Suggestions on LEO careers for disabled person.

[CashCrop]

I have lost my left leg above the knee due to cancer, but am still determined to pursue a career in Law Enforcement.

I am well on my way to a CJ degree, and would be willing to go to great lengths to become a peace officer.

Any suggestions on a suitable career?

[oscarmitre]

At first glance it's going to be difficult for you. But you seem to have determination and a positive attitude which are both good qualities. I don't have any information to hand immediately and in any case my jurisdiction is probably a long way from yours but good luck with your inquiries and let's hope some positive information comes out of the discussion.

[greenlead]

Maybe you could get an computer crime job? Shouldn't involve too much running or other active stuff.

[Dan]

I don't think it would be impossible. I remember seeing a COPS episode where the officer had a Prosthetic(sp) leg and he got into a foot chase(and caught the guy IIRC). But you would probly be limited to a desk job:(

[corporal716]

I saw an episode of cops with a Deputy Sheriff from Florida who only had one leg. With his modern prosthesis, he could do everything.
If you were to make it though the academy with your prosthesis, I don't think the disability would stop you from getting hired. You might have to put yourself though the academy to prove you can do the job, but in the end it may get you where you want to be.

I know exactly how you feel. I was retired from law enforcement because of an unstable knee. If I try running or hand to hand combat my knee will dislocate, so they told me I can no longer do the job. They say it for my own safety. They can not tell you its for your own safety, because your injury can not be made worse!

GOOD LUCK!!!!! KEEP US POSTED

[CashCrop]

I was thinking of something along the lines of a parole officer or DEA diversion investigator. I too saw the deputy in FL, he had a below knee prosthesis, and therefore much more agility...

I think me being a patrol officer may be out of the question, but I would still like very much to be one. I have family involved in cross-state narcotics interdiction, and they seem to enjoy their work very much.

[metallicat]

What about dispatcher? I don't know where you live, but it seems that there are police departments in the USA that use non-police dispatchers.

[oscarmitre]

Some good ideas coming up - knew there would be

Just a thought. Cops get hurt on the job all the time and some get badly hurt on the job. In selecting an agency it might be an idea to look at how they handle their injured cops for a clue as to the state of their policies. Let me explain. Let's say an agency has a policy of getting rid of an officer who is permanently injured (forget local and national laws on this for the moment) and doesn't put a lot of effort into rehab and career development for that officer. I would suggest that they wouldn't be the best agency to contact. On the other hand there might be an agency which is quite progressive in its policies in that area. They might be a good contact. Just a thought.

[CashCrop]

A Dispatcher would actually be a great place to start as I have inbound and outbound call center exp, as well as doing some HAM radio stuff. Where do I find info on that?

[metallicat]

There are a number of dispatchers on this forum CashCrop...Stump is the first one that comes to mind. She hasn't been here as much as she used to be, but a private message to her might garner some good information. Even contacting your local police department would be a great place to start. I don't have any specific information on that for you, sorry.

[oscarmitre]

I just rang a friend of mine who is an IT and Comms trainer. Try these:

http://www.apco.org

http://www.apco911.org

http://www.apcoinstitute.com <----- specifically for training

Hope this helps :D

[greenlead]

Ham radio can't hurt you (unless you hold the antenna too close while transmitting, and even then.... (sorry, had to say this, come from a family of Hams.)

I know at least one officer who got his start doing dispatch. And they still give him all the good runs.

[corporal716]

Probation might be something to look into.

[mcsap]

Investigator for an insurance company ? Not "LE" but in the general neighborhood. They do ALL kinds of backgrounds, stakeouts checking up on people, etc. More or less like PI work.

[Stump]

Cash -- I was also thinking of dispatcher position for you. I work with 2 men that only have one leg each, and they handle things just fine.
Where are you from? If you are in the US, then chances are, the job will be civil service, and the applications/requirement sheet is at your city/town hall. Otherwise, check your phone book for the ADMINISTRATIVE phone number for 911.
I've been a dispatcher for years, and I absolutely love it (although I've never wanted to be a cop)...
Any help I can give you, please email me at the_stump@hotmail.com .. I don't get to RP as much as I used to.