Am I too old to get hired by FL HP?(38)

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I've just turned 38 and have gotten thru the initial pre-screen with the FL highway patrol. Even though they have no age limit, I'm concerned my age will be a negative. I'm in good shape and will have no problem with the PT test, but wonder if there is a bias against someone my age as a new hire.

I'm changing careers from software management and was a naval officer for 8 years so I would think that's on my side.

Any thoughts would be great...

[JimCMR]

Tom;

As long as there is no age limit to being hired, I feel you have a very good chance to get hired.  As long as you can pass the physicals, you should be OK.  Your Naval career should be a big plus.  Your age should also be to your favor, as you are not some immature kid who doesn't know what is going on in the world.

That was not meant to be a shot to any of our younger Cops2be members, but you will see that there is no substitute for age and the knowledge that can only come with it.

When I was hiring, I always looked forward to getting applicants in their 30's, our top was 35, so 33 or so looked real good to me.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.

JimCMR

[Charlie]

Tom--I completely agree with Jim's thoughts. But to add my own:

Since there apparently is no age limit, that's definitely a plus. But, in all honesty, I suspect the highway patrol would likely prefer someone who is a little younger. That's simply just reality I think concerning that particular subject. BUT, if you can do well in all aspects of the hiring process, I am sure you have as good a chance as anyone else. I think just a year or two ago, the Dallas (TX) Police Department here in my area hired a guy who also successfully completed the academy at the young age of 50! (DPD also doesn't have an age requirement).

I would recommend that you involve yourself, if you haven't already, into some kind of exercise program and do some running. The academy, I am sure, is both mentally and physically demanding.

Bottom line to remember, it is likely a very competitive process to get hired on most any state police agency. Most likely have fairly good sized applicant pools. So, in light of what you mentioned, I'd say your chances are as good as anyone else's.

Good luck.

Charlie

[[e-mail]]

Tom,
This year I will turn 39. I too have been a bit concerned about my age. In November I will have completed 20 years with the United States Navy and I have just put the finishing touches on my application to the FL Highway Patrol. My goal is to become a Florida State Trooper! Towards that end, last week I worked 40 hours with the Navy and 40 hours delivering pizzas for Pizza Hut, trying to make sure that when I do get out I wont have to worry too much about bills.
Somehow I ended up in the Navy but it has always been a dream of mine to be a cop. When I was 9 years old, the Detriot city police were running recruitment ads on tv. My Mother came in while I was dialing the phone number! My point is, you will never know unless you try. I have noticed in the headlines that Michael Jordan recently turned 39 however the other night he scored 51 points against the Charlotte Hornets! He just became the fourth player in history to score over 30,000 points! Yes his body is older and he is about to have knee surgery but even at 39 he is still one of the best players in the NBA. Keep charging Tom!
Also want to add, "Great Web Site". I was doing a search yesterday for a police badges to hang on my bathroom mirror for motivation purposes, when I found this place. Please keep up the good work.
Ron

[[e-mail]]

Tom,
I am in the Dallas police academy right now.  The guy that sits next to me is 49 yrs old!! I would agree that most depts would rather have a younger officer.  If there is no age limit and you have something to offer the dept. I dont see why you can not get hired.  

Good luck!

[Bear]

I just got hired by a Sheriff Dept. in Florida ,and I'm 40 years old ,  the other hires are quite a bit younger but with past experience , good physical condition and a good attitude I think maturity plays into your hands.  There is no reason that you cant give them 20 + good years of service.

Just a thought  !!!!