Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Hey guys, I'm a current criminal justice student and I have cerebral palsy. I do plan to take the NYPD or Suffolk county, NY police test in the future. I'm worried about being able to pass the physical requirement of the test. My specific form of cerebral palsy is called spastic diaplegia, it effects the lower half of my body. I have a mild noticeable limp, even if I pass the physical test, is a doctor going to disqualify me? I was told by a current police officer that my choice as to whether or not to take the test is protected under the Americans with disabilities act. Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

It may be hard for you to pass the physical test, and yes, a doctor could still medically disqualify you from a police officer position.

If you don't qualify, then I'm sure that there are still plenty of other ways you could serve.

Would I be disqualified from every police department? Can i work for a town or smaller department?

Would I be disqualified from every police department? Can i work for a town or smaller department?

I don't know anything about the NYPD, so you MIGHT not be disqualified.

Every department has their own standards for physical and medical requirements.

But my recommendation is to come up with a strong 'plan B' because I think you have a very steep uphill battle at best.

I understand. Its just been difficult to find information, I spoke to one of my professors, who's a current police officer here on long island. He made it sound like a very grey area, I mean ill put the time in and get in shape as long as i'm going to have a fair shot. I just don't want to set my self up for disappointment.

There are never any guarantees.

A department as big as the NYPD has a recruiting division. Call them, explain the situation and ask. They will have a pretty good idea.

And like I said, there's plenty of other places on the team even if you aren't meant to be on the front line...

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not prohibit disqualification based on physical capabilities that demonstrably effect how one will be able to perform the necessary functions of the job. This is particularly important for those jobs which involve the possibility of life and death situations... for you and the officers depending on you.

No reason not to try (especially if you know you are in good enough physical condition to pass the tests) but you MAY be disappointed. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Its always been a grey area in my life, although I have a bit of a limp I'm still capable. For a few years I volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol, I've been certified in search and rescue.

I would suspect that if you can pass the physical agility tests and don't have a speech impediment, you would be okay. I don't know how much that limp would affect your ability to pass any running or climbing tests though. Good luck with it!

Can you run and will you be able to run three miles in about 25 minutes?
Can you ascend/decend climb stairs with speed?
Can you get over a 6' chain link fence.

If you can and walk with a slight limp you will be fine. If you can't, you won't pass.

I think most states have a statewide standard , so if you can't pass a test in this town you will find the same test 100 miles away.

Can you do the 1.5 mile run in under 13 minutes ?
Bench press 106% of your bodyweight ?
Do the 300 Meter run in ( I think) under 30 seconds ?
Do 32 situps in a minute ?

Is there any chance that you will get worse with age ?

Can you stand and walk for long periods of time ?

Can you do the 1.5 mile run in under 13 minutes ?
Bench press 106% of your bodyweight ?
Do the 300 Meter run in ( I think) under 30 seconds ?
Do 32 situps in a minute ?

Is there any chance that you will get worse with age ?

Can you stand and walk for long periods of time ?

Even if he can do that...he may not survive the academy at all if he can't do the PT class which is all call...squats, mountain climbers, running, leg lifts, etc... We did stairs every other day in my academy class...up six flights...down tow halls....down six flights.....up one and back to the gym where your classmates were all laying on their back doing a leg lift till your team got back.

The walk with a limp is nothing Andrew...what really matters if what your phsyical limitations and disabilities actually are.