how old is too old?

[halon101]

i have been considering LE as a career since i was 16. at 21 i ETSed from the Army and started looking into it. then i fell into something completely different.

i am currently 31 . and have been considering it still. the only down side i see is i am not sure if i want to take the paycut.

i just thought i would ask how old is too old anyways.

[TASK, LLC]

I don't think there is a "too old."

Every age group has challenges. Being young you may not have enough life experience or have developed patience.

Being older you may not be as ready to take on the physical challenges.

But I have worked with recruits who were young and couldn't complete the physical requirements. I have worked with older recruits who were lacking in life experience.

It really comes down to the individual. Young or old, it is the individual which matters. There are no generalizations.

[Baconator]

You're still young.

Sent from Obama's Mind

[<IXOYE><]

I had a guy in my academy who was well into his 40's. Go for it. Good Luck.

[halon101]

wow, 40's . i wasnt sure if there was an age cutoff like there is for Army recruits.

thanks Task- I will have to prepare a little on the physical side. I would like to think the 10 years in the civillian workforce has taught me alot.

[Ron-Solo]

It all depends on your physical condition and mental attitude.

[9mmepiphany]

I don't think there is a too old either. One of my last trainees was a nice guy in his mid-40s.

He had been a successful electrician with his own company working institutional (government) contracts, but he'd always wanted to be a cop. So he talked to his wife about it and sold his business; paid off the house (1.5 mil) and 3 cars, put aside 5 years salary and went for it. He was in great shape...he said it was from riding water craft and water skiing...but I thought he was a bit paranoid.

He said he was having the time of his life

[BoJackUSMC]

You are still young... go for it.

[Baconator]

Some places do have age restrictions, CHP is 35. But I know some sheriff's departments don't.

Sent from Obama's Mind

[Spoilerv2]

One of my best partners was in late 40's when he went through the academy. He is a retired a Master Airborne Jump instructor.

[Petro6golf]

We have a guy who just got hired with us whos in his mid 50's. It all depends on age and quality of the applicant. Go for it and prepare to be amazed.

[Armed24-7]

It all depends on your physical condition and mental attitude.

^^^ THIS^^^

You may want to consider what kind of retirement you will have as well. Starting out at 31 is a little late, but then you have military time behind you as well. I work for LASD, but I have no military experience. So, I am not sure how military time comes into play regarding your retirement.

Ron might be able to answer that.

[1-M-42]

I was twenty when I entered the academy 33 or so years ago. There were two guys in my class, both mid-forties. They were WAY MORE prepared for the job then I was....plus one guy beat me in PT...

[9mmepiphany]

There be also be departments where you don't qualify for the Safety Retirement rate if you start later in life

[Beagle]

For Fed LEO it's 37 and 40 (depends on agencies). But there is an age waiver for military.

Personally I won't switch in your current position unless you hate it. To work overtime and still have to take a pay cut isn't worth it.

But there are some LEO positions that "mostly" work 9-5.

If that's your passion then go for it.