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Careers: Police/medical qualification

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Expert: - 9/12/2007


Question
I used to have a medical condition called Epilepsy, I have been off the medication and without an episode since I was 14 years old.  I'm am now 20yld and thinking about a career in law enforcement. Will my prior medical condition disqualify me?

Answer
Richard,

Thanks for the question.

I am not sure of the possibility of a reoccurrence, but I would seek out a medical doctor that specializes in that and get an opinion.

Disabilities or disease usually do not disqualify a potential applicant, but your past condition could be a serious life-threatening ordeal if you had another epileptic episode while performing a high risk job. Your life or an innocent person could be placed in harms way if you had another occurrence while performing your duties.

But, like I said, seek out an EXPERT MEDICAL person and see what your future risks are.

Good luck and best wishes!

Careers: Police

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William Payne

Expertise

South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.

Experience

Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.

Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.

Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.


Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.

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