A new career in law enforcement

[Down7Up8]

My wife is telling me that I'm probably too old and not likely to be seriously considered as a police recruit but I'd like to try if I have a shot. Given the experience offered in these forums would I have a shot being selected if I performed as well as most of my competition?

My situation is:

Lawyer since 1992, with experience in over 3000 criminal cases as a defense lawyer (please don't bash the lawyer here). Highly dissatisfied with my current career and have been so for many years.
52 years old in March.
Able to do the 1.5 mile run in 12:30 (and will work to improve), can currently do 50 consecutive pushups, 5 consecutive pullups, bench my body weight for 8 reps and somewhat run the 500 yard dash in sub 90 seconds (I'm a big guy).
Military service 3 year enlistment (Army 11B) 1975-78 with an honorable discharge.
good medical health otherwise, eyes still 20/20 and hearing is good (although I sometimes have difficulty hearing my wife's voice).

So, at 52 I'd like to take a new road in life and become a police officer. In the context of my situation would a recruiter give me a second look? Secondly, if I'm in good physical shape do you think a 50ish officer is able to perform physically to the degree that his fellow officers expect and can count on?
Finally, I noted that many departments in California do not have maximum age limits for officers. Is there any departments in California that appear more open or place a greater value on recruits with abundant life experience?

[jcioccke]

Don't let anyone tell you that your too old. Hell brother you have my 1.5 beat by .20 seconds. I am 37 and a big guy as well.

Go for it!!!!!

[GoldBadge]

(please don't bash the lawyer here)

A man phones a lawyer and asks, "How much would you charge for just answering three simple questions?"

The lawyer replies, "A thousand dollars."

"A thousand dollars!" exclaims the man. "That's very expensive isn't it?"

"It certainly is," says the lawyer. "Now, what's your third question?"

Sorry, I couldn't resist. :)

I don't know about Cali, but in Texas there are tons of depts that don't care how old you are. You sound like you're in good shape and probably intelligent, despite your occupation - so go for it!

[just joe]

Some states won't hire after 35 or so (I think it has to do with their retirement system, but I'm not sure), but most don't have any age restrictions. We're looking at hiring a guy who is about your age. Your maturity and courtroom experience should be an asset just about anywhere.

[jcioccke]

Some states won't hire after 35 or so (I think it has to do with their retirement system, but I'm not sure),

Yup NY is that way.

VT had a Gentleman who went through the Academy at 51 years old. He (from what I hear) was top of the class.

[StudChris]

It's not about age my friend, all about mind and attitude. Your physical presence doesn't hurt either. You'll catch some flack for being a defense attorney, but so does everyone else.

Here's a question though. Are you dissatisfied with being a lawyer in general, or dissatisfied with being a defense attorney? If it's the latter, State Attorney Offices would kill to take in an attorney with your experience since most of their new guys come in straight from school, and my guess is you would start near the top of the pay scale too so it wouldn't be as much of a hit in the pocket book (although I can only assume you were smart and have plenty of that money from 17 years of experience in savings, or at least have few bills).

If being a LEO is truly what you want, you will have little problem.

[Investigator 26]

You can work in Arizona.

[SHU]

You can work in CA as well. You are in much better shape than a lot of the recruits coming on the job today. I'd say go for it if I was you. You have got a lot of life left in you partner. Spend it doing something you want to do. Your knowledge of the law will be a HUGE asset in the job. But the 65k question is are you willing to be treated like crap for a few years by people young enough to be your kids. Those 25 and 35 year olds are going to be your bosses. Can you take the mental crap because it sounds like physically you can pull it off. That is what you have to ask yourself. Can you swallow a sheet sandwich on a regular basis with a smile for a couple of years? Good luck with you and your families decision. And make damn sure the family is cool with all the BS that comes with the job like working christmas, thanksgiving and your wife's birthday on a regular basis for a while. Your age is but only one thing to consider. Its the whole package you and the family need to be prepared for. Good luck with whatever you decide. Send me a PM if you ever have any questions. I may or may not be able to offer you some good advice. :)

[Down7Up8]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice and even the lawyer joke (if you got someone who will pay 1k for 3 questions--send him my way GoldBadge! By the way --GoldBadge, do you know what we call 10,000 lawyer at the bottom of the ocean?).

