psych ?

[[e-mail]]

I'd like to have an experienced opinion on a few things:
   First, I strongly believe I would make a good cop. I don't lie, steal, cheat or anything of the sort, and I am very determined and devoted.  
  But,  I have been diagnosed with ADD and bipolar disorder. I also have asthma.  I have never been hospitalized for any of these and I am completely functional. How will this affect my chances?  what are the regulations on disabilities?  I'm going to, of course, have to be entirely honest, but I want to know what to expect.  I know I can do this, I don't ever give up easily. But I need to know how to approach this.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.  

[Scool191]

I can tell you the ADD should not be a problem.  Just Keep trying no matter what happens.   ;D

[Drakor]

You know I really dislike that doctors dianose ADD and bipolar so quickly. WHen I was younger kids ate to much sugar and daydreamed. I think these dianosis are a bunch of crap. With that said...
   Are you still taking medication for these dianosis? Be honest about your situation but  :)I personally think that any police department will reconize whether you still have a problem. All you have to do is apply go though any process and they will determine whether or not you are suitable for duty. Just be honest this shouldn't be a problem.
    ::)Believe it or not 5 out of 10 kids these day are dianose with the same problems. Good luck Keep us posted

[Sonya]

I don't really know this for a fact, but I'd think your ability to function on a daily basis, hold down a job and such, would matter more than a diagnosis on paper.  There's also a psych screening when you apply, so they should be able to make their own judgement as your mental state right now.

I have myself been diagnosed as clinically depressed as well as ADD.  That was two years ago for the depression, 7 years ago for the ADD, and since then I have been more or less continuously employed or in school, I haven't needed medical attention for it and I'm not on any meds.  I'm hoping it won't make any difference.

If they can forgive someone for trying pot when they were young and stupid, hopefully they can forgive something you have no control over like an episode of depression or ADD . .

-Sonya

[Charlie]

Steph--Just to build a little more than what has already been said about this:

Should you apply for a position, you will have to undergo a series of tests and processing. At some points, you'll undergo a physical examination to determine whether or not you are physically fit for duty and a psychological screening to determine your mental health and stability status. Everyone has to typically undergo this type of screening. From what you've described in your post, I suspect that this should not be a problem for you. But also keep in mind, not all departments are the same and it will depend upon a given department's qualifications.

My suggestion is, should you still have questions, is to contact the department's recruiter and ask. And/or, find out what a given department's qualifications are for their positions.

Charlie

['Guest']

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. I really appreciate it.  For now my plans are to finish school, a Criminal Justice degree, then apply.  I'm only 19 so I figure I have time to build good credentials for myself. Again, thank you.
 Steph

[Getta]

  Personally I don't know the requirements of the different departments.  I can say that I sympathize with your concerns.  I myself have been diagnosed ADD/Bipolar.  Unless your diagnosis is recent, your most likely aware the effects that these disorders have on an individual.  However, with Medication we are as normal as everyone else, fully capable of conducting ourselves in the day to day activities of life.  I've lived with it for 15 years, and I can tell you from experience, take your time with carrier decissions.  We often have the tendency to jump the gun, no pun intended, when it comes to life decissions.  However, at the same time, we also excell under pressure.  Best of luck to you, keep us posted.