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Not your age but will be 38 by the time my BLET rolls around. Best of luck to you!

We just hired an officer in his mid-50's.  He's only been out of the academy a little over a year, but been reserving for a long time.

I think we're seeing many of our more seasoned <smile> recruits going through the academy. If your willing to stand the punishment then there should be nothing to get in your way. Keep the faith!

Don

Well this thread makes me feel a little better. I'm 50 and just applied to the County Police. The city just announced openings too that I am considering applying for.

Good to hear the encouragement. I am 39 and going through the process and keep hearing youre too old. Riverside sheriff is passing me thru so far but am waiting for the "too old" card to be played.   Keep it up all you fellow "old guys"!

Three of the last four officers that we've hired have be over 50.  One was retired from another agency, but the others had become PO's in the past 6 years.  I am responsible for picking the applicants and beginning the interview process for my agency.  I've sat on the interview board for about 5 years.  It is almost impossible to find a quality applicant, so age isn't much of a factor at my agency.  It seems like nobody wants to be the police anymore; they just want a job.

I JUST GRADUATED FROM THE ACADEMY LAST MONTH... I AM 35,  TOOK ME A WHILE TO FIND OUT WHAT I WANTED TO BE WHEN I GREW UP,    I HAD 2 MEN IN MY CLASS THAT WERE OLDER.   ONE WAS 48  AND ONE WAS 51.  BOTH WERE IN GREAT SHAPE AND KEPT UP WITH ALL THE 20 YR. OLDS.    BEST OF LUCK TO YOU !!

I've posted this before on other threads, so I'll keep it brief...

I went to my state's 14 wk LE academy earlier this year at the tender age of 55.  I was the oldest guy in my class, but not the oldest guy who had been through the academy.  I retired from the Marines as an E-9 in '99, and I have a BA.  I served a successful 2 yr tour as a DI.

I graduated 8/43, and wasn't last at anything.  I'm 5'9" and weighed 200 when I reported for training, 186 when I graduated.  Lost a pound per week.  I could have been in better shape, but I did just fine.  The biggest things the academy staff are looking for is improvement and that you don't quit.  I pushed myself as hard as I could, spent a lot of time under the hot shower head, took a lot of motrin.  Stretched-out a lot!

The hardest thing was being "just one of the herd" after years of being "the one in charge".

BTW, the average age on my 6 man SO is 53...we have one 35 yr old whippersnapper who's been in LE for 8 yrs following 4 yrs in the Navy.

Now I feel really bad.  I am about to turn 35.  I am trying to start the municipal academy in Pennsylvania.  I work in a law enforcement related career which is a plus but it is a total desk job which is a big minus.  I've been her for almost 9 years.  The physical requirements are killing me.  Unlike some I am not getting back into shape to do the physical portion of the class, I am trying to get into a shape I was never in to do the academy.  Motivation is a big issue. My 3rd shift schedule is not much of a help either.  I'm trying my best but have been interupted a few times by some issues and a few injuries (not related to training).  I had planned to start this past november.

Unlike moodoggie the program is way longer than 14 weeks.  PA's full time program is around 24 weeks and the part time program is around 50 weeks. 

Running is probably my biggest obstacle. 

the primary components are a 1.5 mile run, a 300m sprint , timed situps and a bench press.

everyone keeps telling me how i can do it withouth a problem but so far it isnt working out that way.

Last year I tested with several agencies and going up against guys that were half my age or in their early 20's (I was 36). For as bad of shape I was in, I was able to do more situps and pushups than some of these guys. The only thing that I didn't impress them on was the 1.5 mi run and usually the last or one of the last ones to come in. Even though I made it within the time allowed, I wasn't standing out and didn't get picked with some or failed down the road. I eventually accepted a position as a DO for the local County Jail and hopefully be promoted to Deputy some day.

kasey123alex says ...

I have been trying to get a job for about six months now, but I have been un successful how can I improve my chances of becoming an officer?

Do whatever it takes to make yourself standout above the crowd is the advice many Deputies and officers have given me. It also helps to know people in high places too if you know what I mean. Unfortunately, there is politic involved in law enforcement as well and lots of it.