Can I Be A LEO?

[av8_r22]

Hey

I was an Air Force brat. Planned on going into the military out of high school (wanted to be an Army 11B of 19D). I started talking to recruiters, and due to a medical issue, could never get any to take me seriously (despite a clean criminal record, a score of 99 on the ASVAB, great health and fitness level, etc). So, I went to college and joined Army ROTC. I did it for a year, loved it, did very well in it, but the outlook was bleak for the same medical reason, so I couldn't continue the program.

The medical problem that stopped me is a blind spot I have in my right eye.

When I have my good eye closed, bad eye open, I see a blind spot in the center of vision. It would be unsafe to drive or fire a weapon at anything not extremely close range with my good eye closed. But, with both eyes open I have 20/20 vision, and stellar peripheral vision. (The damage to my retina has also caused a lazy eye, which actually widens my field of view. Someone would have a much harder time sneaking up to me on my bad eye side.)

Now, I've never had a problem doing anything I've wanted to do, with the exception of being accepted into the military. In fact, another goal of mine is get my pilot's license. People with monocular vision (my vision isn't even completely monocular) have been able to secure even first class medicals, the most strict, from the FAA. There are MANY commercial airline pilots flying who have less vision than I have.

So, to recap. Both eyes open, I have better vision than just about anybody. Good eye closed, unsafe vision.

I know some cops wear prescription glasses... I've seen em! My situation is no more dangerous than an officer who can't see to drive/shoot without his/her glasses. An officer's glasses could fall off, I could get my good eye poked out with a stick... both situations suck. However, I can nearly eliminate the situation that applies to me by wearing eye protection (probably disguised as regular glasses, but with no prescription). THEN, the glasses would have to get knocked off my head AND have something damage my good eye to be in the same bad position as a cop that requires corrective lenses losing his glasses.

The only potential careers that excite me are military/LE. Military didn't work out, so anyone know if I have a shot at becoming a LEO?

Thanks for reading.

[The Tengu]

Depends on the individual department regulations regarding eyesight.

[danp]

Go around to your local cop-shops and talk to someone who does the hiring. Find out what they think, since they will be the ones processing your application.

[dsump]

Our Dept gives a eye test in both eyes and they require 20/20. But I wonder if they can discriminate against a disability? I may look into it just for the know.

[The Tengu]

Hell, if you pass the testing, you pass the testing. ::shrug::

[HulkXD]

Originally Posted by dsump

Our Dept gives a eye test in both eyes and they require 20/20. But I wonder if they can discriminate against a disability? I may look into it just for the know.

It's not descrimination if it's a vital part of the job. If you only have one arm, It's gonna be tough to be a helicopter pilot, but that's not discrimination. In KY, I'm pretty sure most departments require corrected 20/20 vision, as well.

[71Novacaine]

Originally Posted by av8_r22

Hey

I was an Air Force brat. Planned on going into the military out of high school (wanted to be an Army 11B of 19D). I started talking to recruiters, and due to a medical issue, could never get any to take me seriously (despite a clean criminal record, a score of 99 on the ASVAB, great health and fitness level, etc). So, I went to college and joined Army ROTC. I did it for a year, loved it, did very well in it, but the outlook was bleak for the same medical reason, so I couldn't continue the program.

The medical problem that stopped me is a blind spot I have in my right eye.

When I have my good eye closed, bad eye open, I see a blind spot in the center of vision. It would be unsafe to drive or fire a weapon at anything not extremely close range with my good eye closed. But, with both eyes open I have 20/20 vision, and stellar peripheral vision. (The damage to my retina has also caused a lazy eye, which actually widens my field of view. Someone would have a much harder time sneaking up to me on my bad eye side.)

Now, I've never had a problem doing anything I've wanted to do, with the exception of being accepted into the military. In fact, another goal of mine is get my pilot's license. People with monocular vision (my vision isn't even completely monocular) have been able to secure even first class medicals, the most strict, from the FAA. There are MANY commercial airline pilots flying who have less vision than I have.

So, to recap. Both eyes open, I have better vision than just about anybody. Good eye closed, unsafe vision.

I know some cops wear prescription glasses... I've seen em! My situation is no more dangerous than an officer who can't see to drive/shoot without his/her glasses. An officer's glasses could fall off, I could get my good eye poked out with a stick... both situations suck. However, I can nearly eliminate the situation that applies to me by wearing eye protection (probably disguised as regular glasses, but with no prescription). THEN, the glasses would have to get knocked off my head AND have something damage my good eye to be in the same bad position as a cop that requires corrective lenses losing his glasses.

The only potential careers that excite me are military/LE. Military didn't work out, so anyone know if I have a shot at becoming a LEO?

Thanks for reading.

If you got a 99 on the ASVAB you should become a Navy Nuclear Engineer not a cop. So, with a 99 on the ASVAB you could not get a waiver?? The Navy will bend over backwards for people like that. I would think the Army would also. Something doesn't smell right here...

[av8_r22]

Thanks for the replies.

I guess I'll just have to check with local PDs. I know I've seen an EXTREMELY overweight LEO in a local agency that I won't name. Certainly that required a waiver of some sort.

Originally Posted by 71Novacaine

If you got a 99 on the ASVAB you should become a Navy Nuclear Engineer not a cop. So, with a 99 on the ASVAB you could not get a waiver?? The Navy will bend over backwards for people like that. I would think the Army would also.

Never been able to get a waiver. It's as simple as "can you read this chart".. and with my good eye closed, I can't. I've been told that it's unwaiverable. I never looked into the Navy, but as far as I know, all of the branches use MEPS. Really, if the only thing i can get a waiver for is to work behind a desk, it's not worth my time. I can do that in the civilian world, or GS.

Originally Posted by 71Novacaine

Something doesn't smell right here...

I've pretty much disclosed everything here. Besides a few speeding tickets (never more than 10 over), I've got a clean record. I'm in good health, not in as good of shape as I was in high school sports or ROTC, but could get back there pretty quick. I shoot really well. Only been in one vehicle accident, it was a minor accident, no injuries, and I wasn't at fault. I have no tats or anything I can think of that would be looked down upon.

I did have on guy tell me that he doesn't like to recruit "99s". I guess he's had a bad experience with em in basic training.

I've been talking to a local volly Fire/EMS outfit. If it doesn't work out with LE, I might try to be a paramedic or something.

It's all really frustrating. I feel like, even with my vision, I have a lot to offer through public service in return for a career doing something that I might enjoy.

[Amkus]

Originally Posted by av8_r22

Thanks for the replies.

I guess I'll just have to check with local PDs. I know I've seen an EXTREMELY overweight LEO in a local agency that I won't name. Certainly that required a waiver of some sort.

He probably became extremely overweight after getting the job.

[Mercmar]

Our local p.d. and s.d. hire fat people, a couple who are morbidly obese. Depends on the individual department's requirements.

I don't know the significance of the 99 score. I do know that there was a well-publicized law suit filed by a guy who was denied a job in l.e., because his I.Q. was "too high."