Expert: William Payne - 6/3/2007

Question
Dear sir,

Thank you in advance for your time and knowledge. I am a 25 y/o former infantryman in the Army. I am a veteran of the Iraq war. That aside, on return from Iraq it was found that I had cancer in my right leg, which was subsequently taken out along with a good deal of my right calve muscle. I was medically retired from the Army with 30% disability.

From what I have been told by a few people, this might be an enormous hurdle to jump in the application process. I don't quite understand this because the nature of medical retirement from the military. I have Tricare (military health insurance) for myself and my family for the rest of my life, therefore, I would think that would make me an even more attractive candidate financially speaking. I have no doubt, after watching the video on the SCCJA website, that I could easily pass the physical abilities test.

My questions are these: What is your personal knowledge on the subject? How much am I legally allowed to keep private about my retirement during the application process? What exactly should I completely disclose during the process? Which departments are more likely to consider a candidate like myself?

Once again Mr. Payne, thank you for your time. I am highly motivated to become an officer and will find a job eventually, whether in SC or not.

Answer
Tom,

Thanks for the question.

I really see no problem with you getting hired by a law enforcement agency in South Carolina. If you can pass the physical agility test requirements, I see no obstacles with you being hired by an agency.

As far as insurance goes, it depends on what agency you get hired with and what coverage type they offer. Some municipality/county agencies offer free insurance coverage for employees and a shared premium paid by the employee and agency for family type of coverage.

I know police officers that have missing eyes, arms and other challenging disabilities that are productive police officers.

So take your pick of law enforcement agencies and start applying.

Good luck and best wishes!