Is height helpful for a police officer....?

Question

I am a male 5'6/190 lbs. (very muscular) and am training to be a police officer. I am probably the shortest cadet in the academy by at least 2 inches. I was just wondering how many people feel that they don't take police officers as seriously if they are shorter. Most people would probably say height does not matter, however this is usually coming from people that are taller. I am not really talking about phsyically because I have martial arts/boxing/wrestling training and have yet to be taken down by a single cadet in our arresting exercise. Was wondering more about the mental factor.... I personally have even caught myself listening more to the cop that is 6'5''ish than the one other cop that is 5'8''ish...I only ask because I am curious if anyone feels that this will effect my career in anyway.

Answer 1

Ok... here's a true story for you: my dad became a police, because his Mom thought that his wish of becoming a lawyer under Marcos' (Ferdinand M.> a dictator) regime was not a good idea (corruption seemed like a normal thing at that time)... she wanted him to become a priest instead- even put him in a school for boys destined to become priests- but he said he loved women too much.... so he made a compromise with her and said he was going to study criminology instead (already had a BA at this point- so this was going to be his second).... but- here's the bummer> the people who interviewed him mentioned his height and told him frankly, that he might have some problems getting respect being shorter than all the other officers and all later.... my Dad responded that he didn't think it was the height that mattered, but that as a police officer brains was more what would make a profound impact. Everyone was impressed by what he said- I guess, because he went on to become a policeman. Not too long after, he even became a chief of police. His Mom eventually passed away (broke his heart- he was quite a Momma's boy).... and not long after that he quit his position and went back to get his 3rd BA to become a lawyer- his original dream.
I told you this story to show you that it's been done... but you have to believe in yourself 150%.

Answer 2

Sadly yes..... height does matter... that doesn't mean a short guy can't do it, it is just harder.
Height matters in several ways....
1. Generally the taller you are, the longer legs you have, and the longer stride you have, which means you have the potential to run much faster, which is very important since you will be running a lot.
2. People are stupid, people judge a book by its cover, a lot of thugs and people who don't respect the badge will see a short police officer and think he is a weak, incompetent, and easy to outrun, fight, evade, etc... Which will mean less people will respect you compared to a taller person. You will probably have more people run from you, fight back with you, attack you, and just make your job harder.

*Even though you have superior fighting, arresting, controlling skills compared to other cops and civilians, you will not get the respect you deserve until you "prove it" , which unfortunently involves dangerous life threatening situations, and remember... respect = safety for cops. More respect = more safety

Basically you will just have to work harder for the same amount of money and be put in more dangerous situations more.

Because of stereotypes... Female cops deal with the same thing, as do ethnic cops.

Answer 3

I don't see why that would get in the way.
Your height is actually advantageous, I think.

Look at all the little guys (much shorter than you) in UFC fighting or muy thai - they can all beat anyone to a bloody pulp in seconds!

You have nothing to worry about!

Oh, ok - now I see you weren't talking about physical things.
Well, there is a belief that taller people are more intimidating and more respected, especially in the business world.
I personally think that is a bunch of hooey but then again, I'm 5'11, so who knows?!

I still don't think height has anything to do with respect or lack of it.
What should make an impression on people is the way in which one carries oneself.

Confidence is obvious and if you have it, people will respond to it no matter how tall you are.

Answer 4

My uncle used to be a police officer and there is a weight and height requirement like for instance you cant be a big person to apply for the job but if i was you id just see you might get in so dont give up that dream just yet

Answer 5

Great another police officer with 'short dog' syndrome.
"I have martial arts/boxing/wrestling training and have yet to be taken down by a single cadet in our arresting exercise", woohoo , tough guy huh??
Already got a low self esteem problem.
How well do you handle d!ckheads like me saying the things I say huh?
We gonna have some short as.s punk police officer strolling the streets picking on tall citizens??
Can You handle criticism, without wanting to get violent on people?

Answer 6

Height will probably have some influence in your encounters with citizens and ne'er-do-wells. I would consider your gun to be an equalizing factor as I pretty much give anyone with a gun my full time and attention. I think it will depend upon your personal charisma along with how your carry yourself, etc. Be confident not cocky. Strive to protect and serve, not presume guilt and be condescending. Thank you for your desire to serve.

Answer 7

Its all in your ability. Think outside the physical appearance, the criminals will. If your asking this question then you might want to concider another profession. The ability and drive is what gets you far in any work place. Height, weight, GQ lookin or not. You have the drive or you dont.

Answer 8

Your height should not be an issue. I am only 5'8", weigh less than you, and I am an officer. Some of my fellow officers I work with are shorter than I.

Answer 9

Of course it matters. When you have to look up to somebody you instictively "respect" that person more because you assume they have a position of power...fair or not, that's how it goes.