If you have self harmed in the past, can you still be a police officer?

Answer 1

Why not it depends upon your state of mind at this time it all depends upon the area force you work in what job you want police forces are looking for people who can emphasise with certain groups but i am an ex criminal and i am protected by the retaliation act 1976 saying all my crimes are spent and even though i work with young people for a local council (voluntary) C.R.B checked and a licenced cab driver a agency agencies have refused me work aware of my criminal record they are to frightened to take a risk all i say is keep trying and look at alternatives i don't think it is a requirement by law to disclose a medical problem??best to check if they find out your employment will be terminated i am open of my convictions but all of a sudden there is a item stops me working for that so called group but it is never because i have a police record
why don't you try your local health authority and work with people who are in the same situation you found your self in ?? good luck Dave

Answer 2

if you have a history of self harm it would be unfair work practice for a constabulary to discriminate against you.

however, checks into your medical and mental health history will be made and if required an assessment of you can be made by a mental health professional who will determine if you are fit for active duty in the police force.

however there are many other positions within the police force which are not police officers - for example soco officers, communications operators (answering 999 calls and non emergency calls) radio controllers and lots of other areas. still doing the work but not in direct line.

I am a police staff member and my partner a police officer and have found that there is a very supportive network within the police and if you need it they can provide it with complete confidentiality.

dont let the past stop you reaching for your goals but it can be tough so dont feel let down if it takes more than one attempt to get in, there are lots of factors that are considered but if you truly want to do it you will give it your best and they will see that

Answer 3

I'm not sure what you mean by "self harmed." You mean hurting yourself? If so, then it wouldn't be a hiring policy unless it was connected in some way to a legal conviction. But if it's just in your medical records, then no, they don't have such a policy. However, all law enforcement agencies have different hiring policies. The most common are not hiring anyone with a felony record and placing time restrictions for people with misdemeanors (for example, in my city, you can't be a police officer for 10 years after being convicted of a misdemeanor). I have not heard of a policy concerning mental health issues although, during the interview process, it may come up. The interview process is lengthy - it involves researching your own background and filling out multiple paperwork concerning your background, including a personal history statement (a PHS). The PHS includes a list of all your traffic violations (from 17 years of age to the present), the numbers of all your driver's licenses you've had from different states, your family's criminal history, your criminal history, your credit report, a list of your friends and all the names of roommates you've had, etc., etc. The background investigator will pick and choose certain aspects of your PHS and will do his/her own background check concerning those particular aspects to see if you're telling the truth or to find out more details. They'll also administer a polygraph test and ask you questions about your PHS.

Answer 4

A lot depends on if you got caught .

Did you go to the hospital and no one knew other than the doctor - then maybe - did you spaz out and end uup having an ambulance or the police take you to the hospital - then there is a record of it beyond a Dr's note and no you can't.

As in most things in this life the question is did you get caught ?

Answer 5

Each dept. has its own recruiting procedures. In most first you must qualify first by passing a written test, and of course meet the educational and phsycial requirements of course. Then there may be a psychological exam, a polygraph exam, and most definitely an in person oral board exam. And you must sign an agreement that you have not gave false information, with termination being the penalty if you are found to have lied about any of the information you gave.

Answer 6

When you apply for the police, they WILL check your medical records........ so be upfront and honest about it. Nothing to be ashamed of, right? And by being honest you will be showing maturity.

It will depend on the circumstances of your self harm.... what caused it, how long ago it happened, how you dealt with it, etc.

Apply, be honest and just see what happens. You never know what the answer will be until you try.

Answer 7

Federal Government Intelligence agencies loves psycho paths. If you think you qualify work there, or with Department of Human Services.

Answer 8

firts off I would take it that you mean by self harm you tried to commit suicide, ifg so depends on alot of things but yes you can still become a p.o. after getting cleared by their bureau

Answer 9

How will they know? And how will they know how long ago, unless you tell them? If i were you and you got on well with your GP, I would have a chat with him /her and see what they think about your plans. If ok, go for it.

Tell the application form what you need to to get in...
good luck..

Answer 10

if you have a mental health record, they WILL check into it before considering hiring you.

it'll be up to their discretion. if they feel you are too unstable to handle it, then you'll be disqualified.