Forum Terms & Rules
Forum Terms & Rules
Please take a moment to review these rules detailed below. If you agree with them and wish to proceed with the registration, simply click the "Register" button below. To cancel this registration, simply hit the 'back' button on your browser.
NOTE: BECAUSE THIS IS A LAW ENFORCEMENT BOARD, AND WE'D LIKE A GENERAL IDEA OF WHO'S PARTICIPATING HERE, YOU MUST FILL OUT AT LEAST SOME BASIC INFORMATION IN THE ABOUT YOURSELF, HOW DID YOU FIND THE BOARD, AND DEPT/STATION FIELDS OR YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE DELETED.
Please remember that we are not responsible for any messages posted. We do not vouch for or warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any message, and are not responsible for the contents of any message.
The messages express the views of the author of the message, not necessarily the views of this bulletin board. Any user who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to contact us immediately by email. We have the ability to remove objectionable messages and we will make every effort to do so, within a reasonable time frame, if we determine that removal is necessary.
You agree, through your use of this service, that you will not use this bulletin board to post any material which is knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise violative of any law.
You agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyright is owned by you or by this bulletin board.
The primary purpose of this message board is to give members the opportunity to ask questions and furnish information pertaining to the reserve law enforcement hiring processes and other related criminal justice issues. It is also a gathering place for current reserve deputies and officers. This is a professional website and we strive to keep it that way. Anything less will not be tolerated. Thus, members need to conduct themselves accordingly.
The following rules were created as a result of observations and suggestions by moderators and members. They are listed here in an effort to educate members and make the message board as informative and professional as possible. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
A. MEMBER CONDUCT
1. Professional Conduct is Expected
Degrading posts and name-calling are not permitted. Therefore, do not post comments that attack other members, moderators, administrative personnel, or third parties. This means no negative information that points to anybody specific (ie "The A shift watch sergeant at my station is a real jerk..."). This message board is intended for a free exchange of information and ideas. Keep this in mind if someone disagrees with your point of view and be sure to extend courtesy to others if you disagree with them. Disagreement often leads to informative, lively, and meaningful discussion of the issues. Try not to take it personally. If you feel that someone has crossed the line, either reply in a respectful manner, or send them a Private Message (PM), or report the post to a moderator.
2. Agency-Bashing
Excessive negativity towards any particular agency will not be tolerated. This is not to say that negative comments about agencies are not allowed. If you have something negative to say about an agency, however, please find an objective way to do so. Nonetheless, if you post negative comments, be sure to explain exactly what you don’t like and the basis for your opinion. If you are uncertain as to whether your comments will cross the line, feel free to contact a moderator to discuss your intentions beforehand.
3. OPSEC Violations
The moderators and administrative staff of this board, have chosen and adopted a policy to deal with threads related to Law Enforcement Sensitive topics. Our policy is purposely conservative. As a privately owned and operated board, we are not bound to adhere to governmental regulations and our definition of OPSEC may go farther in protecting information than the agencies you are familiar with.
Our intent is not to prevent bona fide LEOs from discussing sensitive issues, and within reason, we encourage our fellow law enforcement and other public safety professionals to discuss sensitive work related topics in our Restricted Forums. As such, we reserve the right to ensure that such discussions are held within a setting (at least on this board) of our choosing, that does not allow the casual listener or reader, access.
We realize, that there are those that will debate this issue with us. Quite often we have been told that the protected information in question is "readily available in other open sources". That may be. But we prefer that such information, NOT be readily available here. In short, we will err on the side of caution if there is any reason to believe material posted here could endanger officer safety or the public in general.
We appreciate your consideration, assistance, and respect on this issue.
4. Violations of the Rules
Violations of the rules often have resulted in members being banned from the message board. When a violation of the rules has occurred, moderators usually provide a warning to offenders either when editing the subject post or by sending a Private Message (or both). However, members should not expect a warning for a violation of Rule A(1), inasmuch as they could be banned immediately if the infraction is serious enough.
B. PROHIBITED CONTENT
1. Links to Commercial or Controversial Websites
Please do not post active links to these types of websites unless the information is requested by a member in a prior post. Feel free to share such links through the Private Message system. Active links in your signature also are not allowed, even if a link connects to your personal website. You may enter a personal website in your “Profile” as your "Home Page", which will provide a live link to your "Home Page" when members click on you screen name. Active links that automatically start a download when clicked on also are not permitted.
