Becoming an officer as a 40+

[vmwerks]

What do you guys think would be the biggest stumbling block to becoming an officer at the age of 47?

[Roots]

Trouble fitting in with the new (young) recruits..

[biochembruin]

Staying physically healthy and avoiding injury through the academy. We had a couple of recruits who were in there mid 40's in the academy. They seemed to do well, but always had nagging injuries. Some made it, some didn't. The younger recruits got along well with them.

[OldSchool]

I was 41, and the biggest concern for me at the academy was endurance. if you can run all day/night, and are good at mat work, you're golden.

Don't let the PT instructors or young kids get in your head, they're just seeing if you're mentally weak.

Maturity is a desired skill set in our line of work.

Good luck and keep us posted.

-Ray

[five.five-six]

wait, so i could become a cop at 44?

[retired]

wait, so i could become a cop at 44?

There was a guy in my class from Inglewood PD that was 52. True, he had been a reserve for awhile, but he still had to make it thru our academy. He actually failed one of the PT tests given during the academy.

They recycled him to the next class (#181) and he made it. Since that was 1976, I will presume he is retired now.

[biochembruin]

wait, so i could become a cop at 44?

If you have the motivation.

[five.five-six]

yes, i think I would be an asset to any community I was to serve

[Eirerogue]

We had a guy who was out of DEA over 4 years and as part of his reinstatement, he had to complete Basic Agent Training at 50. I was his Class Counselor at Quantico and worried he'd have issues. He kicked *** on the first PT test and never looked back.

Start getting in shape slowly and give yourself some time to stretch and loosen up. Your body isn't the same as it once was and you're more injry prone as others have already reported.

You can do it. Just work it. Good luck!

[TRICKSTER]

Unless your a fitness nut and in excellent shape, your crazy. Trust me, at 47 I was already thinking that I was getting too old for this crap. Fighting 18-20s something year old criminals doesn't get any easier as you get older. I bailed as soon as I hit my 30 years of service, feeling lucky that I didn't have any permanent injuries. It may be your dream right now, but think about the future.

[BigDogatPlay]

Several years ago San Francisco put a 52 year old (IIRC) through their academy. He'd been with the department as a young man, then spent a career in the FBI and still wanted to contribute so he hired back on. I understand it was tough on him, but he was tougher and made it. Nothing is impossible for someone who works hard, prepares and has the will to win.

Above advice is correct... be able to keep up with the kids and don't let them get in your head and it can be done.

[biochembruin]

yes, i think I would be an asset to any community I was to serve

Go for it. No one's stopping you but you. No time like the present.

[Casual_Shooter]

I thought departments had maximum hiring ages? i.e. Border Patrol (I thought) was 35.

I heard it wasn't so much from a physical standpoint, but something about retirement age and years worked.

[five.five-six]

Go for it. No one's stopping you but you. No time like the present.

the job I have been in for the last 16 years is being phased out, if you can read the writing on the walls. Even though I love being an electrician, it's not steady enough work / benefits for my family to rely upon once my other job is gone


I wanted to be LE straight out of high school and have entertained the idea over the years

[Jonathan Doe]

There is a guy at my building approaching 50. He is in background precess now. He is better shape than most young kids. He runs marathon and is a bench press champion. Age is not a factor if you can handle the academy.