Vision test requirement question

[BAM4x4]

I am interested in becoming a LEO but I have a vision issue. I am "legally blind" in my left eye. I believe it is 20/200, basically I can see out of it, but it just isn't clear as my other eye and isnt correctable hence being "legally blind". Its like having extra peripheral vision on my left hand side. I don't consider myself to be at any disadvantage than the next guy.

Here is where I have a serious concern with this "requirement", I am a Iraq war veteran and while in Iraq held the position as Military POLICE. I performed the job most times BETTER than my brothers in uniform as well as shot expert with my service weapon and M4. So if I can go to a combat zone and get shot at and blown up on a regular basis why can't I be a cop state side?

I am currently a "telephone operator" for a VA Hospital which is essentially also a Police Dispatcher. Eventually I am going to try to speak with the Lt and eventually the Chief about my situation and see what they say and if they would consider bringing me aboard or what they can do for me. Another thing that really grinds my gears is one of the VA Cops where I am at is 300lbs +/-! How ridiculous is that? A morbidly obese guy can be a cop but one that cant see 20/20 out of one eye cant?

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!

[mcsap]

We have minimum standards of which you don't meet. Your physical lack of ____________________ could not only be a danger to you but to your fellow officers. Your service to our country is RESPECTABLE and COMMENDABLE but it cannot make up for your sight deficiency.

It isn't what you consider to be a disadvantage , it's what the dept. does. Do you have a drivers license ?

[greg72982]

It's not even correctible with LASIK? I'm no eye expert but since that is surgery I would think it may be able to be corrected??

[pafindr]

Also, and one of the officers can correct me if I'm wrong, when you go to court a lawyer could use your vision problems as a way to get their clients off.
All the lawyer has to say is something like "Officer, you are legally blind aren't you?"

[retdetsgt]

There's solid reasons for vision, hearing etc. requirements. You can bet that every one of them has been challenged in court at one time or another and police departments have had to prove their necessity.

[greg72982]

Yep, not sure how you could read a license plate or identify a suspect if you aren't seeing 20/20...

[mcsap]

For our hiring tests , we are required to " accomodate " someone in a wheelchair ?? !!

[retdetsgt]

For our hiring tests , we are required to " accomodate " someone in a wheelchair ?? !!

That's why I said every requirement as been tested. That's a direct result of the American Disabilities Act. Any employer now has to justify every physical requirement.

[dvpikes]

Get LASIK my friend....every dept i applied to in TN the vision requirement had to be at least 20/100 uncorrected.

You aren't "legally" blind, maybe for driving, but legally blind is 20/1000.
Edit: Just re-read the legal part on the orginal post, my bad!

Reasons i know this that i applied to 9 different departments (my vision was 20/650 btw). I had LASIK done back in April and at my physical for my dept my vision was 20/13. Best thing that I have EVER done.

Think about it though, even if your "just" 20/200 ( i say just bc mine was 20/650 lol) and your contacts get dry or you get pepper spray in your eyes, you aren't going to be able to see s***. I'd say that your chances are slim going from my experiences since mid january of this year.

[L-1]

Take a look here http://lib.post.ca.gov/Publications/Vision.pdf

While these are California's vision standards, the logic supporting them (which are explained in the standards) are fairly universal for most law enforcement agencies throughout the US.