View Full Version : Can I become a police officer?
Mike88
03-12-2007, 09:18 PM
Okay heres the deal. I'm 19 and I want to get in the force. I've had depression after a death in the family and went to therapy and got put on a low dose of anti depressants. So what I'm wondering is if I get off of the medication should I have any trouble getting hired on? Also do you need a criminal justice degree to get hired in most places?
MountainCop
03-12-2007, 10:08 PM
In my humble opinion:
You shouldn't have a problem. Let's look at it this way: You underwent a traumatic event, recognized that something was wrong, and sought help. I don't see a down side here... in fact, I think it speaks highly of your character.
And yes, drop the meds when you can. They do affect your thought processes. Not a good thing when you're a cop.
No, you don't need a CJ degree. Some departments do want an associates (2 years) degree. My personal suggestion would be to get some college under your belt, then apply when you're 21. The college degree doesn't have a down side.
Good luck!
its really a question for your MD. if you ask about it, and use your Dr. as a reference he can state to your BI that you asked about it, and can offer a real strong defense against that part of your life
ask80
03-12-2007, 11:49 PM
yes having a AA is good. having a bachelors or higher is better. it can't hurt you. and try something other than CJ.
and try not to be dependent on the meds. depression after a death is normal. but you'll have to talk to the psych eventually in the process and explain everything. remember there's a lot of stress on the job, it could strain relationships, and you'll see a lot of unpleasant stuff...
Mike88
03-14-2007, 12:34 AM
its really a question for your MD. if you ask about it, and use your Dr. as a reference he can state to your BI that you asked about it, and can offer a real strong defense against that part of your life
ok i had to switch doctors a few times due to insurance plan changes but that shouldn't be a problem right? If I get off the meds and my doctor says i'm good then I should be good to get in. I'd hate to get the academy done with and not be able to be hired.
what agency are you looking at? PD or SD? from my understanding you should get a conditional hire agreement based on you completeing the academy. I have heard of peoiple paying for their own way through the academy, but then you have to worry about not getting hired right away. I would contact the agency you want to work for and ask about their procedures for employment.
in response to your question about your switching Dr's. That won't be a problem. Your file says it all. They will most likely evaluate you during the oral psych evaluation and confer with your primary psychologist.
yessemi
03-14-2007, 01:06 AM
In my humble opinion:
You shouldn't have a problem. Let's look at it this way: You underwent a traumatic event, recognized that something was wrong, and sought help. I don't see a down side here... in fact, I think it speaks highly of your character.
And yes, drop the meds when you can. They do affect your thought processes. Not a good thing when you're a cop.
No, you don't need a CJ degree. Some departments do want an associates (2 years) degree. My personal suggestion would be to get some college under your belt, then apply when you're 21. The college degree doesn't have a down side.
Good luck!
Well said!
MountainCop
03-14-2007, 06:37 PM
Well said!
Thank you :D
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