PoliceLink

Just wondering if there is an opinion about what age is/should be the cut off limit for someone wanting to enter into Law Enforcement.  And is the age different for men and women?

A few years ago a 74 yr old deputy in a neighboring county arrested an 18 yr old man.  The kid resisted and the deputy broke the kid's arm taking him into custody.  I'd let the old man cover my 6 anytime!  I don't know how long the deputy had served when this happened, so I can't comment on a maximum starting age, but I know a lot of folks that started in their 30's and 40's (I'm one of them)  Remember:  Youth and strength will never overcome age and treachery, and also, if an old man is too tired to fight you, he will just kill you.

I worked with two guys that were retired military.  They started in our department in their mid-forties.  I have a special kind of respect for them.  They seemed to add maturity to our station.  They didn't get overly excited.  One of them out ran me while chasing a suspect through the sand at a beach park.  (You know what I started doing the next day!)

While checking out some job openings, I came across a department that had a maximum age of 45.  I don't remember what department it was.

I live in Texas and the departments that operate under civil service code will not accept and incoming police recruit if they are 45 or older. There are some very good departments that do not have this restriction; neither does the Texas Department of Public Safety if you want to become a State Trooper. I am 48 years old and I am just now pursuing a career in Law Enforcement. I found a department with an excellent reputation that I am in the process of getting hired so I can be in their academy in August. In my opinion the older you are, the more maturity you can bring; however, there will be physical demands that will challenge you more than the younger recruits. I have kept in good physical shape by lifting weights and staying active, but I recently started a running program to prepare myself for the upcoming demands that will go with the training. I say if you are committed, don't let age get in the way...find a way to make it happen. Best of luck.

I have no problem with it as long as they are able to and are still interested in their job.  My problem is the "old-timers" that just sit around to collect a check, but want to do nothing.  We have quite a few in Depts in my area. 

Clearly there is a wide range of thought on this matter. For example, in the State of Illinois (where I was "recognized" as a police officer-due to Fed employment but not state "certified") for 5 years, 99% of the agencies near me won't even talk to me because I'm over age 35. Yet here in Wisconsin where I reside {just across the border} my difficulty is the fact that I don't have at least 60 credits....they don't care how old I am.... there are only 2 agencies within commuting distance that will even consider my application...

The Federal Government has an interesting take on the issue as well. There are 2 different retirement systems. First is the main one that all good "G" employees get and the second is referred to as "6c / LEO" retirement which is restricted to a select few job categories or agencies. In order to be under "6c" coverage you must have entered the job prior to age 37 {Air Marshal's got a special waiver up to age 45} 

I find the Fed  system especially frustrating because it was a Fed law that was enacted against Age discrimination.... go figure.

hcgale says ...

Burky says ...

I don't think there should be a maximum age. I believe it should be based on ablities. I have meet folks in their 50s who I would rather have backing me than some 25 year olds......

no doubt i agree with that

10-4

Don't MAKE me have to thrash ya Charlie...I been practicing for when the kids get here ;)

In agreement, ability should be the determining factor and same on raising the minimum age.  Yikes, I'm feeling old when I see all these new baby-faced rookies!

BTW, we have a LT who's been here since the 1950s, I think '55.  He's never leaving!

huslmoc says ...

Older recruits can bring added maturity and life experience to the job, which can be a big plus.  I don't believe there should be age limits, The key is what your body will allow you to do.  If your knees, shoulders and back will let you do the job (including running, use of force, climbing/jumping, PPCT etc) then do the job and enjoy it.  If you are thinking about law enforcement as a second career, make sure both you and your family are ready for the changes and unique challenges that come with a career in law enforcement.  I entered law enforcement at 39.  My wife married a lawyer, not a cop, and the change was very hard on her and our kids.  Law enforcment is a great career.  If your body and family give the "green light", jump in and enjoy it. 

AMEN to that!

RexBolo911 says ...

If you are as old as this guy don't even bother.

(tlacks)

How old is that codger? He's gotta be pushing 65.

jroger says ...

RexBolo911 says ...

This is also too old

Is that Tony??????  lol

ROTFLMAO!!!

     Hello,

      I am in the same boat as you, I am a 36 yr. old and I am in the process of getting my Associates Degree for Criminal Justice because  I also want to join the Police Department and all I am told is that if I was in the Military then maybe I would have a chance and time is ticking away for me, I really do not want to join the Army Reserves and be away for 10 weeks for Basic training etc. I am sorry but our age limit is 35 yrs, old in the Finger Lakes area in New York and that is really sad and I agree I could not have done the job when I was younger, I am glad I have the opportunity to maybe become a Police Officer now because I have grown wiser.

Good Luck,

Kim Tournois

State police here have an age cutoff of about 37. Local departments, such as mine, do not have a maximum age at all.  The city (Newport News) unless it was changed...has an age cutoff of 63.

Just depends where you go.  The oldest person in my academy class was 46.  Out of 59 recruits, we only lost 4.  All were young.

 I totally agree with the minimum age requirements. What a difference a few years make, right? I saw on the news where the age of maturity is now almost 25. That's says alot for someone 21 or in our case, an emancipated 18 year old! Good Grief! He didn't last long but he stirred poop while he was here. I really thought the psych test would have got him but oh well. Glad they didn't test me back then.