Can't get a straight answer on police hiring....?

Question

A history of anxiety/depression, now under control, no medications, will this affect me during the hiring process? Everyone one I ask has a different answer. Please if you are familiar give me a true answer.

Answer 1

It depends on what type of anxiety ie, driving on highways, panic in stores, etc... (there are endless amounts of anxiety triggers)

Past depression will not prevent you in any way. (unless they deam you still depressed) but past bouts of depression, no. More people today struggle with depression then ever before. We'd be out of police protection if past depression was a huge factor in the hiring process. (of course it is considered, but it is not the ultimate factor)

The anxiety could affect you, however, like I said, it depends on what causes your anxiety. For example, if people fighting triggers it, you will not be hired as a law officer.... (anxiety can sneak back upon anyone, so unless it's been years since your last attack, your hiring status could be effected by it)

Answer 2

You're not getting a straight answer because there IS no straight answer.

Every single agency hires slightly differently from the next.  Some follow completely opposite hiring criteria.  Depending on the State, and whether there is a "civil service" system in effect, there may be some uniformity among civil-service agencies, but even they have some discretion in what they will/will not accept.   Others hire based on state-set criteria, which they can make more stringent, but not less so, etc.

Any answer you get will be different from the next.  These folks are not trying to deceive you, but trying to give you the best information they can, which is usually that of their agency (with which they're most familiar.)

That said, I personally know of more than a few police officers who take antidepressants (xanax, prozac, etc.) on a daily basis.  Some have taken them long before becoming a cop, and some began after.  

Research the hiring criteria (if any) set by your State's version of Police Training and Standards.  Then, contact a few police agencies in your area and ask for copies of thier hiring criteria.  Most (not all) will have printed flyers, or a website with accurate information.  

Finally, ask for an application and see if this is a question.  If it isn't, then you are not required to answer questions not asked.  If it is, you may want to research which personal information is protected under HIPAA and which isn't.

Sorry,  but there is no magic answer.

Answer 3

I told you that you won't pass the psychological I am an Ex Law Enforcement Officer. Try The FBI the will Hire anyone.

Answer 4

Any past medical history would be covered by HIPPA, so they would not have access to it.

You will be required to submit to a medical exam, and to a psychiatric evaluation. If you pass those, you should be fine.

Answer 5

it might. They will send you for a psychological exam and see if they think you can handle the stress of the job or not.