Expert: Loren Stevens - 9/3/2010

Question
QUESTION: In order to become a police officer, does a person have to be "perfect," as far as senses go:

Hearing, seeing, speaking, etc.?

ANSWER: Hello John,
If "perfection" is the criterion at issue, I can tell you with absolute certainty, there would be no police officers.

Seriously, I know what you mean. There is no template that I am aware of, that expresses the same standards for all agencies.
I think what you'll find, is variations, with reasonable differences.
There are agencies that require minimum ranges, without corrections for hearing and visual. But I am pretty sure you'll discover that these ranges are as accommodating, as feasibly possible. I mean police need to hear sirens, glass breaking, alarms going off, yells for help etc. And, they'll need to see, for a variety of obvious reasons.
My best counsel for you, is to contact the agency or agencies you have an interest in, and inquire about physical standards, and other attendant and relevant matters.

The agency is sensitive about an officer having the capacity to perform sworn duties. AND, the delicate nature of litigation, re: vicarious liability.
Please don't be offended, but I would suggest you advance your inquiry by framing the questions better.
"perfect" and to a lesser degree "senses" are too vague, for the specificity that you really seek.
Hope this is helpful.Good Luck,
Semper Fi,
loreen

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

QUESTION: I'm most interested in speaking. I assume that any speech defect would automatically disqualify an applicant.

I was interested in the police force in the past, but since I do have a speech impediment it's pretty obvious to me that my application would not even be considered.

Thanks for your time.

ANSWER: Hello again John,
Not knowing how severe your speech issues are, makes it difficult for me to respond. If you have exhausted whatever therapy is available, and your condition is as good as it will get is something you would know.
Even still, if you can be understood, it's worth a shot. Set up an appointment with a human resource rep, and put it to them.
Try to get them to give you a straight answer. You really don't need the stroke-job , when there is no shot. I'm assuming you are mature enough to handle that kind of rejection, if it occurs.
One more thing I would like to suggest. There are TONS of "regulatory" jobs out there. These people have limited and specific police powers, usually in a narrow band of specific statutory areas. These jobs are very interesting, and worth a look.
All police type jobs will require observation and perception skills, and you'll be ahead of the game if you have good written communication skills.
Try not to be too disappointed, if "things" don't evolve as you would want. Try to capture the best opportunity that you can realistically attain.
But go for it all, atleast until you are certain about having to maybe readjust your sights.
Also, keep in mind, that there are over 40k police agencies in the USA...Give it your best shot.
Wondering is good, as is curiosity, but as soon as you can, put a verb to these interests.
Good Luck.
loren

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

QUESTION: On another note, can a police officer search a person's vehicle for any reason, or do they need sufficient cause?

On Wednesday, I was 'pulled over' by an officer (I was already pulled over).

I deliver newspapers, and the officer flashed his lights because I wasn't completely pulled over. He claimed that I was 'in the middle of the road,' though this was a huge exaggeration on his part; I was a few inches from the curb.

Anyway, according to his judgement I appeared 'nervous' or 'concerned,' so he asked me if I had anything in the vehicle. I've never been involved with anything illegal, so I told him no.

He let me go without even a warning and of course did not search my vehicle.

What basis does an officer need to search one's car?

Answer
Hello John,
Look up "Search and Seizure" and you'll discover the legal foundations of American Jurisprudence.
This is Constitutional Law business, Fourth Amendment stuff.
Now, in "general" terms, there needs to be one of four possibilities: Search incident to a lawful arrest (booking inventory), search warrant, exigent circumstances, and consent.
Exceptions to these include INS, Customs, Border Patrol etc. But basically, those four issues are the focus. And 'port of entry' is a different animal.
There are tons of "what-if's", but you'll still come back to the fundamentals...Some aspects get a bit complicated, but this explanation will do for now.
Gotta go, hope this is helpful.
loren