Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I have wanted to be a cop since I was a kid, and spent 4 years as a LE Explorer, training and riding-along with my deprtment nearly every weekend. I think I'd make a great cop, because I'm tough, but also compassionate. I'm a problem-solver, fast-thinker and good with words. I love law enforcement, and think everyday about why I haven't applied with a department.

The reason that holds me back the most is that I'm concerned I'm too out-of-shape and will get denied an opportunity to try. I'm overweight, but isn't the majority of Americans nowadays? I am tough and I'm strong- my trainer is even surprised and how capable I am. I'm not a small girl, but I hold my own quite well. But, is this enough?

So, I need a little advice and motivation... I know that good diet and exercise are important, which I'm working on. But can anybody recommend anything else? Are departments willing to cut a little slack on those ore-employment requirements, like BMI or weight/height ratios, to see what improvement you can make while in the academy? I know I will make a great cop and I know I could meet the physical requirements eventually... I just want to find a way to get my foot in the door now, while I'm still young and it's easier.

PA has a statewide physical agility standard. When applying , you must pass each of the tests, PERIOD. NO almosts or excuses. If you are as good as you claim to be , you will continue that line of thinking by being fully prepared for the physical agility tests. If you fail one of the four tests by so much as one situp , you are finished.

And by the end of our academy, you have to meet and pass an even tougher standard. If you can't pass the entrance physical agility , then you really didn't want the job.

I don't think too many departments use height/weight ratios and BMI numbers anymore. If that was the case I wouldn't have been hired. In CT we have standards, if you pass you pass, if you fail you fail, no matter how short or tall you are. I suggest you do some research and find out the standards for the departments you're interested in and get yourself there. And just because "everybody else in America is overweight" doesn't give you the excuse to be. If your friends jumped off a bridge.....