You are here:

Careers: Police/Presciption Delima

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/2/2007


Question
Hi I'm  24 and will be graduating from the UofA this spring with a degree in psychology and criminal justice degree, I would really like to apply for the police academy but I have a few concerns. I have had an anxiety disorder for about 6 years and have been on prescription drugs for those past 6 years. I am completely solid on these medications but I know the stigma that goes with taking prescription medications for this condition. I am not sure if it's worth wasting my time thinking that this is something that can be overlooked being that other than that I have a very good background. I don't know that you can give me a definite answer but maybe at least some insight. Thank you

Answer
Erin:

 It's certainly worth the shot, but functioning in a school enviornment versus functioning as a police officer is like day versus night when it comes to stress.  It's not so much the meds (many things can be waivered) but it's the type of disorder you have.  If you can show a police department that it wouldnt' affect you in an extremely high stress type of situation and you could do the job with no issues, it's worth a shot to try.  Just be prepared to answer lots of questions about the entire thing.

If you don't try, you'll always wonder, and never know.  Worth a shot at least.

Jason

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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