6 answers
Casey
Student
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
1095 views
Can a person with ADHD become a detective?
I'm 17 years old, and I've planned on entering law enforcement for years now, hoping to become a detective that works specifically on a special victims unit. However, I was diagnosed with both ADHD and ODD back when I was in 1st grade. I'm currently on medication for both. I've heard online that people with ADHD aren't legally allowed to own firearms, which is necessary for a police officer/detective.
Is this true? Will this affect my ability to enter my dream career? I really don't want to have to find a fallback career after focusing on this path and curating all of my clubs/elective courses purely on law enforcement.
6 answers
Kevin Czora
Law enforcement
37
Answers
Amherst, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Casey,
I cannot answer your question directly, as to whether or not Pennsylvania will prrmit you to possess a firearm. I can discuss how your diagnosis may affect your ability tho.
Without knowing details of your personal diagnosis, I won't know how severe your focus is affected. Being a detective requires discipline and FOCUS. Many cases require days, weeks, months, even years of investigation. If you cannot maintain a high level of attention, your cases, and the proper outcome for the victims, could be negatively affected.
I appreciate your desire to be part of this field, but you must strongly consider the possible negative effects that a significant impediment could cause. Only you will know how well you would perform in this high stress field. Hopefully everything works out for you, as its an honorable, and much needed field to be part of. Best of luck!
I cannot answer your question directly, as to whether or not Pennsylvania will prrmit you to possess a firearm. I can discuss how your diagnosis may affect your ability tho.
Without knowing details of your personal diagnosis, I won't know how severe your focus is affected. Being a detective requires discipline and FOCUS. Many cases require days, weeks, months, even years of investigation. If you cannot maintain a high level of attention, your cases, and the proper outcome for the victims, could be negatively affected.
I appreciate your desire to be part of this field, but you must strongly consider the possible negative effects that a significant impediment could cause. Only you will know how well you would perform in this high stress field. Hopefully everything works out for you, as its an honorable, and much needed field to be part of. Best of luck!
Stanley Crowder
Digital Forensics Investigator
1
Answer
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
Stanley’s Answer
This is absolutely false. Many law enforcement officers have ADD, and ADHD. You might just have to work a little harder. Go for it, and never let anyone stop you from achieving your dreams!!
Brian Kaase
Police Lieutenant
4
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Casey,
In order to be prohibited from possessing a firearm, you have to meet one of several different qualifications, to include being adjudicated mentally defective. In my state, that involves having a judge making the determination.
I've been a police officer for a while now, and have worked with many folks with ADHD. They are excellent cops. As long as your medication works for you, it's not a definite barrier. The challenge would be finding a department willing to take that first chance after your physical. They are out there, though, so don't let that crush your dream.
If you find yourself struggling to get hired and can function without medication, you may want to consider the military first. ADHD isn't a strict disqualifier, but requires a waiver and having been off medication for a while. I was struggling to get hired into LE and joined the Army. Once I served my enlistment as a military policeman, finding an LE job was much easier.
In order to be prohibited from possessing a firearm, you have to meet one of several different qualifications, to include being adjudicated mentally defective. In my state, that involves having a judge making the determination.
I've been a police officer for a while now, and have worked with many folks with ADHD. They are excellent cops. As long as your medication works for you, it's not a definite barrier. The challenge would be finding a department willing to take that first chance after your physical. They are out there, though, so don't let that crush your dream.
If you find yourself struggling to get hired and can function without medication, you may want to consider the military first. ADHD isn't a strict disqualifier, but requires a waiver and having been off medication for a while. I was struggling to get hired into LE and joined the Army. Once I served my enlistment as a military policeman, finding an LE job was much easier.
Mark Francis Ayoob
30+ years in law enforcement and military service roles
21
Answers
Texas, Texas
Updated
Mark Francis’s Answer
Hi Casey. That's not really true. Many people with those conditions, when managed well, have successful careers in law enforcement. So go for it! I wish you all the best.
Chris Gerding
Consult on risk management
8
Answers
Manheim, Pennsylvania
Updated
Chris’s Answer
You should look hard at Pennsylvania law before concluding that you can’t legally possess a firearm. I think you could be wrong if you’re assuming that you can’t.
Given that, you should look at the various tests and certifications that a LEO must pass in PA; a summary of these should be available online and give you a good idea if you think ADHD could be an impediment.
I think your future in LE could be brighter than you may be assuming.
Given that, you should look at the various tests and certifications that a LEO must pass in PA; a summary of these should be available online and give you a good idea if you think ADHD could be an impediment.
I think your future in LE could be brighter than you may be assuming.
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
231
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Casey:
You can be anything you want! Life is often full of road blocks. Getting around them is half the fun. Your ability to own a firearm has nothing to do with you being a great detective. Being a great detective is more about observing things and knowing things others don't. Shooting them is not part of being good at those things!
Casey I am short and deaf in one ear. No one thought I'd even get out of high school. I have been practicing law for over 40 years. If an idiot like me can do it so can you.
Being able to have a gun - in any state - has nothing to do with who you are. Be true to yourself - it will all work out just fine! Good luck!
You can be anything you want! Life is often full of road blocks. Getting around them is half the fun. Your ability to own a firearm has nothing to do with you being a great detective. Being a great detective is more about observing things and knowing things others don't. Shooting them is not part of being good at those things!
Casey I am short and deaf in one ear. No one thought I'd even get out of high school. I have been practicing law for over 40 years. If an idiot like me can do it so can you.
Being able to have a gun - in any state - has nothing to do with who you are. Be true to yourself - it will all work out just fine! Good luck!
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