Expert: Chris Wagoner - 11/4/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Sir,
I know it may be different state to state, but do you know the age limit on becoming a police officer in Texas? I am a Permanent Resident of the US, originally from Great Britain, with an Army background. I'm going through the process of becoming a US Citizen. Would being a Legal Alien with no restrictions qualify? I do not hold any degree, but I'm sure even at 39 (my age now) I would be a great asset for the men and women in uniform, of any police force. Would my age prevent me from joining?

Many Thanks In Advance
William Logan

ANSWER: Hi William!

Well I first want to say that I am honored that you would want to become a US Citizen first. I think many Americans take for granted what a great country this is and when I come across someone that wants to be a US Citizen, they usually have a better idea of what the US is really about then its own citizens. OK enough of that. :)

First you have to be a US Citizen to become a police officer. That is in every state that I have knowledge of. Your military background is a definite plus and will help you a lot during and after training, since law enforcement is a para-military type of organization.

But your question of age is a funny one, and I say that with all the warmth I can muster. You see 39 is NOT OLD by any means. Want to know how old the oldest police recruit (trainee) was that I had go through my academy? 73!!! Thats right, 73!!! and he did a fantastic job, he was a former police officer that had let his certification (license) to be a police officer expire and was getting a job where he was going to be the head of a Juvenile Justice unit for the State. He had to get his police standards back, and he went back through. He won the high academic and high firearms scores! He also had no problem with the physical part, he was the fittest person I have ever met for his age group (over 65).

I have 4 recruits right now (out of about 45) that are over 45. I have several more over 35. SO NO your age should not be an issue. In fact the idea is that you can use your age to your advantage. You can sell yourself to a police department as having more life experience, being more mature than the typical 20 year old. SO your age is actually a good thing.

SO go for it! There is nothing holding you back, as soon as you get your citizenship, decide where you want to live (Florida is very nice, and don't listen to anything you hear about hurricanes!) and look into applying to departments in that area.

Well I hope that answers your question, if you have any more please feel free to ask them. And good luck!


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

QUESTION: Hi Commander Wagoner,

First and foremost, a big thank you for a very speedy response. I happen to live in Florida (Port Saint Lucie) and wondered if maybe you also live in Florida?  Can you recommend any particular Police Departments that are better to work for than others?  Also, what exactly is the difference between the State Police, Sheriff's Department and City Police and the advantages/disadvantages to each?

I am in the process of becoming a citizen as we speak.  Can I apply before it is finalized or do I have to wait to apply?

I truly appreciate your time and expertise.

Once again,thank you very much and kindest regards,
William Logan

Answer
Hi again William,

Yep I am in Florida. North Florida area.

As for a departments in your area I am not that familiar with that area.

But as for State, County and city departments, it all boils down to jurisdiction and size. State Agencies have statewide jurisdiction, County of course have county wide and city only within their city limits.

What you should do is look at the web pages of the departments in your area. Here is a list if the sheriff's offices ( http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/links/FlaSheriff.html ) Here are a list of State Agencies ( http://www.stateofflorida.com/Portal/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=12 )
As for cities, Here is a complete list of all police agencies in the state of Florida:  http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/publications/AgencyAddresses/

As for applying before you become a citizen, I do not think so, its a State of Florida law you have to be a citizen. Here is the State law that governs requirements and disqualifiers:  http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_St>2007->Ch0943->Section%2013#0943.13

Good luck and keep me informed of how you are doing I would love to know.