I am a male, and am about 5'2". I really want to be a police officer, and am currently oing to school for criminal justice. I want to know, mainly to subside my worries, if my hieght is going to be a huge factor. I also would like to know of some good websites that will help me look for a law enforcement job in other states. One last thing, if you think its going to be a factor, what are some other suggestions that I can use my degree (I'll have a bachleors) in the criminal justice field?
2007-01-02 10:59:29 · 23 answers · asked by mightymike25 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
height dont matter.....weight kinda does u need to b fit...but ull do ok...lol it aint the size ;) that matters c ya in the field in couple of yrs
2007-01-02 11:40:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
some police departments have maximum height limits as an example 6' 5''. Most do not have minimum. It will cause lack of respect from the other party you are trying to arrest, ticket, help. I know this isn't fair but it is a fact.
If i were you I would further my degree and get a master's or dr. in crininal justice or a related field. You could always teach or go into a specialty program. Try the Federal Reserve Police with a bachelors, airport police, canine enforcement etc. It would be a lot better job . Example federal Reserve police use bomb sniffing dogs to search armored trucks before the proceed into the terminal at the Fed. It would be a very good career with Federal Benefits. ANd you will still be P.O.S.T certified. Minimum qualifications vary but you will get in if you have a B.S. or B.A. Plus you wouldn't have to deal with arrests and ticketing. YOu would still have the respect.
-Joey R
2007-01-04 21:28:47 · answer #2 · answered by Joey R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what you really want to do, but you could probably make more money using your degree in some other related field of law enforcement. You could do many of the administrative duties (they're safer, too!) and possibly make more money, with way less stress. Your height could also be a factor in the reaction of the public to a small police officer - male or female. The big guys get treated a little more warily....there is a lot of making fun of small cops.
2007-01-02 19:27:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think that your height will be a problem at all. One of the things I would think that you could do would be to make sure that you are in good physical shape. There are plenty of women in the polic officer ranks that are short in stature. I don't know of any good websites but I would think that when you get your bachelors degree, you could look into working as a probation officer or even working towards a job with the fbi. GOOD LUCK in your chosen field. Police officers are the backbone of an orderly society.
2007-01-02 19:05:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your height will not be a problem for you getting the job, but it could pose a problem for you while on the job. If you are trying to detain or arrest someone that doesn't want to be arrested, it will be easier for them to overpower you and/or flee.
There are many many jobs out there that you can do with your degree in the criminal justice field. Just check into all of it, dude.
Good luck, man
2007-01-03 08:51:49 · answer #5 · answered by deftonehead778 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No your height will not stop you from getting in. There are many short officers in the field. JUst go on line and look up Law enforcement jobs.com--it will ask you what stae you are interested or it will say select "all" and then will show you everything. GOOD LUCK!! You want to be sure this is something you really want to do as the pay really stinks.
2007-01-02 19:16:53 · answer #6 · answered by nickle 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In California clean records are more important than height and with boots you add another 2 to 3 inches. Upper body strength is important. Training is everything if you follow with what you were trained to do you should be OK but it's a dangerous profession but one that's not boring 9 to 5. Good luck
2007-01-02 19:10:51 · answer #7 · answered by L J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's going to be a problem because people won't take you seriously, and you won't be able to physically win with most of the drunks and losers you have to wrestle. Sorry, but that's the reality of it (10 years as a female street cop). I was tough and 6" taller, still got my *** handed to me on a regular basis.
I'd suggest private investigation, go on to law school, or a victim's advocacy non profit, something that appeals to you.
2007-01-02 19:22:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your height will not be a factor, just stay in good physical shape and you will be fine. The Military Police had height restrictions, but I don't know if they still do or not.
2007-01-02 20:21:32 · answer #9 · answered by SGT. D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am the same height and the only place I couldn't be a cop was in the Marines. Even then I could have gotten a waiver if needed.
2007-01-02 19:06:38 · answer #10 · answered by mikey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a problem, as long as you can pass all of the physical agility tests. Look at the following site for job opportunities across the country: http://www.porac.org. Good luck
2007-01-02 19:25:46 · answer #11 · answered by Becky 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