StudChris: I'm dissatisfied with the practice of law and although the other side of the aisle may be more rewarding, I would like to be physically active and interacting with the public outside of courtrooms and offices. Additionally, I want to be part of a team where friendships are built and people rely on me.

SHU--I believe I can take the BS (roll with quite a bit only a daily basis and I believe I'll weather it ok, but time always tells). My wife supports my decision although I don't think she believes that I'll get to an academy-but I'm going to give it my best shot. I hope to be out in the bay area next year in the spring.

Thanks for the advice and the encouragement.

[DCH]

I'd go federal LE; FBI, USMS, DEA, ATF, etc...

Go for it Gramps! haha jk.

[GoldBadge]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice and even the lawyer joke (if you got someone who will pay 1k for 3 questions--send him my way GoldBadge!

Well that's my fee. What's YOUR next question? ;)

By the way --GoldBadge, do you know what we call 10,000 lawyer at the bottom of the ocean?).

A good start.

Cash or credit card? :p

[GoldBadge]

I'd go federal LE; FBI, USMS, DEA, ATF, etc...

Not at 52 he can't. The only FLE position he would qualify for (age-wise) is a non 6(c) position, which is something I don't think he's looking for.

[EldoEsq]

I too, am a criminal defense attorney who is dissatisfied! I only have 6 years as a lawyer, but I am happy that I came to the realization that the law is not for me. While I am a little younger (35), I have noticed MANY attorneys feel the same way. As a sole practitioner, it is daunting that I could NEVER retire.

I am starting my new career as a New York City Probation Officer in 2 weeks. This is a position that you might consider. In NY, it is a peace officer position with 24hr carry and no age requirement. The job seems very interesting to me as I get to deal with criminal deviants, but they are already caught! Alot less running and chasing!

I know many probation departments are not enforcement oriented, so research the individual department. I wish you the best in all of your endeavors!

[GoldBadge]

The job seems very interesting to me as I get to deal with criminal deviants

Now you call those deviants "clients." :D

[shan25]

During my academy, and I'm from TN, we had 5 or 6 guys in their 40s and the oldest was 49, who held a PhD. Most of the class was in their 30s actually. I'm pretty sure we do not have a age limit, as long as you pass the physical fitness test, physical and other requirements, everyone is equal.

[jb5722]

absolutely go for it, your probably i nbetter shape than a good 30% of the guys out there.

[manstown]

Now you call those deviants "clients." :D


I've heard defense attorney's call their clients much worse. But you took the words right out of my mouth.

[Down7Up8]

[QUOTE=EldoEsq;2079545]I too, am a criminal defense attorney who is dissatisfied! I only have 6 years as a lawyer, but I am happy that I came to the realization that the law is not for me. While I am a little younger (35), I have noticed MANY attorneys feel the same way. As a sole practitioner, it is daunting that I could NEVER retire. I am starting my new career as a New York City Probation Officer in 2 weeks.

EldoEsq, good luck with the career and I'm basically on the same page but a slower learner. I've wrestled with this decision for about 5 years and I'm sure a LEO is the best career opportunity for me. I wish I had arrived at this decision when I was 35 like you.

I really want to be a patrol officer for a metro. police department and see if I can work my way to the detective ranks over time. Best wishes Eldo.

[Down7Up8]

Goldbadge, yeah their clients whether I'm appointed to them or whether Grandma pays me or worse. Not happy about it for many of them, but...it comes with the job.

A good start is correct sir.

[Down7Up8]

During my academy, and I'm from TN, we had 5 or 6 guys in their 40s and the oldest was 49, who held a PhD. Most of the class was in their 30s actually. I'm pretty sure we do not have a age limit, as long as you pass the physical fitness test, physical and other requirements, everyone is equal.

Shan25: thanks for the encouragement. Is your dept hiring?

[Down7Up8]

jb5722: can you estimate where the 80th percentile candidate would be for the physical fitness performance test? (test, 1.5 mile run and 500 yard dash as well as pushups, etc. Also as far as strength training goes?)

absolutely go for it, your probably i nbetter shape than a good 30% of the guys out there.