Will bad knees prevent me from entering law enforcement?

[jovahutc]

This is something that has been bugging me for some time now. I have bad knees and I'm only 22 years old. About 5 years ago I was running almost everyday outside and I began to develop these problems with my knees and shins. I've tried many different things such and leg strengthening of which I probably should do more of. Nowadays I can't run more than twice a week without feeling this unbearable pain as if my knees about are about to snap when I put pressure on them. I ice my knees after every run and I make sure I give myself enough time to rest and recover. It's just that this pain won't go away.

I'm worried if a future in law enforcement still could exist for me as I don't see this getting any better. Advice is much appreciated.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

This is something that has been bugging me for some time now. I have bad knees and I'm only 22 years old. About 5 years ago I was running almost everyday outside and I began to develop these problems with my knees and shins. I've tried many different things such and leg strengthening of which I probably should do more of. Nowadays I can't run more than twice a week without feeling this unbearable pain as if my knees about are about to snap when I put pressure on them. I ice my knees after every run and I make sure I give myself enough time to rest and recover. It's just that this pain won't go away.

I'm worried if a future in law enforcement still could exist for me as I don't see this getting any better. Advice is much appreciated.

We are not medical professionals. That is why we hire out to a physician for determinations like this. You will have to prove that you are capable of performing the essential functions of the job to our satisfaction, no more and no less. If you can't do that in your condition, then you have your answer.

[Kimble]

I have bad knees myself, and have made it through all the PT tests and daily PT sessions of 4 academies, so I guess it depends on the degree of your issue. I have popping and cracking in my knees, and they get swollen after runs. I run with neoprene braces on my knees, which helps a good bit, and ice them after running to reduce swelling. I've been looked at by an orthopedic specialist, who couldn't find anything structurally wrong with my knees, and going to a chiropractor (a lot of issues in your lower body can be tied into issues stemming from your lower spinal column, which feeds messages down the body) has helped a lot.

I'm living proof you can be a cop without having knees that are 100% (as are a few of my coworkers, all who were hired with these conditions, vice developing them on the job), but as said above, you'll have to be cleared by a medical doctor during the physical examination of the application process, and will have to successfully complete any required PT tests. If you can do all that, you'll have as good a shot as any other applicant. If not, you may want to consider your options, as there's no special waivers for anyone not physically able to meet hiring standards.

Good luck.

[jovahutc]

Thanks kimbie, that's very helpful. I didn't mean to sound as if I was in terrible condition. Just trying to prepare myself to make sure I'm ready for the most part.

[greg72982]

Depending on the department, it make make it harder to get promoted... (think about this one for a minute *drum*)

[Kimble]

Thanks kimbie

Kimble, with an "L."

[retdetsgt]

We're very picky about bad backs and knees. We have a lot of people who come on with good ones that injure them and go off of disability.

If any sort of problem shows up on medical exam or you have to wear any sort of devices to do the physical agility, we won't hire you.

But that's just us.

[tcop733]

All the agencies I've worked for did NOT require a physical agility test.
They do, however, require you to pass a physical by a licensed physician. If you go into that physical barely able to walk "hobbling", or crunched over due to severe back pain, that will probably be bad news.
That being the case; most law enforcement academies require PT workouts, which often times requires jogging/running.
IMO, I believe if you can make it through the academy.......you'll be good to go.

[retdetsgt]

All the agencies I've worked for did NOT require a physical agility test.

Really? The state requires lays down the specifications for it here.

When I came on, it was pretty strenuous. It was all pull ups, sit ups and a fast quarter mile run broken up into 14 sprints. At that time each agency made up their own. They changed ours many times over the years to allow women to pass it until the state standardized it several years ago.

Again, we send people to orthopedists to check on specifically on backs and knees. They do x-rays and if they see any problem or even a potential problem, they fail the applicant. Even at that, we have people going off on permanent disability every so often on either.

[Curt581]

Thanks kimbie

Kimble, with an "L."

ROFL... That's signature line material

[mcsap]

Can you run 1.5 miles in less than 12:15 , the 300 meter run in under 30 seconds and can you run every day like they do in the academy ?

If yes, you at least qualify for the running part in PA. If not...

[greg72982]

Can you run 1.5 miles in less than 12:15 , the 300 meter run in under 30 seconds and can you run every day like they do in the academy ?

If yes, you at least qualify for the running part in PA. If not...

Err mcsap I think you mean 67 seconds (may be like 62 now) on the 300 meter. Even our fastest guy did it in about 42 or so...

[mcsap]

My bad...the hire time is 62 seconds or better , the end of the academy time is 57 seconds for the 300 m run.

The min hire time for the 1.5 mile run is 13:22 , the end of the academy time is 12:18.

[tcop733]

Really? The state requires lays down the specifications for it here.

When I came on, it was pretty strenuous. It was all pull ups, sit ups and a fast quarter mile run broken up into 14 sprints. At that time each agency made up their own. They changed ours many times over the years to allow women to pass it until the state standardized it several years ago.

Again, we send people to orthopedists to check on specifically on backs and knees. They do x-rays and if they see any problem or even a potential problem, they fail the applicant. Even at that, we have people going off on permanent disability every so often on either.

Yes sir. I've worked for three agency's since I began and none of them required a physical agility test, just a physical examination by a licensed physician, clearing you to do law enforcement, plus a psychological exam.
A lot of agencies around here do have physical agility test, but a lot don't.

[greg72982]

Yes sir. I've worked for three agency's since I began and none of them required a physical agility test, just a physical examination by a licensed physician, clearing you to do law enforcement, plus a psychological exam.
A lot of agencies around here do have physical agility test, but a lot don't.

Interesting. Around here, for a full time job (and some part time), you have to pass some sort of physical agility. Some are simple, some are tougher, some are academy standards.