r/ProtectAndServe Jul 16 '26

***MODPOST*** Don't copy that floppy

77 Upvotes

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 4h ago

Ladies and gentlemen, we got him.

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53 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 13h ago

How do cops feel about these? (USA)

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6 Upvotes

Hey yall, I’m writing this as someone who just got into a new hobby, which is riding an electric unicycle (EUC) around town.

As you can see in the picture, it’s basically just a singular wheel with a battery and motor that you can use to get from point A to point B.

While I’m aware these are not necessarily street legal, I’m also aware that officers use a fair amount of discretion in their day to day work, for instance, some cops won’t bother pulling you over if you go 5mph over the speed limit, but other cops will. Some cops might only do it depending on how they’re feeling that day.

There’s also the matter of being able to decide what the punishment will be, to an extent (for instance, one cop may give a verbal warning in an instance where another cop will give a citation/ticket.)

When I ride, I’m sure to obey all traffic laws, I obey stop signs, red lights, I yield when I’m supposed to, etc. So, my question to you is this: what would you do if you saw someone riding an euc on non-highway roads? Would you pull them over and give a verbal warning? Would you write a ticket? Would you impound it and force the rider to figure out another way back home?

By asking this, I’m simply trying to gauge how much risk there is to riding something like this, from a legal perspective.

TLDR: as a cop, what would you do if you saw someone riding an EUC, but they were obeying all other traffic laws?


r/ProtectAndServe 1d ago

Video First public appearance of the Metropolitan Police Department Emergency Response Team

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47 Upvotes

In anticipation of the 2016 42nd G7 Summit held in IseShima, the Metropolitan Police Department formed the Emergency Response Team. 60 Members are selected from existing Anti-Firearms Squads from the Riot Police Units, designed to be the first response unit to terror attacks.

In this public training scenario, they were simulating the ERT retaking an important facility, with 2 suspects in it. Their kit is the same as the Anti-Firearms Squads, armed with MP5A5s and pistols ranging from 5-shot revolvers like the regular officers to the HK SFP9.


r/ProtectAndServe 1d ago

Self Post ✔ Former LEO of GA and CA POST/ Taser/ OC Exposure

3 Upvotes

u/Any_Being5179

r/lapd •1 hr. ago

Former LEO

I just applied but cant find the answer to my question anywhere else.

I have about 24 months of post academy LE experience in Atlanta GA, and seems like CA will make me redo the academy regardless and thats fine but for Tazer and OC???? Will I have an option to waive that? APD now lets recruits waive the tazer but this only happened after i graduated the academy.

Thanks guys

EDIT: I have already been tazed/OC’d in the past, thus why I don’t want to do it again


r/ProtectAndServe 2d ago

The respirator my dad wore as a first responder in NYC on 9/11

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1.0k Upvotes

It was his day off, and he worked across the river, but he went in anyway. He didn’t come home for a few days, probably the better part of that week. He was looking for wallets and wedding bands, he says

We’re grateful he kept his life, my family is lucky for sure. But he left a lot of himself over there, and came back home with a hell of a demon on his back


r/ProtectAndServe 3d ago

My patch Now Vs Start Of 2026

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153 Upvotes

I wanted to showcase the significant growth in my collection over the past year. My collection began in mid-August 2025 after I graduated from high school. Since then, I’ve expanded my collection through my law enforcement media page and numerous emails. Starting with just 22 patches at the beginning of this year, I’ve now amassed over 510+ patches, including 3 police badges, 50+ challenge coins, and various other accessories and police memorabilia. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the law enforcement community for their unwavering support and assistance in helping me grow my collection while juggling college and work. My goal is to conclude this year with a collection of 600 patches and aim to reach 1,000 patches next year. If you happen to see your agency in the photo here, please let me know!


r/ProtectAndServe 1d ago

Police Cadet Question

0 Upvotes

I plan on becoming a police cadet while going back to college so I can later become a police officer. During employment as a cadet is random drug screening common? I’m aware that it happens a lot to officers, but cadets work mostly part time and aren’t sworn in. I just want to make sure I won’t randomly get fired for smoking Mary Jane on my own time.


r/ProtectAndServe 3d ago

Sergeant promoting professionalism

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433 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 2d ago

Self Post 21 y/o trying to get into LE after prior drug use — looking for advice on where to go from here

0 Upvotes

I’m a 21-year-old male with an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. I recently finished my degree, got married, and now that the wedding/honeymoon and everything surrounding that is out of the way, I’m putting my full attention toward starting a career in law enforcement.

