DQ'ed because of age?

[TamaDrummer88]

Ive been reading through alot of threads, and i noticed the average recruit age is 24 (or something like that). This saturday i have my orientation and my first psych exam for the Honolulu Police Department.

Now, im only 20 (just turned 20) Even if my Background looks good, and i pass everything else, can they DQ me because of my age? Even if i pass my psych test, can the Psychologist DQ me because he thinks i may not be mature enough to handle the everyday stresses of being a LEO?


Also, say i do pass everything before the end of this year (which would give me a Jan 09 academy date) could the department put me back in another class? Reason why i ask is because if i get a Jan 09 academy date, i know i wont be 21 when i graduate ( the age to where you can carry a gun legally) the academy is only 5.5 months.

Any advice would be appreciated. thanks!

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Only the specific department can say for certain. We're all just a lee-tle bit different, and what goes for one may not for another. (& vice versa)

[mcsap]

Most if not all departments have a minimum age to either take the test , be hired or attend the academy. There is no good reason to hire someone who isn't old enough to carry a gun.

If you meet the minimum age standard , then you wont be DQ'd. If you dont , then they wont let you test.

[TamaDrummer88]

Most if not all departments have a minimum age to either take the test , be hired or attend the academy. There is no good reason to hire someone who isn't old enough to carry a gun.

If you meet the minimum age standard , then you wont be DQ'd. If you dont , then they wont let you test.

I meet the minimum age requirement (20)

[taylorplayer]

DQ'd, no. Passed over because of a lack of life experience, yes.

[MP_Steve]

A police department in my home stated hired a 19 year old Deputy Sheriff (corrections at 18, deputy at 19)

To my understanding, there was a lot of political pull and the fact that he was a police explorer somehow(:confused counted towards the substitution of the education requirement to attend the academy (must have 60 credits to apply at 19).

Crazy stuff, I know. He shouldn't be a police officer, but that's not something I can openly discuss.

[DeltaV]

19 is the minumum age to be hired in Florida, however very few departments will hire 19 year olds. Our minimum age is 21, but I can't remember the last time we hired a 21 year old.

Like taylorplayer said, the issue is a lack of life experience. At 20, you aren't going to have things like military experience or a four year degree like many other applicants have. When you are compared to them, they will appear more suitable for hire. That's not to say you WON'T get hired, as it all is a matter of the amount of applicants that the agency has and the number of positions open.

[North Patrol]

Now, im only 20 (just turned 20) Even if my Background looks good, and i pass everything else, can they DQ me because of my age? Even if i pass my psych test, can the Psychologist DQ me because he thinks i may not be mature enough to handle the everyday stresses of being a LEO?

You answered your own question. Maturity has nothing to do with age.

[ranger7117]

I think that in today's society, one which shelters youth to the point of being utterly ridiculous, I don't think anyone has any business protecting the public as a sworn law enforcement officer at the age of 21, no less at 20. It seems to me that it is the norm for kids to graduate high school, and either go to college (almost always paid for by the parents), or work at a job which offers no real benefit to an individual (other than receiving a paycheck).

What makes someone who has never served in the military, never lived on his/her own without the help of their parents, never struggled through life's hardships (paying rent, car payment, other bills, and/or raising a family), or even maintained a steady job for more than a year or two think they are worthy of being a cop. This personally frustrates me. Not with the people that have the desire to become officers at these very young ages, but the departments that actually hire these kids. I don't blame the kids for wanting to step up and apply to departments, that's a respectable thing to do. I just feel that these same kids should have to wait a few years before they are given the opportunity to test. It's not hard to have a clean background when you only 21 years old. Show me someone who has actually LIVED as an adult and kept a clean background, and that's much more admirable. I do realize that there are exceptions to this, but I think it's a very rare thing to find a person at the age of 21 who is deserving of the position of being a police officer. Before many 21 year olds fire back angry responses, I offer you this: what if departments started allowing 17 year olds to apply? I bet your responses would be similar to what I have just said. See my point.

[Wanabe]

I have many friends who have moved out on their own at 17 and have been on their own Since with a full time job and bills its really not all that un common. I also have many friends who have been military and are now 21 also not that un common. Then i have a hand full who are currently police officers some of which still live at home and are the ones going out every day risking their lifes go and tell them that they are to immature to handle there job. I really dont think age has anything to do with maturity and being able to handle LE. a BI's is the one who determines who is worthy of being a cop.

[SnapShawt]

I don't believe anyone has any business in this profession before the age of 25.

I disagree with some posts here, I believe age has a LOT to do with maturity, because maturity has a LOT to do with life experience. I don't care if you move out at 16 or 17 and live on your own, you STILL don't have at 21 nearly the life experience I feel is needed to add to the maturity and wisdom (not to be mistaken for superiority in any way) that are vital.

Hell I don't believe anyone should be doing it prior to 30, but that's just not realistic. 25 I believe is perfectly reasonable.

[Roger Dat]

I agree with snap. I thought I was ready to take this job at 21, interviewed well good background etc. They told me I was too young lacked life experience and I was pissed. I got hired with that agency at 25 and let me tell you I can see the difference in the way I handle things and work as opposed to how I would have if I was 21. 21 isnt bad but there is a big difference between 21 and 25.

[Wanabe]

I dont disagree that a lot of 21 year olds arent capable of doing this job at this point in there life but their is always exceptions and if a BI feel that a certain 21 year old is fit for the job and hires them then i feel they do have a business protecting the public. I myself am 23 in between 21 and 25. I will admit at 21 i was not ready (and was not hired) i personally think i am ready now but as i said that is not up to me to decide.

[bell4fan]

I don't believe anyone has any business in this profession before the age of 25.

I disagree with some posts here, I believe age has a LOT to do with maturity, because maturity has a LOT to do with life experience. I don't care if you move out at 16 or 17 and live on your own, you STILL don't have at 21 nearly the life experience I feel is needed to add to the maturity and wisdom (not to be mistaken for superiority in any way) that are vital.

Hell I don't believe anyone should be doing it prior to 30, but that's just not realistic. 25 I believe is perfectly reasonable.

So your saying that 22 y/o former Marine(or any military for that matter) who did 2 combat tours in Iraq and has all sorts of decorations from his military career, doesnt possess tthe maturity level to be a LEO?

Your saying people old enough to fight and die for their country are to immature to wear a badge. Kind of disrespectful IMO.

[mutandis]

So your saying that 22 y/o former Marine(or any military for that matter) who did 2 combat tours in Iraq and has all sorts of decorations from his military career, doesnt possess tthe maturity level to be a LEO?

Your saying people old enough to fight and die for their country are to immature to wear a badge. Kind of disrespectful IMO.

Oh, give me a break. Of course there are going to be exceptions to the rule. But not everyone has had the experience this kid had.
I'm 22 and I actually agree with snap. I feel I am not quite ready to be a LEO. I feel like I am mature. I feel like I make good decisions but I don't think I'm quite ready to deal with what all LEOs have to go through.
I feel that most younger cops would abuse their power, try to act cool in front of others or be afraid of standing their ground. Being 25 seems like it would be the best minimum age.