2. Advertising
Advertising and offering products or services for sale is not allowed in open threads. Therefore, do not direct members to your website in open threads, even if your site has information in addition to goods or services for sale. Such information should be exchanged through Private Messages. Mass-mailings to members through the Private Message system for the purpose of selling goods or services also are not permitted.
3. Private Names and Contact Information
Listing the names, addresses and phone numbers of private individuals is not allowed. Feel free to list the main number of a Federal Office Building or agency, but not the names of agents, officers, administrative personnel or other employees, even if the information is provided in a public phone book. Simply put, we do not want agency personnel to be inundated with phone calls or mail as a result of message board posts. Feel free to exchange this information through the Private Message system.
4. Signatures and Graphics
Extra large signatures and extra large graphics take up too much room on the server and are not permitted. Images in a signature must be less than 50K in size. Signatures when used must be in good taste and must portray the professional standards of this board
C. STARTING THREADS
1. Start Threads in the Correct Forum
One of the most common errors on the board occurs when members post threads in the wrong forum. For example, if you have new case law information that affects LEOs on patrol, post it in Case Law Updates. But if you just have general patrol advice, post it in the Patrol forum.
2. Use Appropriate Titles
When you start a new thread, select a title that conveys what the thread is about. For example, do not start a thread entitled "Question," or "Help," or "Assistance Needed," if you are looking for stations with mountain rescue teams. In this case, the title of the thread should be something like "Stations with Mountain Rescue Teams"
3. Ask Targeted Questions
Do not ask questions that are so broad that members will not know where to begin to respond. Questions like: "What does it take to become a police officer" will have people shaking their heads. The members want to help one another on the board, so give them a chance to do so by asking questions about specific situations, processes, problems, or issues.
4. Don’t Ask “Crystal Ball” Questions
"Crystal Ball" questions are difficult to respond to. For example, some members post a lengthy autobiography followed by the question: "Do you think I have a chance to get into law enforcement." The answer to a question like this one is simple: No matter who you are and what you've done, nobody can answer this type of question with any degree of certainty. Oftentimes your likelihood of getting into the profession boils down to things like written and oral communication skills, knowledge of the ins-and-outs of the hiring process, the type of position you're seeking, "who you know," and other factors. Your best bet is to contact the agencies you're interested in and ask them directly.
5. Posting Threads in Multiple Forums
Do not post the same question – or close variations of the same question – in more than one forum. Choose the most appropriate forum and post it there.
D. POSTING REPLIES
1. Read Carefully Before Responding
Some members miss the point of the thread because they did not read each post carefully. Make sure you have a grasp of the thread before responding.
2. Be Concise
Try to be concise whenever possible, whether in your questions or responses. Posts on this board are no different than other forms of written communication, inasmuch as long messages are less likely to be read. If a long message is necessary to get your point across, however, break it up into short paragraphs and do your best to stick to the point.
3. Use Acronyms Appropriately
If you use an acronym that is not common sense, please put the meaning in parenthesis the first time you use it for those that are not familiar with law enforcement terms. For example MDT (mobile data terminal).
4. Do not Resurrect Old Threads
When reading posts, take note of the date it was posted. If a thread is: 1) more than a few weeks old; 2) if it's clear that the person seeking advice has already received that advice and moved on; 3) if it's apparent that the topic is "dead"; or a combination of all three - then please start a new thread on the topic rather than posting in the old one. Remember that posting in "dead" threads is confusing and redundant to those of us reading them, so if you have fresh info that you feel is valuable, please feel free to start a new thread and post it there so that others may benefit. Posts deemed to be too old to be applicable to a thread or which are otherwise out of context/no longer germane to the thread will be deleted and the thread closed.
E. PRIVATE MESSAGES
1. Sending Private Messages
The most important rule is to keep it simple. First of all, there is only so much room in the Private Message mailboxes, and they fill up quickly. If you seek advice from a moderator or another member, do not explain every possible detail and issue that you can think of and expect the recipient to address each one. Again, keep it simple. Most of our members do not have enough free time on their hands to prepare lengthy responses. Also, if you're asking advice, consider signing your PM at least with your first name. This is optional, of course, although if the recipient is going to take the time to offer their opinion or suggestions, it's nice if they have your name so they can address their response to you personally. It's just good manners.