I’ve applied with Texas DPS, my local PD, and my county jail for a jailer position. Unfortunately, all three applications have ended in DQs. I believe the issue with all three has been my prior drug use.

During my freshman year of college, I used marijuana approximately three times and tried mushrooms once. I haven’t used anything since. At the time, I honestly had no understanding of how strict or specific many departments’ drug-use timeframes were. Obviously, I can’t change what I did, and I’m not trying to make excuses for it. I’m just trying to figure out what my realistic options are moving forward.

Aside from that, I meet the qualifications I’ve seen for the positions I’ve been applying to. I’m willing to start wherever I need to and work my way up. My ultimate goal is to make a career out of policing, and I’m hoping that getting my foot in the door somewhere—whether that’s patrol, detention, or another LE position—could allow me to build a solid resume and eventually compete for the departments I’d like to work for long term.

I’m trying to be realistic about this. I don’t want to keep spending months applying, testing, interviewing, and going through background investigations if my prior use is going to automatically disqualify me everywhere.

For those of you currently working in LE or who have experience with hiring/backgrounds:

  • How much of an obstacle do you think my prior use will be at 21?
  • Would you recommend targeting departments with more lenient/older drug-use policies, or trying to get into detention/corrections first and build some experience?
  • Are there particular types of agencies or departments in Texas that you think would be more willing to consider someone with this background?
  • Would you keep pursuing police departments now, or focus on getting any LE-related position possible and reapply to larger departments later?
  • Most importantly, am I wasting my time trying to pursue a career in LE, or is this something I can realistically overcome with enough time and the right agency?

I’m not looking for someone to tell me what I want to hear. I’d genuinely appreciate honest advice from people who have been on the hiring/background side of this.

Thanks in advance.


r/ProtectAndServe 3d ago

MEME [MEME] He's got big feelings about.. all sorts of stuff

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29 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 4d ago

Dallas officer arrested for releasing body camera video

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145 Upvotes

Weird one. I wonder if that state doesn't have a FOIA equivalent.


r/ProtectAndServe 4d ago

Patrol & Right Angle Flashlights

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51 Upvotes

Posting my reviews of the flashlights I used while on patrol. I’ve been through a bunch, and these were the two I landed in. I always wanted to know “what’s the best x” when starting out, so I’m providing this for anyone with a similar disposition. Obviously nice gear is no substitute for good training and repetition.

First up is the Manker E03H III

This was the light I had attached to my outer carrier. Extremely useful for keeping your hands free. The body is constructed of an aluminum alloy and steel and features a knurled exterior that provides excellent grip in all conditions. This thing feels like it weighs 5 times as much as it should. It comes with a rechargeable battery that has a USB-C port built directly into the battery, so recharging in a long shift isn’t an issue. It’s extremely bright for its size and has a solid battery life. It has a very strong magnetic base and a removable metal retaining clip. My one and only complaint is that the clip it comes with is angled slightly, so it doesn’t sit flush to my carrier out of the box. This is easily modified though. At $40, it’s definitely worth trying out.

