Am I too old?

[AaronL]

Hey guys,

I just filled out my PHQ for San Jose PD the other night.

I'm 42, have a BS degree, military service, same employer for the last 10 years, 15 year marriage, NEVER a problem with the law other than traffic tickets over my 26 years of driving. I'm also very physically fit (my degree is in exercise physiology) so I'm not concerned at all over the physical demands.

Yep, I have the usual drug experimentation in my younger years and a late payment for a bill here and there. The good thing is I've been without issue for easily 15 years. Also, I made sure to own up to everything they asked me, so I'm confident I'll not get caught up in a lie about my past.

But, other than that, I'm wondering if my age may hurt me. They may look at me and think I already have a career and why should I go through all of this for less money and more work?

Any advice? Thoughts?

[RO56]

You're too old.
Give it up, Pal.
Go buy yourself a rocking chair.






















No, as long as the department you've applied to does not have a mandatory maximum age, it should not be used against you. In fact, the maturity and patience typically associated with age can actually be an asset in some cases.

[Switchback]

Drug experimentation is "normal"?

BTW, you are too old for a fed, 6C covered job, but many local departments would suck you up.

[phantasm]

Look for departments W/O age restrictions, even with the military most wlil only extend the 35 year max age by 6 years (to 41) for 6 years (or more) of military experience.

The only dept i know of off the top of my head w/o an age requirement is fairfax pd in fairfax va, and they're always looking to hire people. Also many of the depts in florida don't have age requirements, but I don't know which ones.

[AaronL]

I guess what I was asking and what I posted were two different things.

San Jose PD has no upper limit on applicant ages other than mandatory retirement at 71, so I know I'm not too old to APPLY and be accepted.

What I'm concerned over is that they'll gloss over me because I'm a good 15 years older than the avg appplicant. IOW, how many others that are my age apply and actually make it all the way through?

Getting old sucks!

[Valor55]

I guess what I was asking and what I posted were two different things.

San Jose PD has no upper limit on applicant ages other than mandatory retirement at 71, so I know I'm not too old to APPLY and be accepted.

What I'm concerned over is that they'll gloss over me because I'm a good 15 years older than the avg appplicant. IOW, how many others that are my age apply and actually make it all the way through?

Getting old sucks!

I wouldn't count on any slack due to your age. You will be judged along with the 21 year olds. You will be expected to do the same things as they are in the tests and you will be expected to do the same things in the academy.

[Bearcat06]

I had a 42 year old male go through my academy and it turned out just fine for him. He was selling hospital equiptment for the last 15 some years and was laid off from his job. His wife give him the ultimatum .......do what you have been talking about (becoming a LEO....) or shut the hell up and find a new job.

He was Top Gun, got an award for most dedicated (he lost about 40lbs during the academy) and was third place academically......

He wasn't cut any slack when it came to PT/DT or anything else we did....

He was hired by a Sheriff's Dept. before he graduated.....then after two years left the area due to family problems. He currently works for a large Sheriff's Dept. in Flordia as the Traffic LT and is on their SRT Team......

So yes, it can be done if you have the will and the determination....

[mxwelch]

Yep, I have the usual drug experimentation in my younger years

I take it you mean MJ?

[sir112]

42 is still young. go give it a try.... good luck

[hopefull]

There is a guy in my academy right now who is older than you. FYI we are in the bay area. He is in good shape for his age, but is definately at the lower end of the class when it comes to running. He does bring some experience that a lot of the younger guys don't have, he has great interpersonal skills, and does really well on senarios.

If you really want to do it, go for it.

Oh yeah, one thing to consider is you family. Being older, you may have more of a life established. If you are married, have kids or are in a serious relationship, during the 6-7 months you are at the academy you will have very little time to spend with them. School will occupy almost all of your time and will stress you out, you may become a little cranky or short tempered. You may want to think about whether your family can handle you being in the academy as well.
good luck

[webjeep]

Damn we're so hard up we're pulling people on social security.

[smokenmirrors1]

I went through the New Hampshire Police Academy at 37. Most in my class were 23-24.Like to run...Alot?

If Law Enforcement is what you really want to do you will be fine...Give 110% and you'll never go wrong...
Good Luck/Smokenmirrors1

[AaronL]

There is a guy in my academy right now who is older than you. FYI we are in the bay area. He is in good shape for his age, but is definately at the lower end of the class when it comes to running. He does bring some experience that a lot of the younger guys don't have, he has great interpersonal skills, and does really well on senarios.

If you really want to do it, go for it.

Oh yeah, one thing to consider is you family. Being older, you may have more of a life established. If you are married, have kids or are in a serious relationship, during the 6-7 months you are at the academy you will have very little time to spend with them. School will occupy almost all of your time and will stress you out, you may become a little cranky or short tempered. You may want to think about whether your family can handle you being in the academy as well.
good luck

I'm lucky in that I have a very understanding spouse who is used to me being absent for extended periods; I travel a lot for work.

As far as being at the back of the class for fitness, I really doubt that. I've been a competitive cyclist for many years and am fitter than most of the 20-somethings out there. A lifetime of fitness will payoff if I hopefully can get the chance to show what I can offer.

Thanks to all of you for your input.

[AaronL]

Damn we're so hard up we're pulling people on social security.

Not there yet, but I do enjoy a blue-plate special from time to time.

[Morgan20]

Yep, I have the usual drug experimentation in my younger years and a late payment for a bill here and there. The good thing is I've been without issue for easily 15 years.

Don't put usual drug experimention in the same category as "a few late bills here and there". 15 years minus 42 is 27, drug experimentaion in your mid to late twenties may hurt your chances, was it pot one or two times? Anything else will not be good in you situation.