Can I Be In Law Enforcement?

[Omada]

I'm 18, and I suffer from PTSD from abuse.
I am very, very passionate about the career I want to have (forensic anthropology), but it is under law enforcement. Will I be able to work in law enforcement with a history of PTSD? Do any of you?
I've been wanting to do it since I was a child, and it's heartbreaking to think I might not be able to.

 

[Kicej]

It depends.

Most law enforcement agencies will want to know your mental health history. They have differing requirements and ineligibilities. Even from job to job within the same agency. No matter which agency it is they will want to know that you have your PTSD under control. They will want to know what you can and cannot do. And they will want to know how you will cope if the PTSD flares up again.

The other side of the equation is you. Do you think you can handle it? What sort of crimes/issues could you work on without traumatizing yourself again? Remember each new trauma adds to the previous.

Do you want to work in a lab or in the field?