The role of a police officer is both physically and mentally straining at times. Therefore, to ensure the safety of the public and the police officer candidate, police departments can disqualify applicants for reasons including psychological, character, and/or medical reasons.
What Does the Medical Screening for Police Officers Involve?
Medical History
It is important to note that different police departments have different standards and, as a result, different screening procedures. That being said, there are several commonalities found among most departments. The first part of a medical screening will most likely consist of examining the candidate’s medical history. Candidates are asked about any health problems they have or have had in the past, and the health issues, if any, experienced by family members. It is important to be truthful during this process as these questions are asked to ensure that the candidate is healthy enough to meet the position’s needs. Additionally, background checks conducted by the department would most likely uncover any illnesses or health risks you fail to mention.
Assessment of Vitals
Similar to a regular physical examination, the police department will most likely take the candidate’s vitals. In addition, they will examine and record height, weight, and body-fat mass. Different police departments have different standards for these measurements, which they will compare the candidate to.
Vision Test
The role of a police officer requires extremely alert individuals. For this reason, Police Departments have candidates undergo a vision test to check for color blindness, presence of eye disease, and effectiveness of the candidate’s general and peripheral vision. The results are then compared to the department’s standards, which may differ.
Hearing Test
Like the vision test, the department will check for general hearing ability, ear infections, injuries, or deformities. Hearing loss does not mean certain disqualification, but it is considered with all other measurements to decide on the candidate.
Muscular and Skeletal Test
Muscular and skeletal tests evaluate any deformities that could hinder reflexes, use of extremities, or range of motion. The role of a police officer can be physically demanding at times, requiring a full range of motion and sharp reflexes.
Blood and Urine Test
Blood and urine tests are used to assess a variety of factors. For example, they can identify important health risks such as diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis. Police departments additionally use these tests to check for any drug use, which is, of course, forbidden.
As previously stated, accuracy and truthfulness during your medical history screening are imperative. Any illnesses omitted will almost certainly be found in the tests that follow. Illnesses or disabilities do not always mean certain disqualification, as police departments are required to look at your application as a whole.
Appealing a Medical Disqualification
If you, or someone you know, has been disqualified from the New York Police Department for either medical, character, or psychological reasons, you can appeal the decision. Robert B. Kronenberg of Disqualification Appeals has nearly two decades of experience assisting candidates in appealing disqualifications. Before a successful legal career, Kronenberg was a New York City Police Captain. These two career paths have allowed Kronenberg to operate an industry-leading legal practice specializing in remedying unjustified disqualifications. Contact Disqualification Appeals today for all your legal needs.