Working in law enforcement with diabetes

[dex_p]

Just this morning, I received a call from my doctor telling me that I was diabetic. I was shocked when I heard the news. I am still in disbelief, but I am glad that I have found out early. So now I am in the process of making major life style changes. I was wondering if having diabetes will affect my chances of becoming a police officer? Also, if you are an LEO or know an LEO with diabetes, how does this affect your career and performance? I am sure that this is not the end of life, it could always be worse. Any input I could get from you all would be great. Thank you.

[unsworninpa104]

There was a cadet in my academy class that had type 2 diabetes and needed to inject herself every morning. It didn't affect her performance much from what I saw and she is now working full time.

As long as you watch your health you should be fine.

[SgtCHP]

Unfortunately, that is one of the disqualifying ailments in most CA agencies. In fact, if you contract the ailment while you are a sworn officer on the CHP, you will be separated from the department.

It can become a detriment in a high stress situation where the adrenaline is flowing and pancreas has to work overtime.

[InHarleyCop]

Unfortunately, that is one of the disqualifying ailments in most CA agencies. In fact, if you contract the ailment while you are a sworn officer on the CHP, you will be separated from the department.

It can become a detriment in a high stress situation where the adrenaline is flowing and pancreas has to work overtime.
Hey Sarge, not calling you a liar, but do you have the links to where it shows that diabetes is a DQ'ing factor? I'm especially curious as to being bumped from CHP if you contract this while an employee. That doesn't seem legal.

[SgtCHP]

Hey Sarge, not calling you a liar, but do you have the links to where it shows that diabetes is a DQ'ing factor? I'm especially curious as to being bumped from CHP if you contract this while an employee. That doesn't seem legal.

First, let me point out that I take umbridge at the fact you would even consider that I would lie about any information that I post to help those who wish to become a LEO.

Now, that aside, I will point out that I do not have access to the listing of disqualifying ailments; however, these references are from the CHP recruiting information:


Health:
Good health. Must be free from any physical, mental or emotional condition that would prohibit the full performance of all the essential duties and functions of a CHP officer.

This is from the application for Cadet - the first process in becoming a candidate for the CHP.


Medical Examination: The medical examination is performed by a licensed physician. Because of the essential duties of the position, there are several potential causes for medical disqualification: back defects revealed by x-ray, history of back difficulty, problems with digestion, any cardiovascular abnormality, pelvic bone or tissue abnormalities, or any nervous or emotional disorder.

I have personally seen officers separated from the department because of their onset of insulin dependant diabetes. I know that we have lost many candidates for the department because of their illness.

The department and State consider insulin dependant candidates a liability. As I stated in a previous post the stress levels can be so severe as to trigger a diabetic reaction and can be detrimental to both the officer and his/her partners.

If you doubt my answer, please feel free to call the Cadet Hiring Unit at
(916) 375-2180 and ask one of them. If their answer to your query is different than mine and your application is accepted, I will gleefully apologize for providing errant information.

By the way, diabetes is considered a cardiovascular ailment:

This statement examines the cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus and considers opportunities for their prevention. These complications include coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, peripheral arterial disease, nephropathy, retinopathy, and possibly neuropathy and cardiomyopathy. Because of the aging of the population and an increasing prevalence of obesity and sedentary life habits in the United States, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing. Thus, diabetes must take its place alongside the other major risk factors as important causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, from the point of view of cardiovascular medicine, it may be appropriate to say, "diabetes is a cardiovascular disease."

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/100/10/1134

[L-1]

Hey Sarge, not calling you a liar, but do you have the links to where it shows that diabetes is a DQ'ing factor? I'm especially curious as to being bumped from CHP if you contract this while an employee. That doesn't seem legal.

The implications for job performance can be found here:

http://www.post.ca.gov/selection/pdf/Endo.pdf

FWIW, I was diagnosed with diabetes nine years ago. I didn't think too much of it and never told anyone because I was working an admin assignment and had no idea as to how it could affect me.

