You are here:

Careers: Police/age and a history of speeding

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/26/2009


Question
I'll keep it simple

1)I'm an older male but in good shape, if I pass the chip exam will they consider me or just move on to a younger applicant regardless (I'm 43)

2) I have a lengthy history of speeding, no accidents just speeding! no reckless no criminal record no nothing! just speeding. will this get a  me DQ?

My side comments:

I think I would be a great police officer I'm compassionate yet tough, I score high on the written and psychological exams,[taken the tests online several times]oh yeah! and for what it's worth? I'm one hell of a driver.

Any input you may have will be greatly appreciated

Thank you in advance

Kenny A.

Answer
Kenneth,

I have no idea what the "chip" exam is but I am assuming that it is an apptitude test for some police department.  There are thousands of police departments in this country and every single one has its own hiring standards.

1.  You will not be discriminated against because of your age.  It is against federal law to discriminate in employment matters because of age.

2.  While I certainly cannot predict what is going to happen with the hiring standards/tests/etc of any police department in this country I can tell you this.  Your "lengthy" speeding record would be an automatic disqulifer for my department which is a large suburban department on the east coast.  I doubt if you would ever be allowed to take the apptitude test.  Perhaps you have not been told this (and don't take this personally) but a person who is a habitual speeder is irresponsible and is actually showing contempt for law and the safety of the community.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.