2. Managing Your Mailbox
Be sure to clean out your mailbox periodically so that you can receive PMs at any time. Do not send a PM to someone and ask for a response if your mailbox is full. If you do, they will receive a "This User's Mailbox is Full" message when they reply, which is frustrating.
F. SUGGESTIONS AND CONCERNS
1. Contacting Moderators
Feel free to contact a moderator through the Private Message system if you have suggestions or concerns.
The primary purpose of this message board is to give members the opportunity to ask questions and furnish information pertaining to the reserve law enforcement hiring processes and other related criminal justice issues. It is also a gathering place for current reserve deputies and officers. This is a professional website and we strive to keep it that way. Anything less will not be tolerated. Thus, members need to conduct themselves accordingly.
The following rules were created as a result of observations and suggestions by moderators and members. They are listed here in an effort to educate members and make the message board as informative and professional as possible. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
A. MEMBER CONDUCT
1. Professional Conduct is Expected
Degrading posts and name-calling are not permitted. Therefore, do not post comments that attack other members, moderators, administrative personnel, or third parties. This means no negative information that points to anybody specific (ie "The A shift watch sergeant at my station is a real jerk..."). This message board is intended for a free exchange of information and ideas. Keep this in mind if someone disagrees with your point of view and be sure to extend courtesy to others if you disagree with them. Disagreement often leads to informative, lively, and meaningful discussion of the issues. Try not to take it personally. If you feel that someone has crossed the line, either reply in a respectful manner, or send them a Private Message (PM), or report the post to a moderator.
2. Agency-Bashing
Excessive negativity towards any particular agency will not be tolerated. This is not to say that negative comments about agencies are not allowed. If you have something negative to say about an agency, however, please find an objective way to do so. Nonetheless, if you post negative comments, be sure to explain exactly what you don’t like and the basis for your opinion. If you are uncertain as to whether your comments will cross the line, feel free to contact a moderator to discuss your intentions beforehand.
3. OPSEC Violations
The moderators and administrative staff of this board, have chosen and adopted a policy to deal with threads related to Law Enforcement Sensitive topics. Our policy is purposely conservative. As a privately owned and operated board, we are not bound to adhere to governmental regulations and our definition of OPSEC may go farther in protecting information than the agencies you are familiar with.
Our intent is not to prevent bona fide LEOs from discussing sensitive issues, and within reason, we encourage our fellow law enforcement and other public safety professionals to discuss sensitive work related topics in our Restricted Forums. As such, we reserve the right to ensure that such discussions are held within a setting (at least on this board) of our choosing, that does not allow the casual listener or reader, access.
We realize, that there are those that will debate this issue with us. Quite often we have been told that the protected information in question is "readily available in other open sources". That may be. But we prefer that such information, NOT be readily available here. In short, we will err on the side of caution if there is any reason to believe material posted here could endanger officer safety or the public in general.
We appreciate your consideration, assistance, and respect on this issue.
4. Violations of the Rules
Violations of the rules often have resulted in members being banned from the message board. When a violation of the rules has occurred, moderators usually provide a warning to offenders either when editing the subject post or by sending a Private Message (or both). However, members should not expect a warning for a violation of Rule A(1), inasmuch as they could be banned immediately if the infraction is serious enough.
B. PROHIBITED CONTENT
1. Links to Commercial or Controversial Websites
Please do not post active links to these types of websites unless the information is requested by a member in a prior post. Feel free to share such links through the Private Message system. Active links in your signature also are not allowed, even if a link connects to your personal website. You may enter a personal website in your “Profile” as your "Home Page", which will provide a live link to your "Home Page" when members click on you screen name. Active links that automatically start a download when clicked on also are not permitted.
2. Advertising
Advertising and offering products or services for sale is not allowed in open threads. Therefore, do not direct members to your website in open threads, even if your site has information in addition to goods or services for sale. Such information should be exchanged through Private Messages. Mass-mailings to members through the Private Message system for the purpose of selling goods or services also are not permitted.