I have since retired and am now aware of the adverse impact it can have if you engage in unexpected, strenuous exercise at a moment of low blood sugar, or when you have just taken insulin in anticipation of eating a meal, only to be interrupted by an unexpected altercation or foot chase.

If you read the POST study at the above link, you will find a surprising list of problems that can result from this condition.

[texaschickeee]

As some one that has low blood sugar I can tell you just standing up too fast when its low can make you dizzy. IF I got out of a squad, for say a speeding ticket and that happen, it would be a big GO for the BG if thats who is in the car I stopped.

[Iowa #1603]

Diabetes is not an auto DQ in Iowa nor is it a career ender if you develop diabetes while employed as a LEO.

I don't recall any departments that make a big deal out of diabetes as long as it is under control. Many yrs ago I shift partnered with an insulin dependant diabetic on patrol -----for the most part we forgot he had the condition.....except we could tell when he was having problems, and made sure he took care of himself. He retired about 18 months ago after 28 yrs on duty as an active LEO.

I know several diabetics who are current officers and several who have since retired (partial reason for retirement could have been their medical condition....note the term PARTIAL REASON)

[Rush817]

Dex_P, Diabetes is not an end all to a law enforcement career. I'm a type 1 diabetic, who takes 5-6 shots a day depending on how many meals I eat. I got it early in my LE career and I told myself I was going to control it, not it control me.

The main thing you have to do is be proactive. Eat right (Count Your Carbs), work out daily, test you blood sugar, listen to your body and go to your doctor regularly. Keep Glucose tablets with you at all times. What I do when I'm at work, is eat 1st then take my insulin just in case I get called away to an in-progress call.

I'm on our SWAT Team and have been on numerous operations from high risk warrants to barricaded persons that last for hours. I keep glucose tablets on my entry vest just in case, but I haven't need them.

My agency has been very understanding and supportive of my situation. I couldn't work for a better agency.

You can have a great LE career as long as some agency will give you a chance. Good Luck and if you have any other questions don't hesistate to ask.

[mikeymedic]

Dex_P, Diabetes is not an end all to a law enforcement career. I'm a type 1 diabetic, who takes 5-6 shots a day depending on how many meals I eat. I got it early in my LE career and I told myself I was going to control it, not it control me.

The main thing you have to do is be proactive. Eat right (Count Your Carbs), work out daily, test you blood sugar, listen to your body and go to your doctor regularly. Keep Glucose tablets with you at all times. What I do when I'm at work, is eat 1st then take my insulin just in case I get called away to an in-progress call.

I'm on our SWAT Team and have been on numerous operations from high risk warrants to barricaded persons that last for hours. I keep glucose tablets on my entry vest just in case, but I haven't need them.

My agency has been very understanding and supportive of my situation. I couldn't work for a better agency.

You can have a great LE career as long as some agency will give you a can. Good Luck and if you have any other questions don't hesistate to ask.

Your my new hero. I'm Type 1 as well. That is the same thing I do as you have listed above. Very inspirational, thank you.

[dex_p]

Thank you all for the information. I am a type 2 diabetic. I only have to check my blood suger 3 days a week and take my pills twice a day. I am not at the point to where i have to take insulin shots--hopefully I never get to that point. I am applying at my local police department in a few months. The last thing I would want is to be DQ for something like this. Once again, thank you all so much and thank you for your service.

[dex_p]

Thank you all for the information. I am a type 2 diabetic. I only have to check my blood suger 3 days a week and take my pills twice a day. I am not at the point to where i have to take insulin shots--hopefully I never get to that point. I am applying at my local police department in a few months. The last thing I would want is to be DQ for something like this. Once again, thank you all so much and thank you for your service.

