I've got mild Cerebral Palsy and want to become a police officer ?

Question

I'm 18 years old and I'm in grade 12. This is my last year of high school. Afterwards, I'm going to college for a few years, then I plan to become a police officer. It's been my biggest dream for as long as I can remember.

My CP doesn't affect me enormously, I live an active life style. I'm doing well in school, I'm not a straight A student however my marks are good.

Do you think any police department would accept a male with a mild case of CP ? I'm not overweight and I do not have any muscle spasms. I'm well built and healthy.


Thanks

Answer 1

I agree with Carlisle that you should first do a survey of some of the PDs in your area. You don't want to spend four years in college studying criminal justice, only to discover that your condition disqualifies you entirely.

Generally, anyone going into such a physical profession has to pass a physical exam before being hired. The disqualifying conditions should be made clear up front. You say that your CP doesn't affect you "enormously". That does seem to indicate that it does affect you at least slightly. While I admire you for your can-do attitude, I also know that a major concern in police departments is whether it could have an adverse effect on not only you, but on your fellow officers. What will probably make the difference is if your condition could put a partner at greater risk - for example, do you move more slowly, does it take you longer to coordinate your movements, etc.

Answer 2

The Americans with Disabilties Act (ADA) says that employers cannot discriminate against applicants on the basis of a disability as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodations. So simply having CP shouldn't prevent you from getting the job. The catch, of course, is that as a police officer the essential functions include all of the significant physial activities - subduing a suspect, performing CPR, firing a pistol with acceptable accuracy, carrying a victim out of a dangerous situation, etc. "Reasonable accommodations" aren't really possible in that type of work; it comes down to what you can physically handle. Bottom line: if you can do the job, you can do the job. Many soldiers have returned to active duty after loosing a limb by demonstrating they could meet all of the physical requirements using a prosthetic limb. If you need a specific example, think of Jim Abbott, who was a one-armed major league baseball player. Good luck with your career objective!

Answer 3

I think you should check with a few police departments and see specifically if their requirements would be attainable for you. It's possible that they either have very high physical requirements that rule it out, or perhaps they don't. Rather than worry, just get the facts together.

I believe even PDs have to obey the ADA laws so there should be a place for you regardless of your limitations and that it's just a question of figuring it out appropriately. Then knowing that, your can always check into the right criminal justice programs available for what you decide is your place. And then go for your dream!

Answer 4

i guess they may not to put you in some physically demanding units, but i think aspects like IT Phoresincs, Administration and Communication engineering will be a great idea. since you are now 18, i guess you could go to your police website and find the contact information of the closet recruitment office, pop in there for a chat and they'll let you know, rather waiting till you were 22. just in case it doesn't go well you can plan on a related alternative.

i believe there are all sorts of people working in the force especially as detectives who are like everyday people.

you can make it, best of luck!

Answer 5

If you can get past the physical.
If you do not disclose a pre-existing disease you will be let go.

Answer 6

Honestly....you are half way there..