A Question for LEO'S?

[R8DRFAN]

I really want to pursue a career in law enforcement!! The problem is, I'm a 38 year old guy who's has a red/green color vision impairment.. What do you think my chances are? Also can you be color blind and become a Police Officer? Thanks LEO's for all that you do out there!!

[yzErnie]

Hmmmm, I don't know. My wife worked backgrounds for a couple years about 3 years ago and when she wakes up to go to work tonight I'll ask her.

[R8DRFAN]

Yeah, let me know what she says..

[code33]

I'm assuming you can't pass the Ishihara test.
Can you pass the D-15 dichotomous test?

[BigDogatPlay]

I saw guys dropped from the process for color vision deficiencies a couple of times, don't know what types specifically or severity, but do not be discouraged. A solid candidate at the right agency at the right time still opens a lot of doors.

[R8DRFAN]

I've never heard of a D-15 dichotomous test? How is it different?

[R8DRFAN]

I know CHP and Fed Govt agencies won't hire. But what about City or County Departments?

[yzErnie]

Ok, she doesn't remember the exact formula but there is a way to determine the amount of color blindness. If you fall below a certain level or percentage on that formula then you are ok. She does not think that info is on the POST website.

[R8DRFAN]

Ok, she doesn't remember the exact formula but there is a way to determine the amount of color blindness. If you fall below a certain level or percentage on that formula then you are ok. She does not think that info is on the POST website.

Thanks for checking!! I'll try to find out more on that.

[code33]

In the D-15 test, you arrange colors in a row. The examiner mixes them up and you have to put them in order. It is suppose to be done under specific lighting conditions.

https://www.good-lite.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=374

I have two friends that are color deficient and cannot pass the PIP (Ishihara) test. Both made it into different municipal agencies after passing the D-15 test.

POST says that the PIP test has to be done.

http://www.post.ca.gov/medical-screening-manual.aspx

CHP uses the D-15 test.

http://www.chp.ca.gov/recruiting/oqualifications.html

[IrishJoe3]

I'm assuming you can't pass the Ishihara test.
Can you pass the D-15 dichotomous test?

You might want to see an eye doctor to see how much of a color deficiency you have. I can't pass the Ishihara test to save my life, but had no issues passing the D-15, and I am a full time LEO.

Never been an issue, though sometimes its hard to tell if the traffic light is green or red..... (I kid I kid... )

[aquaelvis]

I went through the academy at 37 so age isn't a problem. (too old for chp though)
Finding an agency that is hiring sounds like the hardest thing you'll face. (Kern County SO is picking people up)

[tylerderdan]

I think the biggest obstacle to get past will be that you are a Raiders fan. Good luck!

[TrailerparkTrash]

I too have the same problem with those Ishi-HONG KONG plates!!!!! It's so damn frustrating!!!!

Because I'm also a pilot and LEO, I took the advice that's given to many aviators. That is, go to your own eye specialist (you may have to really search around) and find one that will administer a different test as others have suggested.

If possible, find an optometrist or ophthalmologist who uses the Dvorine or AOC test plates. People with color vision deficiencies usually find these easier to pass than the Ishihara plates.

The FAA gives a list of other acceptable tests. I took that list and found that the Dvorine test plates seemed easier than the Ishihara ones. Even though they look virtually the same (i.e. colored bubbles with numbers in them).

The Dvorine 2nd edition plates were a total of 15 and I only missed two. 7 or 9 is considered failing, I don't remember off the top of my head. With the Ishihara ones, I missed more.

Once you pass, ask your Doctor to write a letter "To Whom it may concern" indicating your results and their professional opinion of wether or not you passed. Take that letter and then submit it to the doctor that matters when you apply for an LEO job. Most agencies nationwide allow some type of appeal process of aquiring one's one medical specialist to counter what the City/County doctor said relating to his findings about you.

[R8DRFAN]

You might want to see an eye doctor to see how much of a color deficiency you have. I can't pass the Ishihara test to save my life, but had no issues passing the D-15, and I am a full time LEO.

Never been an issue, though sometimes its hard to tell if the traffic light is green or red..... (I kid I kid... )

I take the Ishihara test every 2 yrs for my class A CDL medical cert.. Have never passed it yet!! lol.