Expert: Loren Stevens - 3/31/2007

Question
Hi Loren,

I have been interested in a L.E. career since before I can remember!  I took a rather lengthy route through community and  then 4-yr college since I had to work to put myself through school at night.  I'm within a year of getting my BA in CJ but I'm turning 28 and I'm afraid I'll appear a less suitable candidate than a 22 or 23 y/o who's fresh out of college.  My fears are especially magnified by the fact that I know the application and acceptance process takes time. I see all these guys on the street who look so young anymore. In your experience, am I chasing my own tail here?  

Here's some other info about me:
will graduate with honors, worked for FedEx for 10 years - currently a manager there, active in volunteer aux. police role where we do traffic control, etc. at emergency scenes, no priors.  Are these kinds of things considered during the process?

thanks for your advice to those of us trying to get in.
Charles

Answer
Hello Charles,
No, you are not chasing your tail.
In approximately 10 years, it is estimated that nearly 1/3 of the US work force will be age 50 and over.
Many agencies and companies are already tooling up for this reality.
I don't know of any age requirements in city, county and state agencies. Many federal agencies have an age limit, as they also have mandatory retirements at a certain age. I think it is you can't have reached your 37th birthday.
Anyhow, as to you, you are nicely positioned for competitive consideration.
You've accomplished an education that is relevant, and you did it on you own. You have other issues you can put on the table that are favorable, you have held down a challenging position at a job, that demonstrates a responsibility.
And, you'd be surprised to discover, that many agencies have reservations about the young folks in their early twenties, as they have achieved so little, and not proven, or in any way accomplished.
The BIG issue, is the maturity levels. Maturity in thought and behavior, as well as how they are perceived by those being served, and fellow workers.
My counsel to you Charles, is for you to get with it....GO FORTH Charles, GO FORTH!!
Good Luck,
loren