[dex_p]

Thank you all for the information. I am a type 2 diabetic. I only have to check my blood suger 3 days a week and take my pills twice a day. I am not at the point to where i have to take insulin shots--hopefully I never get to that point. I am applying at my local police department in a few months. The last thing I would want is to be DQ for something like this. Once again, thank you all so much and thank you for your service.

[Rush817]

Usually if you can control your diabetes with pills, diet and working out most departments won't DQ you. Good luck getting hired and keep us informed.

[Rush817]

Your my new hero. I'm Type 1 as well. That is the same thing I do as you have listed above. Very inspirational, thank you.

No problem, brother! Its cool to meet someone who is diabetic in the LE field and who understands the day to day work that goes into staying on top of it.

[SgtCHP]

Thanks, L-1! I had not seen that link before. Good information.

[2971511]

I am fairly certain that Diabetes is a DQ for most federal LE jobs, Having said that I do not see anywhere where that is secifically spelled out, you would need to to provide a doctors note saying that your condition would not affect your job performance I do not know of many physicians that would sign off on someone doing rigorous police work if they had insulin dependant diabetes...... read the medical section here and call and ask personnel. www.nps.gov/uspp

[InHarleyCop]

First, let me point out that I take umbridge at the fact you would even consider that I would lie about any information that I post to help those who wish to become a LEO.

First, let me ask if you mean you take umbrage at what I was asking. Just curious as I have no idea what umbridge means. Second, I quite clearly told you that I wasn't calling you a liar since I was asking for specific written material that excludes one from being hired, or later terminated, for having diabetes.

You should chill out. Seriously. Third, I would like to see someone develop diabetes while on the job and then get terminated for it. I'm quite certain that the Americans With Disabilities Act would kick in very fast!

[SgtCHP]

First, let me ask if you mean you take umbrage at what I was asking. Just curious as I have no idea what umbridge means.

A misspelling on my part - my apologies. I am quite certain you have an idea what I was stating!

Second, I quite clearly told you that I wasn't calling you a liar since I was asking for specific written material that excludes one from being hired, or later terminated, for having diabetes.

Then why, pray tell, would you even mention anything about lying? Not the way to sell a point!

You should chill out. Seriously.

I assure you I am quite chilled, sir! Thank you for your concern.

Third, I would like to see someone develop diabetes while on the job and then get terminated for it. I'm quite certain that the Americans With Disabilities Act would kick in very fast!

I have seen officers separated from the department for diabetes. They were not terminated, they were offered NONE CRITICAL and NONE ENFORCEMENT positions either in the Department or another state agency. Motor Carrier, Inspection Specialists, Communications, etc. They continue in their state employment but they lose their peace officer ratings.

There is ample information provided for your reading pleasure which has been posted by L-1 and me. That information is succinct and definitive for service in the CHP and its requirements.

You would think that the "Americans With Disabilities Act" people would get involved, but they have not done so as yet - to my knowledge.

CA employment policies, requirements and practices have been in effect for a long period of time and separation from State employment, in critical occupations, for traumatic illnesses is not an unusual happening.

Many changes in policy and procedure have taken place within the CHP since I retired seventeen years ago and I have attempted to maintain an understanding of those changes. I do not pretend to know it all and have, undoubtedly, provided misinformation. I assure you that none of it has been intentional and I will openly apologize for providing such if and when it is brought to my attention.

[L-1]

I would like to see someone develop diabetes while on the job and then get terminated for it. I'm quite certain that the Americans With Disabilities Act would kick in very fast!

I think you may have misunderstood what ADA does. ADA prohibits discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in employment. A qualified employee or applicant with a disability is an individual who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question.

Under ADA, the employer can take action when they become aware of a medical condition that prevents you from performing the duties of your position. The POST Endo Medical Screening Manual I posted the link to, spells out in great detail how having diabetes can interfere with someone's ability to perform the duties of a peace officer.

