Have a question. I am 4'9 and Im in shape but family is concerned with my size. Is there any self defense programs, classes, or anything that anyone could recommend?

Just ask people if they ever knocked out a fireplug.  I've worked with officers 4'9 before and they are tough as nails. 

ROTFL..... I guess I need to eat my wheaties every morning!

Our physical fitness/strength guy on our SWAT team is Francis Ruettiger.  He's a Detective at our PD.  He's about 5'4".  You may know him better as the brother of the guy from the movie "Rudy".  He's the strength coach for one of our local high school that has produced NFL players like Tom Thayer and  Mike Alstott.  He set World records at the Police and Fire Games years ago in the dead lift (over 600 lbs.).  He, like his brother from the movie, never let his size be a factor in living out his dream.  "Coach Rudy" (a nickname he picked up because of his famous brother) works the tough alternate high school as a school liaison Officer.  The bangers all know and sorta fear him.  He's in his 50's now, but can still kick anyone's a$$.  Coach Rudy has a nephew working for the PD who is even smaller than him.  He's another weight lifter who is strong as hell. 

You should never question yourself about you abilities, but you must train and be ready for your shortcomings.  Not everyone is a marksman, strongest, smartest, and so on.  I you train to the best of your abilities, you can't go wrong.

The Ruettigers are everywhere

Well, I'm 5'1", female, and weigh <100 lbs.

I've made it a point to ask about my height/size whenever I find a dept that I may want to join.  Not once have I been told that it would be a problem. Instead I've been told that with the proper training & (especially) with the proper mindset, there's no reason it would be an issue.  Granted, it's been suggested that I look into personal training (fighting techniques, etc.) which I've done.   But so far, my size hasn't ruled me out.  

Good luck!

Officer Presence, Officer Presence, Officer Presence.

On the one hand, I would never discourage anyone from following their career dreams because of their stature. But I will also tell it to you like it is. To do otherwise would do you (anyone) a disservice.

There are outstanding LEOs that are rather small in stature. They are tough, resourceful and capable. I mean that completely. Now if we can step out of the realm of our professional perception and correctness. The average scumbag that wants to do an officer harm or resist arrest doesn't know you or care. In reality, he sees a petite female who weighs a little more than his/her duty gear. If so inclined, he might think "I can take her/him."

When interviewed, cop killers who were doing life sentences or waiting on death row were asked what went through their mind leading up to the attack. Almost every one of them said "From his/her appearance, I thought I could take him." <para-phrased, obviously> This is not to say that every officer killed in the line was lacking. Many were highly professional, fit, and excellent officers. Many of the circumstances of each incident varied greatly.

But one of the most common factors (statistically speaking) was officer presence. Was their uniform professional in appearance or was it covered in stains and wrinkled? What was the officer's demeanor? Was their duty belt hanging loosely or was it properly worn? All of these things are factors.

The attacker might ask, "How big are this officer's arms?" For example, the NJSP do not allow their troopers to wear short sleeve shirts for this reason. In fact, their uniform is designed to appear more intimidating. As a trivia note, it was designed based on German SS uniforms. Different color, different emblems, but the lines are pretty much there.

As a petite officer, especially a female, you are starting at a disadvantage. I know that is very un-PC but if people tell otherwise because they want to be PC or just nice, they are kidding themselves and you. It isn't what we think about a smaller officer, it's what the guy with the violent criminal history thinks.

However, and this is a big however, you can overcome this. You need solid training beyond what they teach you at the academy. This builds ability and confidence. Your officer presence must be well developed and maintained. If they don't think they can take you, they are far less likely to try. Never get over confident, but don't question your ability if you know your capabilities. Firm and professional, not nasty with something to prove. There is a difference.

You will have tools (both physical and abstract) and hopefully a good mind at your disposal. Use them all. I do not mean to dissuade anyone in any way so long as they know what they are getting into. It isn't just your life out there, it's the people you are working with and the people you serve.

I used to work with a guy who was a really small dude. I referred to him as a "maniacal leprechaun" because when he got worked up he would be all over the suspect. I pictured him jumping onto a guy's back and start tearing away at his head in a frenzy. He got thrown down a flight of stairs years back. his legs got caught up in the railing they struggled. He has pins in his legs and he can hardly feel his feet from nerve damage. Didn't stop him. He just keeps coming back. So size has nothing to do with toughness.

I sincerely wish you the best of luck in your application and future career. Stay safe out there and remember: Officer Presence, Officer Presence, Officer Presence.

Ya know, this gal posted this topic 3 years ago.

I bet she's grown in that time.

3 years ago. She might even be ready for retirement !!!

10-8.