3. Private Names and Contact Information
Listing the names, addresses and phone numbers of private individuals is not allowed. Feel free to list the main number of a Federal Office Building or agency, but not the names of agents, officers, administrative personnel or other employees, even if the information is provided in a public phone book. Simply put, we do not want agency personnel to be inundated with phone calls or mail as a result of message board posts. Feel free to exchange this information through the Private Message system.
4. Signatures and Graphics
Extra large signatures and extra large graphics take up too much room on the server and are not permitted. Images in a signature must be less than 50K in size. Signatures when used must be in good taste and must portray the professional standards of this board
C. STARTING THREADS
1. Start Threads in the Correct Forum
One of the most common errors on the board occurs when members post threads in the wrong forum. For example, if you have new case law information that affects LEOs on patrol, post it in Case Law Updates. But if you just have general patrol advice, post it in the Patrol forum.
2. Use Appropriate Titles
When you start a new thread, select a title that conveys what the thread is about. For example, do not start a thread entitled "Question," or "Help," or "Assistance Needed," if you are looking for stations with mountain rescue teams. In this case, the title of the thread should be something like "Stations with Mountain Rescue Teams"
3. Ask Targeted Questions
Do not ask questions that are so broad that members will not know where to begin to respond. Questions like: "What does it take to become a police officer" will have people shaking their heads. The members want to help one another on the board, so give them a chance to do so by asking questions about specific situations, processes, problems, or issues.
4. Don’t Ask “Crystal Ball” Questions
"Crystal Ball" questions are difficult to respond to. For example, some members post a lengthy autobiography followed by the question: "Do you think I have a chance to get into law enforcement." The answer to a question like this one is simple: No matter who you are and what you've done, nobody can answer this type of question with any degree of certainty. Oftentimes your likelihood of getting into the profession boils down to things like written and oral communication skills, knowledge of the ins-and-outs of the hiring process, the type of position you're seeking, "who you know," and other factors. Your best bet is to contact the agencies you're interested in and ask them directly.
5. Posting Threads in Multiple Forums
Do not post the same question – or close variations of the same question – in more than one forum. Choose the most appropriate forum and post it there.
D. POSTING REPLIES
1. Read Carefully Before Responding
Some members miss the point of the thread because they did not read each post carefully. Make sure you have a grasp of the thread before responding.
2. Be Concise
Try to be concise whenever possible, whether in your questions or responses. Posts on this board are no different than other forms of written communication, inasmuch as long messages are less likely to be read. If a long message is necessary to get your point across, however, break it up into short paragraphs and do your best to stick to the point.
3. Use Acronyms Appropriately
If you use an acronym that is not common sense, please put the meaning in parenthesis the first time you use it for those that are not familiar with law enforcement terms. For example MDT (mobile data terminal).
4. Do not Resurrect Old Threads
When reading posts, take note of the date it was posted. If a thread is: 1) more than a few weeks old; 2) if it's clear that the person seeking advice has already received that advice and moved on; 3) if it's apparent that the topic is "dead"; or a combination of all three - then please start a new thread on the topic rather than posting in the old one. Remember that posting in "dead" threads is confusing and redundant to those of us reading them, so if you have fresh info that you feel is valuable, please feel free to start a new thread and post it there so that others may benefit. Posts deemed to be too old to be applicable to a thread or which are otherwise out of context/no longer germane to the thread will be deleted and the thread closed.
E. PRIVATE MESSAGES
1. Sending Private Messages
The most important rule is to keep it simple. First of all, there is only so much room in the Private Message mailboxes, and they fill up quickly. If you seek advice from a moderator or another member, do not explain every possible detail and issue that you can think of and expect the recipient to address each one. Again, keep it simple. Most of our members do not have enough free time on their hands to prepare lengthy responses. Also, if you're asking advice, consider signing your PM at least with your first name. This is optional, of course, although if the recipient is going to take the time to offer their opinion or suggestions, it's nice if they have your name so they can address their response to you personally. It's just good manners.
2. Managing Your Mailbox
Be sure to clean out your mailbox periodically so that you can receive PMs at any time. Do not send a PM to someone and ask for a response if your mailbox is full. If you do, they will receive a "This User's Mailbox is Full" message when they reply, which is frustrating.
F. SUGGESTIONS AND CONCERNS
1. Contacting Moderators
Feel free to contact a moderator through the Private Message system if you have suggestions or concerns.
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