Question for Police Officers

[CaribbeanSoul]

I am a noob to B&B, but I am hoping there are at least a few law enforcement professionals here who can give me an opinion. I am a 10 year management level employee of my state's dept of transportation. I was informed in a meeting last week that I am in very real danger of being budgeted out of my paycheck, as the push toward consultants is looming.

That being said, I have also become VERY tired of pushing paper in a fairly meaningless desk job. For some time now I have been contemplating testing for the DOT police force. I am in decent physical shape and have no worries about the written testing.

My question....Is there a place for a 43 year old man just entering law enforcement? Or am I beyond "prime" material?

Thoughts....

 

[TheScalpel]

...there have been first time recruits much older than you coming into policing, I have see a 56 year old first timer, numerous older 40's / younger 50's as well.. the trend seems to be toward more mature, less aggressive police officers, especially with some sort of college, etc... I say give it a shot, and stress your maturity and desire to serve!

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Your chances of entering the field at 43 depends on a lot of factors. The oldest to apply as an officer for my department is 40, I have no idea what kind of age restrictions apply in your state. Most departments want you to be able to serve 20 years before retiring and at 43-44 years old that might be pushing it.

On the physical level you'd be competing against candidates 20+ years younger, but you bring a level of maturity and skills learned from real life that younger people lack.

At 43 you'll be starting at an age that a lot of officers are nearing retirement in what can be a physically demanding job with odd schedules, long hours etc.
Maybe consider looking into dispatching for a department or a 911 center.

You'll never know unless you try.

Edited to add. What exactly are the duties and responsibilities of a DOT police officer?

 

[azmark]

When I went through the academy there was a deputy who was 44 if I remember correctly and was in the top 5 in our class, I was 7. It is going to depend on what agency you apply at and what their age requirements are.

My wife is an officer and is trying to get promoted to personnel and she's been doing a lot of research on what subjective methods are used and looked for.

I asked her about your situation and she brought up a good point. Yes, your life experience is going to be great but it can also hurt you. At 21 an applicant probably did a few things that they need to be discussed during background but one thing that looks worse for an individual in your situation is if you did something like pot(for example), especially recreationally even in you 30's. By that point she says you should be moved on past your college days.


One thing I would suggest is many departments have questioners on background that you may have questions on. The age thing is not going to be an issue if you're able to pass the physical agility but background is vital.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[airplanedoc]

That being said, I have also become VERY tired of pushing paper

There is probably more paper pushing being a cop than there is at you current job.

 

[Thebigspendur]

I was in federal law enforcement and the max age there for entry positions is 35. Most police depts have the same age however there are some depts who will take anyone no matter the age. Being a street cop is a young mans occupation in my humble opinion.

 

[CaribbeanSoul]

Would like to thank all who replied to my question...I always value educated opinion. My wife works for the Maryland State police commission, so I know that there is no max age for agencies in MD. I am headed for the written exam tomorrow evening and we shall see where it goes from there...

 

[azmark]

Would like to thank all who replied to my question...I always value educated opinion. My wife works for the Maryland State police commission, so I know that there is no max age for agencies in MD. I am headed for the written exam tomorrow evening and we shall see where it goes from there...

Good luck!!!

 

[dpmtherrien]

Here in Massachusetts there is no upper age limit to be a P.O. If you make it through the testing, and selection process, and then make it through the 6 month academy, your in.

If this is something you really desire, then go for it, and good luck. As someone who retired after 36 years in law enforcement, I found it a very worth while, satisfying, and honorable profession.

 

[Confilo]

Would like to thank all who replied to my question...I always value educated opinion. My wife works for the Maryland State police commission, so I know that there is no max age for agencies in MD. I am headed for the written exam tomorrow evening and we shall see where it goes from there...

Good decision, if one don't try, one don't dance

 

[TheScalpel]

and best o luck to you!

 

[CaribbeanSoul]

Quick update on the progress so far...passed the written exam last evening. Only missed 2 questions and have yet to figure how I missed them! PAT in two weeks...time for a motivated run.

 

[blackfoot]

Way to go!

 

[REP]

Forgive me I’m not an officer but curiosities lead me to read your post. And I have had experience with in the inner workings of several departments. First I want to say don’t feel like the Lone Ranger with the shaky ground at the office. I have experienced this first hand after almost 20 years of service to the same company. It is an understatement to say that the day I was let go was one of the most upsetting unsettling and fear filled days of my life.
The up side for me is that it made me cling to my faith and somehow made not only my relationship with Christ stronger but my family has never been closer or more content. Faith is the key word here and as with me this may be the part of an underlying movement for your good.
As to whether to join the PD or not; It sounds like you know what you want to do so all there is left is to look into the department’s policies you are considering. And if this works then go for it. With your life and management experience chances are good that you might be considered for a better position than most of the average newbie’s. Good luck!!

 

[dpmtherrien]

Quick update on the progress so far...passed the written exam last evening. Only missed 2 questions and have yet to figure how I missed them! PAT in two weeks...time for a motivated run.

Congrats on getting passed the first part, and good luck should you continue on. If you make it all the way it truly is a brotherhood.

 

[azmark]

Excellent!

The PAT is nothing to worry unless you are completely out of shape. Depending on what your state POST requirements are it will vary on what the test will be.

Normally there is always a 150lb body drag, 6 foot solid wall and 6 foot chain link wall and usually have to hurdle something. The wall is surprisingly very difficult for many because they don't know how to hit it and waste too much energy trying to muscle their way over.

Keep us posted and good luck!

 

[CaribbeanSoul]

UPDATE: Had my PAT on St. Pat's day and passed all events! This was a major achievement for me, especially the 1.5 mile run and situps. I was truly sweating both...but the hard work I put in prior paid off. Did the run in 13.50 and cranked out 30 situps in a minute. So now, its on to the oral board and background investigation.

Three things I found very interesting during the PAT: 1) The sheer number of applicants. There were over 50 people when the test started. I think this says an awful lot about the state of our economy. 2) The number of people who busted out on things like situps and pushups. It was as if they had not given a second thought to attempting them before showing up for the test. 3) The 300 meter sprint was MUCH harder than I imagined it would be!

Thanks again for the words of advice and support from those of you who have responded to this thread.

 

[blackfoot]

UPDATE: Had my PAT on St. Pat's day and passed all events! This was a major achievement for me, especially the 1.5 mile run and situps. I was truly sweating both...but the hard work I put in prior paid off. Did the run in 13.50 and cranked out 30 situps in a minute. So now, its on to the oral board and background investigation.

Three things I found very interesting during the PAT: 1) The sheer number of applicants. There were over 50 people when the test started. I think this says an awful lot about the state of our economy. 2) The number of people who busted out on things like situps and pushups. It was as if they had not given a second thought to attempting them before showing up for the test. 3) The 300 meter sprint was MUCH harder than I imagined it would be!

Thanks again for the words of advice and support from those of you who have responded to this thread.

Only 50? When I was applying to get on the Fort Wayne City Fire Dept, ther were over 600. I hear the City PD was about the same. This was 6 years ago.

 

[blackfoot]

I forgot, Congratulations! You are right, I was amazed at how many couldn't pass the PAT.

 

[Sam]

I, like Rep, had to read this. First of all, congrats on passing the test and prayers for you getting the position and hope it is all you desire it to be. Rep is right, you never know how good God is until you get faced with adversity. It is scary to think of losing a position, the financial difficulties, but you do get through it and past it. Life is about challenges and it has been faith that got me through them. I am glad Rep mentioned this - kinda like how sometimes you need an encouraging word and viola, there it is.

Keep up posted.