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Howdy yall, I`m gettin close retiring my present job of 25 years and i`ll be 55. I want to start another career in lawenforcement. I was a poilce reserve for several years. Just curious anybody out there in my age range go to an academy at my age? thanks Tee

I graduated from the academy at a Community College at the tender age of 46.   I was the second oldest one there.  The oldest was a Constable that was in his 60s.  :-)

I turned 55 this year and am just a couple months into my 4th year as a full-time deputy.

I was a Recruit Training Administrator at a county Police Academy for five years.  During that time we had several recruits in the 50-53 year old range (Sheriff's Officers) who successfully completed all components of the program.  In fact, they actually set a good example for the younger recruits because it is tough for a 24 year old to admit that he/she can't keep up physically or academically with an "Old Guy".  You should already have the academic ability to pass the program, just make sure that you train hard to be in the best physical shape that you can be in before starting the program.  Good Luck!  You can do it!

I am currently 35 and taking Criminal and Social Justice and was planning to go in closer to graduation from college but was concerned. I am glad to hear that there will not be a problem with age.

I'm only 39 but i've allowed myself to get out of shape and I paid for it yesterday.I took the Physical Agility test and passed but it hurt! 54 sit ups in 60 seconds,leg tests and arm strength tests and then came the killer,The 1.5 mile run.Glad to say i made it but i'm running myself silly from now until the academy starts because the memory of that run and the pain I endured to finish it will motivate me to stay in shape.

My husband is 40 and is in the beginning phases of his applicationi process (written exam passed - physicaly agility test this Saturday).  He's in GREAT shape, his only concern was the running.  He does more weight lifting (works out every day) than running but he has been running for three weeks now and has his time down pat.  I think he'll do fine if he gets through the whole process and goes to the Academy.  This is something he has always wanted to do and the timing just wasn't right.  He's in better shape than most 25 year olds I know !  He's still sporting a 6 pack too!

I believe age is just a number ... it's not a good indicator of physical or mental ability. 

Good luck to each of you!

It is great news to hear that there are a few 'old guys' entering the LEO career field.  I am at a point of I can retire from the military after 20 years next Dec.  I am looking at serving for 3 or 4 more years before retiring for good.  Nice to see that even at 44 years old I will not be alone in my second career.

  I would have to say that I'm in the boat with finding what I'd like to do when I'm older situation.  It really has hit me dramatically.  I would say with some issues I have with myself back 10-14 years ago, pd possibly wasn't an option (depends where and what group, but things have changed now, and it is accepted).  What would that be, more or less medical issues that's really not a problem that I always thought it would be since military doesn't take people like what I have.  I've found out many officers now are in my situation and are successful with no problems.  Yes I'd like to have know this back 10-15 years ago, but there's no way to do that of course.  So I started losing weight and within a year dropped 120lbs.  I'm still working on getting hired but have been through one process already and was cut when they got a new mayor in who cut new positions, which gives you a lot of knowledge as to what the marketplace is like.  As long as the economy doesn't get too poor and pd's are still getting proper budgets and hiring I think things will be good.  Just don't keep all your eggs in one basket though and stop relying on spell check to help out those future habits.  Good luck.

I retired at 57 and Im 61 now. I know several guys who are working in  their late 50's and early 60's. A lot depends on what shape your in, and how alert you are mentally. I'm in pretty good shape, but I dont feel comfortable fighting 22 yr olds anymore. If your mentally sharp and in reasonably good phyusical shape you wouldnt be a liability to yourself and other officers. Its something only you can judge. But know your limitations, I have several good friends who passed having aheart attack while chasing someone or fighting. Good luck.