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Careers: Police/height requirements
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Question
Hi, I am considering becoming a police officer when i get out of highschool but I'm only 5ft tall. My dad keeps demoralizing me by repeating that there is a height requirement. I know the reason he is trying to stop me from being an officer is because he is worried about my saftey in a job that deals with dangerous people. But I have studied the martial arts for almost a decade now and I know i can take care of myself. I really want a job that deals with the public and that helps people. But one main thing i need to know is if it is even worth pursuing if I'm too short for it. So do you know if there are minimum height requirements or if those are gone and it's just based on how skilled and capable you are?
Helen:
Height and weight requirements were done away with many years ago because of anti discrimination issues, most of them dealing with women. Nowadays, there is less call for brute physical strength than 20 or 30 years ago, when an officer typically only had a wooden nightstick and backup was a good distance away. I've seen plenty of females be successful in law enforcement despite height and weight issues, it's a matter of how you carry yourself and your 'presence' moreso than brute physical strength.
Hopefully, this helps!
Jason
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | thank you so much for your answer. It was what I was really hoping to hear and its nice to know it for a fact and not sit here wondering, having different people tell me different things. I greatly appreciate it :) | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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).
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