Would I Be Medically Disqualified?

[Gohyst]

I'm trying to find out if my medical history would disqualify me from a job as either a local/state Police Officer or a Federal Agent.

Last December, on my 22nd birthday, I was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, and subsequently had half of my left lung removed. After spending six months recovering from the surgery, i've started with a physical trainer to help build my respiratory system back up.

So, I ask this: assuming I could build up my endurance enough to pass whatever physical test (pushups, situps, running, etc) your department has, would my medical history disqualify me regardless? I'm especially in hearing from anyone within the federal agencies, as i've wanted to be a US Marshal or a US Secret Service Agent for a very long time.

Thanks.

[Kimble]

To be medically disqualified, you would have to have a condition that is either an automatic disqualification (the agencies you apply to will speak for themselves on what they automatically disqualify, as standards vary) or deemed by a medical doctor during the pre-employment physical exam as unfit for duty. Most of us are cops on this board, not qualified to speak as medical doctors, so the best advice you probably will get is to contact the recruiter(s) with whatever agency you're interested in and get the answer straight from the horse's mouth.

[mcsap]

Can you pass the Cooper Tests based on your age ? Specifically the 1.5 mile and 300 meter runs ? Will a doctor state in WRITING that you are physically fit enough to perform the duties of a police officer ?

[L-1]

In most agencies, fitness to perform the duties of the job is based on your lung's ability to process a certain volume of air. Of course, standards will vary from department to department.

Take a look at http://lib.post.ca.gov/Publications/Respir.pdf While this is the California standard, the medical principles are fairly universal. Print out a copy, take it to your doctor and ask him how you fit within its parameters.

[DeltaV]

We had to take a pulmonary function test during the medical examination and I'd imagine that having part of a lung removed would effect your performance on such a test. That's not to say every department is going to do that though.

The feds can be a little more stringent than a lot of local agencies. For example many federal agencies still have uncorrected vision requirements while most local agencies did away with those a while ago. The feds also can get away with having stricter standards because the ADA only applies to local and state governments and not them.

[retdetsgt]

I suspect that you will have to contact whatever agency you want to apply for and ask them. I've never heard so someone so young having that kind of surgery. Good luck.

[Apexer]

Well, I'm not a cop....yet so, I can at least tell you what I've discovered in my research for becoming a municipal cop.

From what I can see if you can pass the PT test and show that your surgery doesn't affect the performance during the job than I don't see why you couldn't get a job. I can't speak for the federal level but that's what I've seen with municipal levels.

My dad had half of his left lung removed when he was 16. He qualified for the U.S. Coast Guard but decided against it because he wanted to get married instead. I told you that because if the U.S. Coast Guard will qualify someone with 1.5 lungs then I'm sure an LEA would take you on.

[mcsap]

Dont be so sure. It isn't what YOU think. We can afford to be VERY selective because their are a lot of applicants.

We not only have to be concerned about your performance , also any long term effects that could cause you be off on disability and any claims you might have against the dept. as a result of something to do with your condition.

I am not suggesting that you dont apply but their is a big difference between the gov't and the police.