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Careers: Police/Medical issue may effect becoming a cop?
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Question
I am an 18 year old girl, and I am a freshman in college. I graduated military school with a scholarship from Academic Achievement while I was enrolled, and graduated in the top class. I have an IQ of 110 and am going to school majoring in Criminal Justice. My dream career is to become a police officer. I am so determined to do it. I was just diagnosed yesterday with mild ADD, and they prescribed me strattera. I just learned today that having this medical condition disqualifies you from being a police officer, as it is a mental medical condition. Of course this upset me, and I just want to find out the truth. Is there anything you know about it?
Lena.
Who told you that? A friend or someone who knows what he is talking about?
Here is the problem. There are thousands of police departments and each has its own hiring standards. So there is no "yes" or "no" answer to your question.
The best that I can do for you is to tell you that your medical condition certainly will not help you.
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Answers by Expert:
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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