Do you agree? 18 year olds able to apply to Depts

[KGauer727]

I live in the Northeast corner of Illinois, right by the border of Wisconsin. There are a few border cities in WI near my town that allow 18 year olds to apply for an Officer position. I am not sure how many people under 21 actually get hired, but...
My question is have you ever seen someone 18, or even 19 get hired by an agency?
I am almost 19 myself and could not picture myself being an officer at this age, or even 3 years from now.
I would think that they have to be closely supervised at all times, mainly because that is a pretty young age to have such authority.

[Kimble]

IMHO, people generally don't mature to the level of being in public safety until they reach their 20's, and mid-20's at the earliest. There's exceptions to that rule, but if I where (to borrow a quote from retdetsgt) King of Police, there would not be 18 yoa's hired as cops. It's too much authority and liability put into the hands of someone still going through the final phases of puberty. Not a good mix (I know I had no business being a cop at 18 :cool.

However, what some department administration decides to do with their department is their prerogative. I'm not a police chief, so I don't make those decisions.

[nikerret]

Personally, I don't have a problem with 18 year olds applying or even getting hired. I think it is foolish on their part. There is a lot of fun that needs to be had and out of the way at that age.

I was hired at 21. Although, I love my job and the work I do, I have noticed that many of my friends my age are out doing things a little vicariously in regards to following the law. Sometimes, I want to go with them or not care so much. I think the benefits of sticking to higher morals and ethics are better than the benefits of going nuts, but sometimes it does suck.

I have also noticed that many of the guys who I work with, aged anywhere from 23 years old (like me) to in their mid 60's, like to have a good time and many of them pull some much crazier stuff (less illegal activities, more live like you were dying). The camaraderie is also tighter than any other group I have been associated with.

I know of one guy who was hired at 18 or 19, I'm not sure which one, and he is a great cop. Trainer in many disciplines and certifications.

There isn't one age that is best. There are so many aspects to LE that it is impossible to know and excel at all of them. There are a bunch of reasons many people cannot be LEO's and even more reasons why there are very few police officers who truly become "cops".

As my boss told me the other day, "I don't usually like kids your age, but you have really surprised me and I have really come to respect you and enjoy working with you." It means a lot to be accepted. Many of the "older" generation thin LEO's should be 25 or older before trying to get into LE; most would like to see 4-20 years of military.

[nikerret]

^That could be the longest response possible after reading the inquiries asked...

[lawduck]

Well I was hitting the streets with a Glock on my hip at 22 years old. It was intimidating and people on the street ask me all the time how old I am. I'm an exception to the rule but I don't believe most 22 year old people are ready to be a cop. It all depends on the person.

[SnapShawt]

I believe that the MINIMUM age requirement for becoming a police officer should be 25 years old. There are exceptions to every rule, true, but that doesn't make the rule any less valid. And I believe that one would be valid. However, whether or not its practicaly is another discussion.

[mcsap]

I believe that the MINIMUM age requirement for becoming a police officer should be 25 years old. There are exceptions to every rule, true, but that doesn't make the rule any less valid. And I believe that one would be valid. However, whether or not its practicaly is another discussion.

+1. There must be a reason that car insurance doesn't drop until you hit 25 !!

[Roger Dat]

I agree with above in MOST circumstances 21 is too young. I got hired at 26 and I think it was a good age.