Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I'm writing because I took the NYPD PO exam around 2 and a half years ago. I got a 92. I was called to do the hiring process 6 months after, but couldn't at the time. So I let it go. Well, I called and was told my test is still good until 2011. I just need to reactive it, which I will do ASAP. I wanted to know if any of the following will prevent me from going through the hiring process?

1. Really bad credit (my reason was that I lost my job, had to support myself and family with my credit accounts, and attended college full time, so couldn't and didn't have the means to repay the debt at the time). I'm in the process of working with my creditors to lower my debt. Would that help me in the hiring process?

2. I was diagnosed with major depression a few years ago. Went to therapy, and took meds. Stopped last year going to therapy and stopped my meds. I am terrific. Never felt better. But I don't have any proof that says I am fine from the psyc doctors. If I go back and get a psych assessment, which concludes I am no longer depressed, would that help me in the NYPD hiring process?

I am very determined. I had a rocky past, but i never been arrested, done drugs, and know that i want to be a NYPD officer. Any advice or suggestions will be really appreciated. Thanks!

Right now you have tow major strikes against you. With your exam expiring next year, your chances are slim to none. You credit will be a no go with the NYPD and the fact the fact you were treated for a mental issue with medication in the last 3 years will be an auto DQ, as you need 3 years since such, and even then you end up on psychological review.

Take the next test, work off the debt, stay out of trouble and that shoudl increase your chances.

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How could there be an auto DQ on taking anti-depressants? that dosnt mean someone cant perfom the duties or handle things mentally. Im my case my dad came down with a serious form of cancer, almost died. i had to stop hanging out with my closest freinds because I did not agree with the things they were doing, so no friends. and i had school and work on top of it. It was a suggestion to "see" a psychologist. I DIDNT EVEN WANT TO GO. I feel like everyone has the power to get through things. I gave it a chance, made conversation, and by the third visit she perscribed me something because i was upset about things. I wasnt crying, i wasnt crazy, i just felt crappy. she said it just might take an edge off of things right now. Im NOW regretting even trying them since if may screw up my career. I took them for a year and hated the fact that i wasnt dealing with stuff on my own. weaned myself off of those things for jus about under a year now. Im naturally calm, levelheaded, GPA of 3.7 etc.

I know they could, but how could they really take this as a DQ?

if you were to say all you said in that post youd be put on psych review...i hope thats not the way you plan on approaching your oral psych. Im all for being honest but your volunteering alot of information here...

your dad came down with a serious cancer so you needed anti-depressants? thats unfortunate and Im sorry to hear that but thats life...and if you need anti depressants for that reason ...trust me when I tell you -- the NYPD and the DOC will both put you on psych review...I promise.

then On top of that you admit to anti-social behavior eg; not hanging out with your closest friends because of other personal problems...then you had to go to "school and work on top of that" -- poor me.

you also during your rant explain that your no longer addicted to psych meds..."i weaned myself off those things"

goodluck...but listen to Joeyd6 the guy knows what hes talking about.

Has anyone here appealed or know someone who has appealed a failed psych?

I am only aware form 2000 to the present. I know of TWO cases now where an appeal was over-turned. One never made it out of the academy and the other has since resigned. The NYPD does not have to change their mind even if a lawyer or psychologist trys to get an appeal. Its about facts. Your MMPI and their evaluation, with a supervisor review measn TWO licensed psychologits in the state have decided you can't handle job. Good luck getting a third to go against them and sign on the line accepting responsibility for you.

Deleted by Joeyd6....see below!

Post deleted because it is spam. Poster is a psychologist who like a few others, preys on rejected canidates to "appeal" the psychological declination. The problem is there is no real formal appeal process and the NYPD has a history of declining any second looks. It s subjective and the head of the psych department has final say and never second gueses his staff. By the way...less than 1% of all appeals result in any action, let alone being overturned. In other words...taking a beaten down kid who lost his dream and charing him a boat load of money and wasting his time for three to four years while the appeal remains the same.

The Chief charges you for advertising in NYC. So does this website.

It is rude quite arrogant to think you can come here and get free advertsing.

It is also frowned upon to take advantage of the weak. It does not take a rocket scientist or psychologist to understand a police department will not give anyone a gun who wants to do the job and never done such with a diagnosis of major depression with medications in the past three years.

If someone fails the psych evaluation the first time is it even possible to pass the second time around?

Yes....but it all depends why you failed on the first, how long since you are back and what has changed. The psych is not just based on a "standard" psych exam, it also incorporates a BI review. You may be psychologically normal but be too immature for the job and fail on those grounds.