Physical deformity

[phvex]

Hey everyone, i, much like alot of other people on this board have always wanted to be a police officer, but i always just thought that i couldnt be an LEO because i had scoliosis. Scoliosis for those who don't know is "Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine." Basically it means i have a slight hunch in my back. Because of this i also have a kidney in my abdoman area (for some reason, that is just a side effect of the curve in my spine). I also have flat feet. Now, given this information, after i finish college, can i pass the physical exam to be an LEO?

oh yeah, a little side note, a few months ago i got a speeding ticket doing 62 in a 40. now about that, will it affect my becomming an LEO in the future and any cops have any tips on how to get out of it?

[mcsap]

A lone speeding ticket is a very minor ding on your background.

Your condition may be otherwise. The biggest hurdle you have in my opinion is do you have any limitations due to your condition AND will a MD sign off saying you are completely fit to perform LEO duties ?

The condition you describe is not likley going to be specifically mentioned in an application. If I saw your app with this info on it , my immediate question would be the two questions that I listed above.

1. Do you have ANY limitations ?

2. Will a doctor sign off in a letter daying you are 100% able to perform LEO duties?

As a matter of fact, you may want to get such a letter to include with an application which will smooth out the process greatly.

[JD45]

Great post by mscap. I wouldn't worry about the speeding ticket.

The main question is will you be able to perform all the duties that we have to? Jumping, running, dragging etc?

[phvex]

well sirs, i can say that right now i am skinny, and with a little conditioning i will be able to do all of the things you do. I have a back doctor who i think will be more than willing to sign a letter saying that im 100% a-ok to perform the tasks you guys perform. i thank you for your help, this whole thing was a grey area for me. but since i have that answered, you have any tips on how to handle a speeding ticket? my court date is in november and im a little scared (i have limited funds and i dont want my car insurance to sky rocket)

[mcsap]

Every state is different. Some have traffic schools you can go to, some allow it to be pled down as long as you weren't in a school zone etc, some allow the fine to stand but will shave off points. It all depends on your state.

If you have any time on your hands, go to traffic court for an hour or two. Speeding is the most contested ( and written) of offenses. Go watch and learn what happens and how things work in your area/state.

List your state and perhaps someone here can give you a better answer than my generalizations.

[phvex]

Well my state is New York and the town where i got the ticket is Chester

[mcsap]

The difference between states is night and day so I can't give you any sound advice from PA. Someone else may drop by and post who has some NY knowledge. You could also check the NY DMV website and look for info on traffic schools, non-point adjudications etc.

[Drew27k9]

Excellent replies by Mcsap..

[GoDirectly2Jail]

...you have any tips on how to handle a speeding ticket? my court date is in november and im a little scared (i have limited funds and i dont want my car insurance to sky rocket)

Don't be scared. Nobody is out to get you, or treat you any different than the many others who also were ticketed. Treat court as a learning experience, and be honest with the Judge. Consider that integrity is important to the law enforcement community. If you sped, you should take your lumps and move on. One ticket on an otherwise clean driving record shouldn't balloon your ins. payments.

If you are sucessful in becoming a LEO, trust me you will be in court MANY MANY MANY more times. (just on the other side) ;)

Best of luck.

[phvex]

guys, thank you very much. you rock. i appreciate all the great answers =)