Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I've made application to FWC, done the CJBAT, etc. and I've received my invitation to attend the weekend physical fitness test and psych screening in June 08.

Medical requirements specify that vision must be corrected to 20/20 in each eye. I've had an issue in one eye that only allows it to be corrected to 20/40. Its a stable condition, been that way for 20 years. I'm a certified pilot with class 2 medical, I'm also a USCG certified captain so clearly my vision or lack thereof in one eye doesn't effect my ability to function when flying a plane or driving a boat.

So now to the question: does anyone know if FWC has any provisions for waivers to this 20/20 requirement? I contacted FWC headquarters and basically talked to a lower level employee who clearly was not in any position of authority. He just read from the manual which said all applicants must meet the vision requirement.

I'm really interested in a position with FWC but I don't want to waste my time and theirs by driving from one end of the state to the other only to be told that I wouldn't qualify based on that issue.

Alternately, does anyone know who I might speak with in FWC who would be able to answer this question?

Thanks in advance for your help.

How do you have a second class medical when the standards for a second class medical are 20/20 distant vision in each eye?

As to your question, the only person who could answer it for you would be someone in a command level position with Personnel at FWC. Most likely they will tell you that the standards are set by the state (medical standards are the same for all state agencies--FHP, DOT, FWC, etc.) and that they cannot be waved. In fact, I'm not aware of any agency that will give waivers for their medical standards.

I received an FAA class II medical based on a demonstrated ability waiver - basically I demonstrated that I could fly a plane at a level expected of a holder of a Class II medical.

I contacted FWC Headquarters and asked the question and only got a pat answer: "The standards specify...." Clearly I wasn't speaking with someone in authority, only someone comfortable with quoting the standards.

So I carry on. Having passed the physical fitness evaluation and going on to Havana for the interview.

By the way, vision requirements do differ among different agencies. FHP specifies: "Applicants must have minimum correctable vision of 20/30, with normal color distinguishing capabilities and 140-degree field of vision. Any visual disability, which prevents the performance of essential functions of an applicant, for which no reasonable accommodation is possible, shall disqualify the applicant." This is a much more lenient standard than FWC.