Please help! Hiring questions

[NYSGreekKid90]

Hey, not sure if this is the right place to put this and I have looked at some related post but I have quite a few questions about becoming a LEO.

Ok, first off I live in NY. I am working on getting my GED at the moment and take Criminal Justice in the afternoon. It's not through a college but I do get some college credit for it. After getting my GED, I had originally planned on joining the military as an MP. Problem is, I am red-green colorblind so that DQs me from any combat position including MP. So, now my plans have shifted to getting an associates degree in Criminal Justice and possibly Criminal Psychology.

Now, I was worried that since I will have a GED instead of a HS diploma, departments might not take me but my CJ teacher said that as long as I test well on the civil service exam, this shouldn't be an issue. I really hope this isn't a deal breaker for me and any extra verification would be great.

Another question, is my colorblindness going to be a problem? I can see red and green just fine, whether the two colors be on a traffic light, or overlapped, or any other way you can think of it's just that when they give me the eye test with the numbers in the dots, I cannot see most of the numbers. I know I can't be a NYS Trooper because of this but it shouldn't prevent me from being a patrol officer at a local department correct?

And finally, my last question. I have absolutely no criminal record besides a traffic ticket for parking on a curb (was for speeding but it got dropped). However, I did try marijuana at one time when I was about 15. I'm guessing they ask you this on your polygraph and I'm really hoping this also isn't a deal breaker. I have never tried anything else in my life.

So, with all those possible issues, can I please get a true answer as to if I can still be a LEO. I know the ups and downs of a career in law enforcement but, I also know that this is what I truly want to do. I'm not out to be super cop and I really just want to be a PO. I know I'll be able to do very well on the civil service as I excel in my class and plan on studying a lot before I take it.

Thanks in advance for answering

[mcsap]

A person who has a GED but has done NOTHING else with their life since then may meet the minimum standards for hiring but they will be at a distinct disadvantage.

A person who has the GED but then goes on into the military ( you dont need to be in a combat position or an MP do be a good soldier and later a good cop) and or follows though and gets a college degree , is in a lot better shape than the first guy.

It isn't so much meeting the minimum standards , it is more like " what do you have to offer above and beyond the minimums ?"

Colorblindness restrictions vary. You would have to inquire of a prospective PD before wasting your time and money in applying.

The one time drug use of MJ at age 15 is worth fessing up to but it is not a career killer.

[Wanabe]

the 3 departments i was processed for (in NY) had that color test... I dont know if you fail its a deal breaker but i would imagine it was or why would they test for it?

[NYSGreekKid90]

As far as I have heard, my color blindness should only affect me at certain departments and the only argument was that if I wrote a ticket for failing to stop at a red light then I could be taken to court. Doesn't make sense since, like I said, I see red and green just fine it's just those test that I have problems with.

I was just more worried about all these factors combined. I'm really determined to get a career in this field as I have a lot of respect for LEOs and in my opinion there is no other career path I can see me doing. I know trying MJ was a bad idea and the GED of course wasn't the best option out there (I really messed up in school when I was younger and this was pretty much my last chance) but I am determined to make this work out. I just can't imagine doing anything else.

[Wanabe]

IMO If you can get past the color blindness you should be fine from what you told us. What department are you planning on applying for if you dont mind me asking.

[NYSGreekKid90]

Well, I'll probably end up going to Troy PD first hopefully. I was told they take officers at the age of 19 going on 20. Of course, I still need to get my degrees which will take two years and I'm not sure what their restrictions are, if any, on color blindness. It's the only PD around that will take officers that young that I'm aware of but I am looking at other options as well.

[Roger Dat]

Its possible but in todays day and age you will find it VERY difficult to get hired anywhere prior to 21. Some try and stretch it to as long as your 21 by end of academy your ok but most departments will not. I also can tell you that all departments in Dutchess County do the color test, not sure if failure sinks you but the test is administered.

[NYSGreekKid90]

I took the ASVAB today and scored a 73 so I am eligible for the role of a combat medic. Would this still help on a PD application if I went through with this AND both college degrees?

[DeltaV]

It's the military service that is desirable in hiring, not necessarily what you do in the military.

Your colorblindness would disqualify you here and at all departments I know of. Unless you can definitely find departments that will hire a colorblind applicant, I would steer away from majoring in criminal justice in college, as there's a very good chance you won't be able to enter LE.

[DZL]

From what I've read, you must pass a color test in all departements in PA... Could be different in some other states, but seems that this could be a large hurdle for you to pass...