It is true that under ADA, Reasonable Accommodation is required. However, the key here (and what everyone forgets is) that Reasonable Accommodation must be "Reasonable" and cannot be burdensome for the employer. If you read the POST Endo Medical Screening manual, here are just a few of the steps that would be medically required in order to ensure both the diabetic officer's safety and that of the public: Frequent periods of restricted duty, inflexible on-duty meal schedules, mandatory pre-shift and after meal blood sugar tests at inflexible times, having the department's physician continuously monitor your medical records after hire, etc. Such inflexible, time consuming and costly procedures are not "Reasonable," place an undue burden on the employer and fall outside the scope of Reasonable Accommodation. In short, ADA offers no protection here.

FWIW, I have been retired now for four years. About twice a month, for no apparent reason my blood sugar drops like a rock. I have sugar all over the place for when that happens and fortunately, I can always feel it coming on. Nonetheless, it still takes me about five minutes to recover. Were I still working and were this to happen during a critical incident, particular one made worse by strenuous physical activity that would further lower my blood sugar, I might be toast.

On the bright side, what saves the jobs of a lot of diabetic officers is simply that their managers do not understand the hazards associated with their condition, so they allow them to continue to work.

Now, with my former employer (the State of California) the person is offered the opportunity to transfer or demote to a position that is within their medical limitations to perform. Obviously it will not be a peace officer position. However, the State of California employs 220,000 people and it should not be too hard to find a civilian job for them. They are free to transfer to any job they are otherwise qualified for that pays up to 10% more than the top step of their old position.

[InHarleyCop]

Agree with switcher, you may want to read up on the ADA and diabetes L-1. ;)

[L-1]

Agree with switcher, you may want to read up on the ADA and diabetes L-1. ;)

Actually, I have.

Switcher describes a scenario that is not one size fits all. It is one incident, under very limited circumstances and fails to articulate any specific argument on behalf of the employer or how it was addressed by EEOC. Instead, it merely sounds like a hypothetical, thought up by an EEOC employee and tossed out there as an example for the website. And turning your insulin pump up or off (as suggested in Switcher's scenario) does not help in a low blood sugar episode.

Again, I would refer you back to the implications for job performance in the POST website. Did either of you guys bother to read them? Unlike the ADA website you referenced, it clearly articulates specific medical inabilities to perform the job that are created by diabetes. Other than just screaming ADA, ADA, ADA over and over again, Can you tell me how the magic of ADA counters fatigue, blurred vision, cognitive impairment, neurological impairment, visual impairment, cardiac impairment, renal impairment, hypoglycemia and DKA that are associated with diabetes?

And again, if a department accepts someone with diabetes, the POST website spells out what steps must be take for Reasonable Accommodation, such as frequent periods of restricted duty, inflexible on-duty meal schedules, mandatory pre-shift and after meal blood sugar tests at inflexible times, having the department's physician continuously monitor your medical records after hire, etc. These are inflexible, time consuming, costly and disruptive procedures that fall beyond the scope of "Reasonability" and place an undue burden on the employer.

Can you imagine not being able to send an officer on a call several times a shift because of mandatory meal times and blood sugar tests, or being required to take him out of the field and assign him to desk duty for several weeks if he has a diabetic episode or his A1C tests come back beyond a certain reading?

Rather than take pot shots here, go back and read the link I posted.

[SgtCHP]

In support of what L-1 has posted I offer this:

...Finally, diabetes is a disability when it does not significantly affect a person's everyday activities, but the employer treats the individual as if it does. For example, an employer may assume that a person is totally unable to work because he has diabetes. Under the ADA, the determination of whether an individual has a disability is made on a case-by-case basis.


That information is from the reference posted by switcher. If you read the entire selection you will see that there is nothing that mandates an employer be held to rigid rules of acceptance for an employee with diabetes. It strongly urges "reasonable accomodations" for the employee who has the ailment.

