Question

**stephen.broadus** · 10-16-09 01:09 AM

This is gonna be a what are my chances question. My name is Stephen and I am 22years old. I am married and have one child. I have a high school diploma and 31 college credits. I dont smoke, use drugs and i rarely ever drink. I am currently in college working on a bs in criminal justice(hoping to become a juvenile probation officer or work in forensics). I have no criminal record...not even a misdemeanor. I do have one speeding ticket from earlier this year but that is it. My concern however is that when i was 14 i was diagnosed with essential tremors(shaking in the hands) and was prescribed medication for it. I am 22 now and been off medication for well over a year and have no problems with it. Other than that i am in great shape. I was curious as to what are my chances of becoming a cop? I am set to take the civil service exam on october 31st for the temple, texas police department. thanks in advance.

**Bob Loblaw** · 10-16-09 02:58 AM

I don't work in recruiting (so take what I say with a grain of salt, I guess), but I'd like to think your chances are pretty good, as long as your medical condition is gone.

**Curt581** · 10-16-09 03:03 AM

Originally Posted by stephen.broadus

This is gonna be a what are my chances question.

More of a "what does the crystal ball say?" question.

I'll say your chances are 50/50... either you will, or you won't.

**retdetsgt** · 10-16-09 10:42 AM

You shouldn't have a problem being a juvenile probation officer though.

**phantasm** · 10-16-09 11:05 AM

Depending on agency and position, the moving violation this year could stop some agencies from hiring. I've heard of anything from 18-36 months w/o a summons. Others don't care, as long as you're not suspended, and don't make a habit of it.

**Sgt. Slaughter** · 10-16-09 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by stephen.broadus

My concern however is that when i was 14 i was diagnosed with essential tremors(shaking in the hands) and was prescribed medication for it. I am 22 now and been off medication for well over a year and have no problems with it.

Tremors or seizures are neurological problems. That issue will be a focus of your medical exam. "No problems with it" isn't specific enough. Since you've been off the meds, have you had ANY recurrence whatsoever of the condition? Do you ever feel like the tremors are going to start, but they don't physically manifest themselves?

The meds you've been on for 7 years probably have kept it under wraps, but you (and the agencies that are looking to certify you) have to be absolutely certain that it's under control - whether the tremors are "cured" or controlled by medication. I'm sure I don't need to explain to you why that is.

**Roger Dat** · 10-16-09 11:47 AM

Why are you attempting to become a police officer if you want to be a juvenile probation officer or forensics?

**retdetsgt** · 10-16-09 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by Roger Dat

Why are you attempting to become a police officer if you want to be a juvenile probation officer or forensics?

Shoot for Indian Chief. It has a better retirement program.

**Cat_Doc** · 10-16-09 12:32 PM

You look good regarding character background.

Now it's time for you to find an "Ask a Physican" website.

**stephen.broadus** · 10-16-09 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by Sgt. Slaughter

Tremors or seizures are neurological problems. That issue will be a focus of your medical exam. "No problems with it" isn't specific enough. Since you've been off the meds, have you had ANY recurrence whatsoever of the condition? Do you ever feel like the tremors are going to start, but they don't physically manifest themselves?

The meds you've been on for 7 years probably have kept it under wraps, but you (and the agencies that are looking to certify you) have to be absolutely certain that it's under control - whether the tremors are "cured" or controlled by medication. I'm sure I don't need to explain to you why that is.

I understand what you are saying. Typically does being on a medication dq you from most depts? All of the depts here mention nothing of that as a dq.

**CityOfChicago** · 10-16-09 01:43 PM

What does your doctor say? Does he give you a 'clean bill of health' upon a physical? Is/will the condition be aggrevated by head trauma? Is the condition under full control?

These are the quetions I would have. PD's hire people with asthma, a pre-existing medical condition which effects performance, can be brought on by exertion, and requires medication to control. As long as your condition is FULLY controlled by medication I can't see it being a DQ for every dept - perhaps just some.

**Sgt. Slaughter** · 10-16-09 01:47 PM

Not medication by itself. It's the underlying issue that the medication is trying to fix that's the issue.

Contact the department you're testing for or TCLEOSE and locate a physician that's okay'd by them. Set up an appointment and you'll have your answer.

**stephen.broadus** · 10-16-09 02:12 PM

Thanks everyone for being so helpful. Honestly police officer would be my first career of choice which is why I am looking in to it. I just want a back up plan as well.I currently do not have a physician because I have no insurance but I am sure I can arrange to see one.

**stephen.broadus** · 10-19-09 12:53 PM

Well I talked to the killeen police department and the sgt of recruiting told me I would be a great candidate and they will be taking applications in march or april. So this is great news

**Sgt. Slaughter** · 10-19-09 12:57 PM

Before you get TOO excited, remember the job of a a recruiter is to tell all the good things about a job and get people to apply.

What specifically did he say about your condition?

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