PTSD and Police

[BigGun1]

A question for any possible LEOs in here. I'm about to be Medically Retired from the Army for my PTSD from two tours in Iraq as an 11B Machine Gunner and was wondering if that would keep me from getting a job as a Police Officer.

I already have about two years of College in Criminal Justice because in MN you need at least an Associate's Degree or two years experience and I would hate to have to go complete a Bachelor's Degree and then find out I can't be a Cop.

In short, would they find out about it if I didn't tell them and if they did know would it keep me from getting hired?

Thank you!

BigGun1

 

[2quilt]

If you have PTSD from the war, the most dangerous place, where 24-7, people were trying to shoot you, bomb you, or otherwise kill you in creative ways, why would you want to come home and get a job where you have to deal with people who want to shoot you?

 

[cypher]

well, for a legal position as a police officer, im sure theres a major background check. I would think police officers get ptsd seeing some of the things they do. other than that, i got nothing. sorry biggun. btw, thanks for serving!! You're very brave and i'm sure you've seen alot. I think with a military background knowing how to handle things, and the training youve been through, a police officer would suit you great if thats what you want to do. but still not sure about the ptsd?? Good Luck to you! Thanks Again! (I have no idea what an LEO is) :dontknow: sorry

 

[2quilt]

LEO is law enforcement officer.
I thought of something else. If you are being 'retired', you should know what that means. Retired people don't work any more. By now, somebody should have told you that you will get compensation money for your medical retirement. You simply can't go out after separation and get a full-time job as if you were a healthy veteran. Medical retirement and receiving monetary compensation from the government is for people who can no longer hold a job because of a disability.

 

[BigGun1]

It's not a full retirement, I'm being rated at 30% which means the Army will only be paying me a small portion of what I'm making now. $900 a month at 32 years old with a wife and we're trying to have kids, that's not a lot of money.

I've already been to quite a few briefings and basically I can have another full time job. If I was rated at 100% then no, I wouldn't be able to hold another job, well I could but they would subtract what I make from my payments.

I plan on returning back to college and was thinking if I can't be a cop then I'd like to be a teacher, I just haven't made my mind up yet.

 

[cypher]

LEO is law enforcement officer.

oh............:crazy: ha, thanks

 

[Tammy]

Not sure exactly where you are, but here in Australia, the background check to be a police officer is very thorough. I know that when I was looking into joining the force it stated that you couldn't have had a driving offence, so that cancelled me out straight away.
Also, something for you to consider is; even if you did get the job as a police officer and you lost your cool at work and something bad happened, if that went to court what would the ramifications be for yourself because you didn't make them aware fo your condition?
I hope you can join the force if that is what you really want to do, and I hope for your sake and that of your families that nothing will go wrong, but it would make sense to look into that a little further.
Tammy

 

[Cindy]

Personally I believe PTSD and LEO do not mix. Teaching on the other hand could be a possibility. I am a teacher with 26 years in, prior to teaching I was a research scientist. I loved both careers.

The reason I went into teaching was to work with people and share my passion for science. Being isolated in a research facility gave little exposure to people other than the research team.

What is common about both jobs is the constantly changing dynamics and unpredictability of how the day will unfold.

Before jumping into either field I would ask yourself some basic questions.

What about LEO attracts me to this position?

What of these answers are in common with Teaching?

What about Teaching attracts me to this job?

If I taught what subject would I teach or grade level?

In past jobs that you have enjoyed what common elements were present?

What occupations would have these elements in them?



When I left the research field and had just turned down a huge position in charge of my own research team I was blown away. (Reasons pertained to the corporate structure of running a research program but if I was going to advance in my field that is what would be my future.) I thought now what am I going to do? --- I became a teacher. But before I did pursue the credentials I had to stop and ask these questions of myself. It was a real crossroads in my life and a time of reflection.

 

[jailed]

I was LEO and am out with PTSD and major depression. I would strongly recomend that you choice a teaching career. You will ahve to describe any existing medical condition to a prospective employer which will damage your chances of getting a LEO position and if you lie about the condition , well what would that say about the integrity you will need to be a LEO

 

[Momo]

I would strongly advise against it; you would most likely be setting yourself up for even worse PTSD in the future. There is a book you should read before you go any further with this; it's called Cop Shock. I think you can get it through Amazon.

 

[captrn1]

Big Gun
My brother is a retired Ranger from the USA. He had some disabilities coming out. He did become a small town cop....But he wanted to become a state trooper....that was his ultimate goal in life......he could not pass the psychological part of the exam due to his history in the military....You probably could become an officer but you may have limitations on advancement.
Kel

 

[Riggs413]

Hey Big Gun

I am struggling with the loss of my career as a LEO right now. I am in Canada and up here I know that with the testing that the major departments do....you couldn't get on with an existing condition of PTSD. They barely look after you when you develop PTSD after serving for over 20 years.

Down in the U.S. each state is different but in any of the major cities that I know officers in, they have testing similiar to us up here when you apply.

Small town departments may be an option for you, as their testing may not be as comprehensive as a major city's department would be, if you chose that route.

Take all the time you can in making your choice and I would suggest that you explore the teaching option to the fullest. We all make our own choices in life and I won't tell you not to try to get on to a police department but IMHO, existing PTSD and police work do not mix.