Is it possible for someone with a mental illness to achieve employment with a police force?

Question

The above question is asked with regard to personality disorders.

The mental illness being, a personality disorder. Personality disorders include the likes of physcopathy, etc and cover a wide range of illnesses.

I ask the question because, the scarey thing is that they could possibly get through the net, and are probably out there as police officers as we speak. in some illnesses a person can appear to lead a normal life but behinde closed doors they're nuts. Mrs Hindley, the child killer being one, and she appears to be the nicest person about.

Answer 1

I know a copper who can beat his wife senseless then answer the door moments later as if nothing has happened.
He has a history of violence against women and yes, he does have a personality disorder.
Most people think he's a great guy.
He's the life and soul of the party, always ready to lend a hand, blokes think he's a helluva guy and women think he's charming.
But he is a bully and a coward.
What sort of man kicks his pregnant wife unconscious?
To answer your question - an emphatic yes.
To Tayside Police - well done everyone concerned.

Answer 2

John Edgar Hoover (January 23, 1895 – May 18, 1972) was the founder of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in its present form and its director from May 10, 1923, until his death in 1972. Hoover was appointed the first director of the FBI by President Calvin Coolidge. During his tenure, Hoover attained extraordinary power and unusual discretionary authority, while also feuding with many adversaries. It is because of Hoover that, since his tenure, FBI directors have been limited to ten-year terms.

Even within Hoover's own lifetime, journalists and other observers made observations that hinted at a hidden personal life. Walter Winchell, the famed gossip columnist, once wrote a column that superficially extolled Hoover, while at the same time included many of the aforementioned peculiarities. A journalist (in an article cited by Winchell) who managed to talk her way into an interview with Hoover wrote an article drily entitled, "Hoover: He Always Gets his Man, But he Never Found a Woman."

Hoover's right-hand man, Clyde Tolson, was a constant companion for more than 50 years, with the pair often vacationing together. Both were lifelong bachelors, with Hoover living with his mother until her death in 1938. Raised a devout Presbyterian, Hoover had considered the ministry as a career, with some critics saying that he used this to try to render his personal conduct (sexual or otherwise) above reproach during his long FBI tenure.

When Hoover died Tolson inherited his estate of approximately $1,235,000 and moved into his home, having also accepted the flag that draped Hoover's casket. Tolson is buried a few yards away from Hoover in the Congressional Cemetery.

An additional allegation that Hoover was also a crossdresser is generally considered to be an urban legend, though rumors still exist that the New Orleans and Chicago Mafia had blackmailed Hoover with photos of him in drag and performing homosexual acts. These rumors (that were detailed by journalist Anthony Summers) are used to explain why he allegedly never went after the mob, but according to sources in the Mafia, no such photos existed.[verification needed] Other sources claim that Hoover pursued them zealously after being ordered to go after the Mafia. However, Peter Maas, a notable journalist, has criticized accusations that Hoover had deep ties with the Kennedy family, and these allegations in turn were heavily criticized in Anthony Summers's book on Marilyn Monroe.[citation needed]

Towards the end of his life Hoover seems to have become rather strange. The book, "No Left Turns," by former agent Joseph L. Schott, portrays a rigid, paranoid old man who terrified everyone. Although the stories cannot be confirmed, they make amusing reading. For example, Hoover liked to write on the margins of memos. According to this book, when one memo had too narrow margins he wrote, "watch the borders!" It took a week before anyone had the nerve to ask him why they had followed his orders and sent agents to the Canadian and Mexican frontiers.

Answer 3

No. You are put through an incredibly strenuous training process that also includes rigorous testing, interviews, and questionnaires regarding your entire mental make-up. If it is discovered that there is a "problem" you will not pass the process. Same thing goes for the Military. Besides, would you really want to trust your life or the lives of others to some Off-Balance officer--especially if he/she is having one of there "bad days"???!!

Answer 4

If you have ever met any Strathclyde Police officers, I'd say having a personality disorder is a pre-requisite for the job love. That's why we don't arm them over here!

Answer 5

I would certainly hope not. Could you imagine? Don't you think that Police Officers already have too many personality disorders! LOL

Answer 6

I think that anyone is capable of working anywhere they choose, as long as they have the right training, and that includes someone with a disability. If someone has their "personality disorder" all taken care of, then it shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 7

the officer will always be in question of his performance and many people would probably be able to get off on their crime because of the officers unstable judgment
Beside the written, physical, background, drug
I do believe you are given a test on your state of mind / I forgot the word I looking for on this test

Answer 8

Let's hope not. But I suppose it's possible if they hide the fact or if their personality disorder agrees with who is doing the hiring.

Answer 9

Most police officers have personality disorders so I would imagine so.

Answer 10

In the ranks, probably not.
Straight in as Chief Constable or Home Secretary then I think it's a requirement!