Old Rookie

[Leko51]

What age is too old to begin a career in LE?

[ 12-02-2001: Message edited by: DWS ]

[kiser401]

IMHO, it’s more dependant on your ability than a set age, as long as you meet State, Departmental, and School standards. We had a guy who was 49 and almost smoked everyone in his class (came in 2nd or 3rd overall) in PT. He's ex-Air Force, and a PT nut. He was a decent cop, and also a great shot-took out a guy that shot a deputy at a “fur piece” with his SIG.

One of my partners was 43 and got laid off from his job as a plant manager of a leather furniture plant, and thought about it the whole day before going home and telling his wife. He decided to pursue his childhood dream of being a cop. His wife asked, “Well what are you going to do?” He said, “I’m going to become a police officer.” She said, “Jim-be serious! Now, really, what are you going to do?”

He made it through, and worked about a year on the reserves, and took a FT job in 1991. I was senior to him, and he knew nothing about the job (by his own admission) but people would always go to him at calls, I’m sure because of his age. I tried to impart as much knowledge as possible, and today he is a Lieutenant, and my guess is he will be the next Major there. Also, he can retire in two years if he wants with a full check.

[ozymandias]

I know of a 74 yr old police recruit in Philadelphia, PA. He has extensive prior LE experience (PO, FBI, suburban Chief). Didn't want to stay retired so he came back. He'll graduate soon and become a patrol officer. Age descrimination laws supported his right to do so.

The above is presented as a fact, not as an answer to the question.

There seem to be a lot of older recruits around these days. Most in the 35-50 range. By the time they're comfortable in their uniforms they look like veterans and prefer to be seen as such. That can be problematic.

Recruiting capable recruits should be a top priority in any LE organization. Given the nature of the job, an age based disqualifier seems reasonable. I'm not sure what that maximum age should be, but 40 sounds about right to me.

[maybe]

40 is just alittle hard I think because alot of people retire out of the military at 38-40 I would put it about 45-50 as a cut off.

[DMS 525]

74? "Here's your duty belt, your uniforms, your gun, your cane and your Geritol!"

Oops; better watch it. My father-in-law is 73, and I still would not want him P.O.'d at me! :D

Pretty much the only agencies I've seen with age limits for recruits were the Federal agencies.

I've know quite a few who didn't even get started until they were in their 40's. Age isn't as important as ability.

I've shown a few smart alecks that this old mule can still pack a kick!

[KIDCOP]

I didn't go full time L/E until I retired from the Navy at the ripe age of 41. It hasn't slowed me down any yet. I think command presence goes a very long ways. Best

[Mitzi]

Prescence DOES have a lot to do with life in general. My husband is a big man, 6'5, 260lbs. He's a very nice man but his prescence can be intimidating. He walks into a room and people take notice. A lot of people seek him out, wanting to talk to him and they value his views on things. Me? At 5'2, I just get trompled on.
My husband is also a no-nonsense man. He would have made a good cop, I think. He thinks not because he does not suffer fools easily. He said he'd probably shoot the first drunk driver that killed someone.

[Kingseye]

I think a little age gives you some benefits for the job...a little maturity goes a long way. I know that I sure think differently now compared to when I was 21 (I'll be 31 in Feb, and am just now returning to finish my degree)