Disabilities and a career in law enforcement?

[AZTechie]

I have been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, an extremely high-functioning case of autism, and am currently on medications for it. Those medications are nothing heavy, just generics of Tenex, Risperdal and Prozac. Without any medications, I could probably never be determined "mentally sound." In addition, I have not been officially diagnosed with it, but I show "symptoms" of PTSD from incidents at a boarding school I attended in 2006.

I am not in the armed forces and have never seen combat anywhere. Is this different from typical PTSD that PDs look out for, and could it disqualify me from a career in law enforcement even if I seek help for it (with or without medications)?

Please note I won't finish my degree until 2013, and then I plan on putting in some time with the Phoenix Police before moving on to the FBI. Will any of these plans still be possible with my Asperger's Syndrome and possible PTSD, or should I pursue a different career than one in criminal justice?

[G35 Mass]

I wish you luck, but I think you're likely to get hung up at the psych test.

[Citicop]

If you have to take medications in order to be considered "mentally sound" you will likely not be eligible for a sworn position in Law Enforcement.

There are probably many support roles which you could fill, though.

-Citicop

[mcsap]

I cant begin to imagine a successful applicant that is medication dependant to maintain a state of mental soundness. We have the legal ability to take a human life and we cannot have any known dependancies that could effect that decision making process.

[retdetsgt]

Problem is, any department is gambling that you will continue your meds long after you're hired. Although you probably have no intention of doing so, people have been known many times to decide to quit taking their medications for whatever reason. The liability would be too great for something they have no control over.

As stated though, there are support roles that you would be eligible for.

[AZTechie]

Thanks, guys. Talk about discouraging...

On a related note, what is the "official" definition in LE for compos mentis versus non compos mentis (preferably in plain english with examples, and more than whether or not one is mentally sound/ill)? I don't go insane without medications, but I do have some ADD traits that would kick in. Plus, as weird as it sounds, I can't choose not to take my pills, I know they help me and I take them like second nature.

EDIT: What kind of support roles are there? I am looking to get into computer forensics, is that one of them?

[G35 Mass]

Unless you're planning on working in the private sector, I'd rule out Computer Forensics too. All of those who I know who do it in a law enforcement capacity are or were police officers. That is a specialized investigative job.

If you want to be involved in LE, check into dispatch work. It's very satisfying and a very important job.

[mcsap]

The use of non-sworn investigators is EXTREMELY limited. We don't use them at all. I know that the State Police Crime Lab uses non-sworn people as lab techs but they do not go out to crime scenes like on TV.

[retdetsgt]

The use of non-sworn investigators is EXTREMELY limited. We don't use them at all. I know that the State Police Crime Lab uses non-sworn people as lab techs but they do not go out to crime scenes like on TV.

Same in Oregon, sort of. State crime lab techs have state police rank, etc., but they are limited to the crime lab. They have to have degrees in either chemistry or biology. They have respond to some specific crime scenes, but not many. The only one I had them come to was to get tire impressions off of a truck used in a homicide.

[AZTechie]

Thank you all again for your insight. Does anyone know the specific situation in Arizona (specifically Phoenix or Scottsdale)?

[retdetsgt]

I would suggest checking the various agency web sites in the area and see what they're hiring and what the minimum requirements are. If they are hiring, they will list what's available, etc.

[L-1]

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I have no information regarding Arizona's standards. However, I can point you to what California has. In reality, psychological standards are fairly universal from state to state. The idea that a disqualifying mental or emotional issue in one state would be perfectly acceptable in another is hard sell.

Take a look at http://lib.post.ca.gov/publications/...quirements.pdf This is California's screening procedure.

Next take a look at http://lib.post.ca.gov/Publications/...cal-traits.pdf These are the specific personal dimensions California tests for.

Best of luck.

[AZTechie]

Are my chances any better if I forget about joining the Police/FBI and instead apply to the NSA with a degree in Information Assurance?