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Careers: Police/Medical Records Release for hiring

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Expert: - 6/15/2009


Question
Mr. Toomey,

Thank you for your service and your volunteer work.

My question is in regards to the legality of asking applicants for an entry level Police Officer position to sign the a medical records release form.  I reside in Kootenai County Idaho.

I am certain that my records are protected by federal and state statutes and laws and my concern is that if I refuse to sign the waiver I will not be accepted as an applicant.

Thank you again.

Answer
Aaron,

I can't possibly know the law about medical records waivers in every state.  I can tell you this.  I have never heard of anyone who did not turn over his medical records.

 If you are denied employment because you refuse to turn over your medical records, and you believe that your rights have been violated, then you should hire an attorney and bring a lawsuit against whoever denied you employment.  

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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.

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