Expert: Jason Grabill - 9/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello Mr. Grabill, I am a college senior majoring in Journalism, but I am also interested in becoming a Police Officer or a Deputy Sheriff after I graduate. However, a few years ago I was in basic training for the Navy and I was discharged for a medical reason, which was asthma. What happened was I got Pneumonia and that is what caused the asthma case I had. As a result, I was separated with a General under Honorable conditions discharge. It was for a medical condition that I had no control over and it was an entry level separation. However, since then a medical test revealed that I no longer have Asthma and I now have a clean bill of health. Will this affect me in becoming a Police Officer or Deputy Sheriff? I have never broken any law or used any kind of drug, but I realize this discharge may be an issue. If so, can I still go into law enforcement with it? I will be willing to explain this fully if I have to. Thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Brandon:

 No, that type of discharge shouldn't affect you, but you will have to explain it in your background.  Just do it like you did it here and be prepared to provide proof that you no longer have that condition, and you'll be fine.  Police departments usually aren't as picky as the military is when it comes to things like that, as long as you can pass the department physical and PT tests.

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer, but I just want to double check on a few things. Since my discharge was an entry level separation for a medical condition, will it not be an issue for all Police departments when seeking employment? Or, will it depend on the department? Also, this question is not Police related, but the entry level separation will not be an issue in gaining employment in areas such as Police work will it? I was told it won't because it was a medical issue. Now I have one last question, do you know of people who were in a situation like mine, but still got a job as a Police officer? Thank you for your time and I apologize for the questions, but I just wanted to double check. Thank you.

Answer
Brandon:

 It will, but like I said, you just have to explain it, and why you got it, and for what.

 I don't know of anyone personally, but it shouldn't be a bar to employment, as long as you can pass a Police physical, and it's not a mental type issue for the discharge, such as failure to adapt to military life, depression, etc.   Those will require a doctor who specializies in that sort of thing to certify that it won't become an issue.

Jason