Questions about health issues and becoming a police officer

[howardhugh]

I have some questions about what health issues will keep someone from becoming a police officer. For instance, I have had what doctors think were TIAs or mini-strokes in the past, but there is no current damage. Is medical history a disqualifying factor? What about psychologically, is a history of depression considered a disqualifying factor?

If anybody has the answer or even an educated guess, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

[md123]

Educated guess: yes, it probably matters. As part of the hiring process most departments carefully review your medical history. I do not know if TIA's are specifically a disqualifying factor, but imagine it would be reviewed. I think there is more info about depression in the Background Checks/Hiring process forum. Look there. I will tell you that a psychological evaluation is common place, and so is the release of your mental health records.

[coucousis]

Yes it is....

I mean any police dept will invest in a good healty candidate. I doubt very much they would take a chance with someone that is already showing medical problems.

And .... Of course history of depression is taken into consideration.... We are giving you a weapon.... don't you think that it would matter if you have an historic of being depressive... ???

I don't mean to be harsh and I'm sure it can happen to anyone.... but it will be taken down in consideration prior to hiring you.... I don't think any dept would take a chance unless they are convinced that it would not affect your job. You would compete against kids that won't have such a background. Can you sell your product to a recruiting officer???? It's up to you to figure it out...