Expert: Dick Rogers - 11/9/2008

Question
Hello, i'm a 35 year-old female and  recently I began considering a career in law enforcement. Do you think I am too old to attempt to become a Police Officer? When and why were YOU interested in becoming an officer? Im a single mom of a 16 year old son and he laughed when I brought the subject up to him and just said I wasn't the "type". I was just wondering if you believe there is a "type"? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Allison, being 35 in today's world is young...the positive side of this is that you are more mature than younger applicants.  I don't think your 16 year old is old enough and experienced enough to determine whether you are the "type" or not.  More important is how you handle yourself in stressful situations.  Female officers tend to have a calming effect in some volatile situations and females are less prone to be provoked into physical involvement...at least that is my perspective.  There is no type and you should seek out some local agencies that allow "ride-alongs" wherein people can actually accompany officers on their patrols.  Doing this will give you an idea of whether this is a line of work you should be seeking.  Also, you might just approach a few female officers and get some insights from them.  I wish you well in this.