10. Does an employer have to grant every request for a reasonable accommodation?

No. An employer does not have to provide a reasonable accommodation if doing so will be an undue hardship. Undue hardship means that providing the reasonable accommodation would result in significant difficulty or expense. If a requested accommodation is too difficult or expensive, an employer still would be required to determine whether there is another easier or less costly accommodation that would meet the employee's needs.


Additionally, in the example posted by switcher it refers to an "Offer of employment" and not the initial screening process prior to employment; nor, does it address those who have been diagnosed with the ailment in later times of employment. In the former, if a candidate discloses s/he has diabetes, there would be no offer of employment made by the CHP. In the later, well, that has been discussed. The officer would be removed from field duty and offered a different, non LE position or permitted to retire - if s/he has the minimum numbers of years.

Here is the other link that is offered within the above data.

http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/media/diabetes.html

[DMS 525]

Diabetics are as different as their fingerprints. One may be able to work in the LE field with barely a problem, whereas the other may have problems galore. A sticky situation, and they have to draw the line somewhere.

My Dad was a Type 1, and there is no way in hell he could have ever been a LEO. The way his sugars could fluctuate, and how a stressful situation could trigger a reaction, he would have been a major liability. Let alone the unpredictability of a workday and workload in the LE field- he would have had problems galore deviating from his regular meal times and times for taking his shots. And not that he didn't take care of himself- he was about the most meticulous diabetic I have ever seen in my life who was so adamant and punctual about eating, taking his insulin, staying active, and so on. Yet his sugar level could drop like a bomb at no notice, and that had doctors bamboozled for years. He'd been on disability since I was real little, on account of the stress of his profession(mechanic) nearly killed him back then. At least Dad went to meet his Maker with all 10 fingers and toes, and could see just fine, but it took it's toll on his heart for years, and a heart attack at 65 took him. My dad's sister was also a Type 1, and had to have Lasik done twice, nearly going blind from her condition.

As time goes on, diabetes can and will take it's toll on your eyesight, or your heart, or your limbs, or any/all of the above. I personally know a guy who was working security, then LE Reserve, and finally as a CO for the state, until his diabetes took his eyesight.

I'm not trying to discourage you, but I encourage you to keep track of your condition. Perhaps you will do fine, but only time will tell there.

[gixxerjoe04]

if you dont mind me asking how do you become a diabetic? Is it being overweight or hereditary or what exactly? I dont know anything about it and have always wondered

[mikeymedic]

Gixxerjoe04

It depends on the type. Type 2 is typically found due to either overweightness in adults or genetically.

Type 1 or juvenile diabetes more often occurs in the earlier years in life...say before the age of 20. This can be caused by genetics or an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the pancreas thinking that it is a foreign matter. It has not been determined fully yet as to why it happens but the cure is in development and should be here with in a few years.

[SOON 2 B LEO]

Just this morning, I received a call from my doctor telling me that I was diabetic. I was shocked when I heard the news. I am still in disbelief, but I am glad that I have found out early. So now I am in the process of making major life style changes. I was wondering if having diabetes will affect my chances of becoming a police officer? Also, if you are an LEO or know an LEO with diabetes, how does this affect your career and performance? I am sure that this is not the end of life, it could always be worse. Any input I could get from you all would be great. Thank you.

Hey I am type 2 and my wife is a nursing student, for years my levels was off and then she put her foot down:(
Tell you what she did with me,

1. 1000 mg of cinnamon a day
2. B complex
3. multi vitamin
4. two diabete pills

Now before this I would go to the doctor and he had me on all sought of meds and I could not stand it. Now, after I began taking my cinnamon and watching what I eat and how much I eat my levels have been down every since.

As she tells me, dont take the b complex unless you are extermely out of it and must take it.

Also if you have high blood pressure, she placed me on cayanee pepper with a teaspoon of vinger or put it in juice. It taste horrible but it works.

I havn't went to the sheriff or police department yet but I work corrections and I am thinking about switching over.