MED DQ?

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GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE, GREAT SITE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE KNOWS WHETHER I WOULD BE DQ DUE TO THE FACT THAT I TAKE MEDICATION FOR HYPERTENSION. MY BP IS FINE NOW. (155/95 BEFORE MEDS.). I'M RETIRING FROM THE MILITARY IN 5 MONTHS AND WOULD LIKE TO PERSUE A SECOND CAREER IN LE WITH AN AGENCY HERE IN IL. I AM 41 YEARS YOUNG, AND IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION. I AM NOT OVERLY CONCERNED WITH THE RIGORS OF THE ACADEMY, I'M A DRILL INSTRUCTOR AT NAVY BOOTCAMP. LYING ON THE MED. QUESTIONARE IS NOT AN OPTION AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED. THANX AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!

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I am uncertain of state medical requirements so I am not able to answer your question.  However, given your level of physical fitness and military experience you should have no problem in those respects.  One thing that I want to inform you about is that Illinois has a maximum age of 35 for sworn personnel.  There are certain statutes for persons in your situation that allow applicants to subtract years of military service from their age.  So, if you served 7 years in the military and are 41 now, you will be considered 34 on your application. This will grant you age qualifying status.

Good Luck,

Kevin    

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THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY KEVIN, I'M NOT APPLYING FOR THE STATE POLICE. THE AGENCY I'M APPLYING FOR HAS NO UPPER AGE LIMIT.
                          BILL

[Charlie]

William--I would say it'll likely depend upon WHO you decide to apply with for a LE job. ;D

Obviously, your question concerning meds needs to be addressed by the department you wish to make an application with. Ask the recruiter about this issue. I am sure they can provide you with an answer. Remember though, standards, policies, etc. vary from one department to the next. Meaning, your particular issue may not be any problem with one department whereas it may be an issue at another department!

I am no doctor but I think there are some medical conditions where, for good reason, someone would have to be legitimately disqualified from further consideration for the position being sought. Especially if that person cannot perform the "essential functions" of the position.

My best guess is: If you are in otherwise good physical health, especially since you are a Navy drill instructor, I have doubts that you'll have any problems with this particular matter. If you can pass a Physical Agility Test and, can otherwise get a clean bill of health from the docs, I really don't see a problem. Obviously, you'll have to discuss this with the PD you apply with to find out for sure!

JimCMR is another voice of reason here. He is from IL and can likely provide some additional insight on this too.

Good luck!

Charlie

[TEJ1956]

William

A chance for the Army to help out the Navy.   I am a recent retiree from the US Army, in fact just Wednesday, 27 Feb 02.  I am 46 and in good shape also.  As an infantryman in the 101st Airborne Air Assault everyone has to be and I too am a former Drill Sergeant.

I have applied for two departments here in TN.  Each has a different hiring philosophy but I have completed the physical agility test, the written test and the oral board in both and the Chiefs interview in one.  I am just awaiting back ground checks and the word that I am hired and need to take the other tests( drug, medical, psychological and eye) but I too have your problem.  On Jan 30 when I did my VA physical my BP was high.  142/85,  the doctor had me do a five day test and each day it got higher with the machine.  I got the Medic to take it with a manual cup and it got better but not enough to prevent the prescribing on medication.  Which has dropped it down to 122/75.   I have mentioned this BP to both departments both have said it is not a problem but have not said it will not be a discriminator when the final hiring comes up.  The department were I have had the chief's interview and is my home town, has a diabetic and several officers with heart problems on the force.  So time will tell.  The other department which is about 30 minutes away and is a suburb of the large city near me, use a classified service type arrangement and all candidates who complete the first three tests are ranked.  The top five are interviewed by the chief and his decision on hiring is made.  I am in the top five but as I said I am awaiting my BI.   The first department is hiring 10 officers and the second is hiring 15.  I think my chances are good and I have been exercising my butt off to get ready for the academy.  The next class starts the last part of April and both departments are going to send their new hires.  Well sorry for the lengthy answer but I wanted to give you some feedback and would be more than willing to keep you posted off line just look up my email here on this site and we can talk.  Good luck ya swab  ;D from the land lubber.  TJ

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THANX ALL FOR YOUR REPLYS. I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS.
                                 BILL

[JimCMR]

William;

As long as Charlie opened the door, I'll weigh in.  I'm a former Police Commissioner from Illinois.  Most communities in Illinois use the Fire & Police Commission Act to govern their hiring, that act mandates the 35 year age limit.  It seems that Sheriff's departments use a different law, which is the Merit Commission, and they have different age limits.  My familiarity is with the F&P Commission, and as far as i know there is no age deductions for military personnel, there is for former municipal police officers.

If you are applying with a department that is not covered by the F&P Commission, then you have a good chance of getting hired, as long as the doctor doesn't have a problem with your BP numbers.

Good luck.   JimCMR