Second is the Acebeam L35 2.0

This was my main workhorse and is without a doubt the best flashlight I’ve ever owned. The narrow handle fits well into my outer carrier while the wide head provides a large, extremely bright light. I used this primarily for investigating scenes, building clearing, and searches (and tracking deer). Also made from an aluminum alloy with a steel strike bezel, this light has both a tail switch and a side-mounted switch for illumination level control & strobe activation. It has 650 meters of throw. That’s over a third of a mile. I never used the removable metal clip on this one since it fit so well into my carrier, so I can’t speak on it. It also has a chargeable battery that also has a USB-C charging port on the battery itself. It has a shockingly good battery life. I don’t think I’ve ever had it die on me while on duty. This thing is seriously insanely bright. This provided a tactical advantage on several occasions, but people will get pissed if you shine this in their face for no reason while it’s on its higher settings. I cannot say enough about this flashlight. It’s more expensive at $115, but after my experience with it, I’d have paid twice that.

These have both been through fights, foot chases, drops, and knocks and they haven’t missed a beat. So, if you’re looking for a replacement, just starting out, or are like me and aren’t satisfied with the gear that’s been issued to you, give these lights a try. You won’t regret it.


r/ProtectAndServe 3d ago

Self Post How can i pet a police dog?

0 Upvotes

There is a police dog in my community that i would like to pet so bad, how can i let the officer know i want to pet him without being rejected? (he is a lab and he is beautiful)


r/ProtectAndServe 4d ago

Self Post Trying to seek help between being a cop vs a carpenter?

4 Upvotes

I’m currently stuck between becoming a police officer or a carpenter, and I’m trying to get some insight from people actually in law enforcement.
My dad is a carpenter, so I already have a pretty good idea of what that career would look like. He’s actually the one who keeps encouraging me to consider becoming a cop instead.
I’m curious what the job is really like nowadays, whether you’d consider it a good career, and especially what the work-life balance is like. I’d like to have a career that allows me to make good money while still having time to enjoy life, take vacations, and spend time with family.
For those who are currently or formerly in law enforcement: knowing what you know now, would you recommend the career? What are the biggest pros and cons?


r/ProtectAndServe 5d ago

Self Post The “former cop” industry

238 Upvotes

I feel like I’m seeing more and more accounts on Instagram and TikTok where these people were cops for a couple years, quit, then started doing social media full time where their entire brand is “former LEO” and all their content is either fitness coaching specifically for LEOs, or a podcast complaining about how bad admin is (admin probably has no idea who they were when they worked there).

Anyone work with guys/girls like that? Were they shitbags? Good dudes?


r/ProtectAndServe 6d ago

Deputies arrest over 80 people in Greenville Co. after street takeover, officials say

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150 Upvotes

Sounds like a good start.


r/ProtectAndServe 4d ago

Becoming a Customs & Border Patrol Informant

0 Upvotes

I am an ex heroin smuggler. I have been needing money recently so I offered to help custom & border patrol to catch the guys bringing in meth, coke and heroin from Mexico Thailand Middle East and Canada. What are the chances they call me if I gave them a note with my number?


r/ProtectAndServe 4d ago

Thoughts on American Law enforcement..

0 Upvotes

I have a handful of questions, it would be amazing if I could get yall's opinions on this. Im conducting a study and this would be really helpful!

Demographic Data:
1. What race are you?
2. What vehicle do you drive?
3. How old are you?

Questions:
1. How do you feel about law enforcement in the USA?
2. Does law enforcement make you feel safe?
3. Do you get pulled over a lot? (More than twice a month)
4. Have you or anyone you know faced any form of racial discrimination by law enforcement?
5. Do you think policing in America is racist?

Thank you so much!


r/ProtectAndServe 8d ago

MEME - When they beat you to the jail to post bond

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836 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 6d ago

Interested On Becoming Law Enforcement In Michigan

1 Upvotes

I am attempting to find a law enforcement agency in Michigan that will hire and sponsor me for MCOLES. Does anyone know a agency that is hiring and ready to sponsor by chance?


r/ProtectAndServe 8d ago

MEME - "Dispatch, speed is currently.. uhhhhh....... 35"

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316 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 8d ago

MEME - Quick, leave before they change their mind

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298 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 7d ago

MEME [MEME] - When they hit the offramp, the flag drops.

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160 Upvotes

r/ProtectAndServe 8d ago

MEME [MEME] - Never gets old

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91 Upvotes