Chances of becoming a LEO with Asthma..

[DL4560]

For any of those who have been there done that so to speak, any tips? As a little bit of background information, I'm 18 years old and recently diagnosed with adult onset Asthma. As a result of this I was released from the Marine Corps DEP (delayed entry program.) Unlike the current trend with the college-aged kids of my generation, I feel a strong desire to give something back and serve my Country. Unfortuneatly, due to my asthma, however mild, I am unable to do so through Military service, and I see becoming a Law Enforcement Officer as another great opportunity to do so.

My asthma is easily controlled and virtually non-existant with preventative inhaled corticosteroids such as advair or flovent, and/or with beta agonists such as singulair. I've done quite a bit of research, and whether or not asthmatics are eligible to be hired seems to vary greatly from one department to another. Also, what, if any, would be my chances of being able to apply to a Federal Law Enforcement agency with my current condition?

Thanks in advance for your time, and advice if you have any to offer up. Stay safe and keep up the good work.

[jakflak]

I've had no problems with my asthma.

[hemicop]

It really does vary from one dept. to the next. If I were a BI I'd be concerned you could complte the PT & if you could literally survive being sprayed with OC. Many depts not only require the recruits to be sprayed but actually shoot or take someone into custody once sprayed. I don't know but I would guess the Federal LE academmy is the same so if you couldn't qualify locally I'm sad to say you wouldn't make it at the federal level. Your best bet is to contact whatever agency interests you & check with them specifically about these points. It would suck if you could complete the running requirements but (literally) die when you got OC'd.....Good Luck

[L-1]

As hemicop indicated, standards really do vary from agency to agency.

To better understand the concerns with this condition, check out:

http://www.post.ca.gov/selection/pdf/Respir.pdf

[DL4560]

Thanks, I appreciate the response. I'm not at all concerned with being able to pass the academy PT requirements as I regularly run 3-5 miles a couple times per week and lift weights heavily. I'd like to think the OC spray wouldn't be a problem for me, as my asthma is extremely well controlled, but who really knows what the body is capable of when introducing exogenous chemicals into the respiratory tract. I suppose my plan of action from here on out would be to start contacting local departments and find out what the policies would be for prospects with asthma. Thanks again everyone.

[WTPD3534]

Thanks, I appreciate the response. I'm not at all concerned with being able to pass the academy PT requirements as I regularly run 3-5 miles a couple times per week and lift weights heavily. I'd like to think the OC spray wouldn't be a problem for me, as my asthma is extremely well controlled, but who really knows what the body is capable of when introducing exogenous chemicals into the respiratory tract. I suppose my plan of action from here on out would be to start contacting local departments and find out what the policies would be for prospects with asthma. Thanks again everyone.

You'll be fine. I was diagnosed with excercise induced asthma right before starting the academy. I had always wondered why I could never run distance even though I was in good shape so I went to the doc's. He gave me an inhalor and it did the trick.

Funny thing is I think the academy knocked the asthma right outta me cause I haven't had to use my inhalor during a run since.