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Expert: - 10/31/2008


Question
Hello Commander, my question is regarding a medical disqualification from the New York PD.  I am epileptic and only had about 3 events of it in my entire life, which I am 22 years old now.  I put on my medical application that I was taking medication to control any further events. I wasn't given the opportunity to explain nor to go under medical review, but have the opportunity to appeal, which I have to write a letter stating why I think they should reverse this disqualification and some medical records. My current Neurologist is writing a letter stating that I am taking medication, that everything is controlled, and that my problem is minor. I'm currently in my 3rd year of college majoring in criminal justice, and my goal is to work in this field.  Do I have a good chance of winning my appeal?

Answer
Hi Angel,

Well I have to tell you from the point of view of the police department they are looking at liability and the possibility that you could have a episode at the wrong time. And if you had one at the wrong time in law enforcement you or someone else could be killed or hurt.

Think about it, if you had an episode when you were driving at 120 mph in a chase it could be bad. Or your in a physical fight where the suspect is trying to kill you, that would not be good. What if you were holding a couple of really bad guys who were armed at gun point waiting for back-up and you had one?

You have to think about your self also. I do not know how bad your episodes are or what they cause you to do. But if you have positive proof that the medications prevents any further episodes and you will not have any more, then you should sell them on that point. If it is just to try and prevent them but you can still have them, you will more than likely not do well on your appeal. I am sorry, I am just trying to be honest with you.

You may want to see if a smaller city or agency will give you a chance, but remember, if you want to be a street cop, that if you have an episode at the wrong time, and you are incapacitated or unable to do what you were doing at the time, you could be hurt or killed.

I truly wish you the best of luck, and I hope that whatever you decide to do you are happy in it. Have you thought about all the other civilian positions in the department that do not require the danger and the liability? Its worth thinking about.  

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I have been a police officer for 30+ years! I am the Police Academy Commander at the Santa Fe College, Institute of Public Safety in Gainesville Florida It is a full service Law Enforcement and Corrections training facility. I can answer most questions concerning law enforcement procedures, law enforcement training and general questions about law enforcment. I can also answer questions about becoming a law enfocement officer. I have a booklet and web page I have written that answers many questions about how to become a police officer called "So you want to be a cop (police Officer) in Florida?", which is free, Google it.. All you have to do is ask. I teach the following subjects: RADAR/LASER, Law Enforcement Driving, Law Enforcement Firearms and Patrol Techniques, Officer Safety, WMD's for Patrol Officers, Application of Law, Communications skills, Dealing with the Mentally and physically handicapped, and many more subjects. I have worked as a subject matter expert for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and helped to write the police curriculum for the State of Florida. I like answering questions about how to become a police officer, and questions about why did an officer do this or that type questions. I also like answering any questions you may have about police work in general. I do not mind helping with homework questions or trying to answer your questions about legal subjects that I have knowledge of. You will never know the answer until you ask! If you do ask a question, PLEASE take the time to at least rate the answer. I do not get paid to answer these questions and do it on my own time. If you ask, please rate it when I answer. Thanks!!! If its a question about becoming a police officer, it may be answered here: http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/ My "hobby" website - http://www.youtube.com/user/3rdID8487 Military Videos on YouTube and Facebook!!

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