Disabilities

By Samantha Martinez

criminaljusticecareerscenter.com

A disability might hold back someone from becoming a police officer. Sometimes police officers become disabled on duty. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed stating no one should be discriminated in employment, public services, etc.  Every police academy in each state has different requirements. If your disability does not allow you complete any of the tests, it will probably stop you from becoming a police officer.

To become a police officer, it is important to be in good physical shape. One day, you can have a criminal running from the crime scene and you'll have to chase them down. The Physical Qualification Test requires the 75 yard pursuit run, push ups, and sit ups. Vision or hearing impairment can also be a disqualification.  If an officer becomes disabled on duty, " Police Officers Death and Disability Act," protects them by the government in paying their medical bills and their families. The act also provides other benefits.

A disability should not stop someone from pursuing a career in the criminal justice field. There are about 75 career fields. Some fields are forensic science, private security, legal services and cyber security. I believe if someone really wants to do something, they should even if they face challenges.
If you cannot become a police officer, there will be another career choice in the criminal justice field.


http://work.chron.com/can-cop-physical-impairment-23164.html
 http://www.collegequest.com/how-to-become-a-police-officer.aspx
https://breakingmuscle.com/learn/the-police-physical-ability-test-would-you-meet-the-requirements
http://www.criminaljusticedegreeschools.com/criminal-justice-careers/
http://policelink.monster.com/training/articles/7808-police-officers-death-disability-act