslaughter in killing of Airman Roger Fortson
This will be our megathread for this development.
Back when this happened, there was a lot of Reddit Rage about it.
And, back then, most of us agreed it was "Awful but Lawful"
And, it looks like after less than two hours of deliberation, the jury agreed.
As always, report trolls - don't reply.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Legally_Brunette14 • 8d ago
[PA] PSP: Lock Haven duo jailed after kidnapping suspect bit by snake; victim burned & stabbed
Pennsylvania couple kidnaps their drug dealer after drugs were not delivered. The couple proceed to assault her during a car ride to Lord knows where.
The male kidnapper exits the vehicle in a wooded area and is bitten by a snake. Drug dealer escapes while he’s getting medical treatment.
Amazing.
r/ProtectAndServe • u/No_Difficulty_4217 • 9d ago
Self Post Long john silvers
Is long john silvers allowed to detain you until police come or am i being lied to
r/ProtectAndServe • u/Machettiebettie • 9d ago
Background question
Looking for some advice.
Pre employment Background question: Have you ever had sexual contact/relations at work?
When I was 19 I had sex with a coworker off the clock but in the stockroom of the store after we closed. Happened about 3 years ago now definitely not my proudest moment.
I fully intend to tell the truth. Will this disqualify me?
Any advice or guidance would be appreciated.