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Post by Guest on Jul 14, 2004 14:02:30 GMT -5
I would like to hear everyones opinion on this. Do you think it hurts an applicants chance of getting into a police force if they have a smaller build. I am not a huge guy. I am 5'11'' tall but only about 160 lbs so I am quite slim. That is not to say that I am not in shape. I can breeze through the P.A.R.E test and I exercise regularly with weights. I just can't seem to put on mass.
I am sick of comments from people that say: "Don't you have to be 6'3'' tall and 230 lbs to be a police officer?" I personally think that police services would rather have a police officer with a good head on his/her shoulders rather than just be a big brute.
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Post by Jake on Jul 14, 2004 14:27:02 GMT -5
Obviously size doesn't matter if we have 5' 100 lb women in the force. I wouldn't worry what the general public has to say, alot of them have no concept of Policing and what the requirements are. I always get "Don't you have to be able to speak French?"
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Post by journey2cps-redux on Jul 14, 2004 15:14:24 GMT -5
Size doesn't matter, but you can't make butter with a toothpick...Oh wait!  You meant body size! oops... ;D Size is not very important nowadays. The people that make those comments you mentioned are just like Jake said, and have NO clue about what is required to be a PO. If you're looking at RCMP you'll also get the "You have to be a good horse rider, you know.", along with the french comments. Just smile and nod when you get those comments, then roll your eyes and shake your head when you walk away.  |
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Post by Boyscout on Jul 14, 2004 20:28:06 GMT -5
Size doesn't matter. No matter how big you are, there will always be someone who is bigger.
Every situation is winnable. They will teach you how to win in a fight, no matter how big or small you are.
Usually the bigger guys get in more fights because stupid wants to see if he can take the big guy.
They will teach you and train you. It will be up to you to keep up the training and work hard.
Boyscout
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Post by Goose unplugged on Jul 14, 2004 21:43:01 GMT -5
Yeah, I'll have to give my two cents too.
I am a similar build to you there slim jim...or guest. I use my mouth...then taser and OC spray. I know not to go right up to Johnny big arms and try to push him in the car, I try to do it with my mouth (talking that is) then the tools come out. And back up is always an option if the risk assessment warrants. My co-wrker is a 7 year member, female, 5'3" and 125 lbs. She is an awesome cop, and has never had a suspect flee (opps, actually once she did....but this was a case of running down a steep embankmanet or going to his house at a later date to arest him) on her and has always managed to "get her man" It is her mouth that works for her. And on the odd occasion it was the taser or OC spray.
You do need to have the mentality though...not a "no fear" mentality but a "rational fear" mentality. Know when ERT or another two extra members on scene is the best way to deal with someone.
Cst. GOOSE
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Post by Charlie on Jul 22, 2004 13:29:21 GMT -5
Generally speaking, size doesn't matter these days. Of course, several years ago, some agencies did have height requirements but those days are long gone. I think about the only way size could be an issue would be if a given applicant could NOT, because of an "essential function" of a job, be hired because of this issue. An example: An agency here in my state has a "test" where an applicant must be able to demonstrate that they can properly operate a police patrol vehicle while seated in the vehicle. So, for instance, if a given applicant is significantly smaller than most people, this might be an "essential function" they may not be able to perform. Therefore, they would be removed from the hiring process with good cause. Hence, in general, if you are capable of performing all of the essential functions of the job, you particular height and weight concern shouldn't be of concern.
Speaking for myself, I've been on the job for over 15+ years now and I am a mere 5'8" tall. When I graduated from the academy, I weighed in about 145 lbs. Now, since I have "matured" since then, I'm weighing in at about 180!
Your physical condition MAY be a factor because, depending upon the department in question, it may be more competitive if there are several other applicants for only a few positions. Obviously, you want to score well in this regard.
Hope this might help answer the lingering questions you have...
--
Charlie
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You meant body size! oops... ;D