You 100% can still be a cop. Many agencies may even sponsor you to the academy due to bringing in more life experience versus someone only a few years removed from high school.
Are you just getting out of military and are in shape? You’ll be fine.
Worked a desk job, need to drop 75 before you can even apply, etc… you’ll need to be very highly motivated to change that many years of inactive lifestyle.
My academy i was 25, we had a 40 year old retured marine. He spanked us, lapped, then came around to spank us again. It was humbling and amazing to watch him in action.
Im 48 and going to my first attempt to be a Sheriff Trainee in about a month so I hope not! I wrestled in college so the physical part I think I am ok with..just hope I am smart enough..
Not at all. Your life experience is going to make some parts of the hiring process grueling though. You’re going to need to list a lot. Get your personal docs in order.
Some agencies have an upper age limit. For example, the age cap for the Pennsylvania State Police is 40yrs old at date of hire, but if you can pass the academy and you aren’t a criminal, you can be a cop
Well, you don’t know till you try right? We can’t decide that. If you feel like you can complete the academy then go for it.
I will warn you. It is a young man’s game. The older individuals that went through my academy class did have a rougher time. We did a lot of running. Every single day except Fridays. As you get older, your body wears down. Not trying to discourage you but just be aware of that. You’re going to be the old man of the class.
As far as the day-to-day job, you just got to know your limitations. Probably not going to be chasing down some 17-year-old kid like a 23-year-old copy is but nobody says you have to. You probably have a lot more life experience and you’re more laid back than that 23-year-old kid.
Are you a 39 year old that hasn’t had meaningful physical activity in decades? Are you in better shape than people in their 20’s?
Unlike many other careers, being a police officer is a lifestyle. Just be honest with yourself.
I turned 39 in the academy. I was in pretty shitty shape when I started, not super overweight or anything, but my cardio sucked.
My department put us through a prep course before we went to the academy. It was hell at first, but I did a lot better than people 20 years my junior. I shaved 4 minutes off my two mile run before I got into the academy.
Oh, btw, I drank and smoked the entire time. I also lost my fiancée and her two kids because our relationship went to shit in that timeframe. Not to mention moving to a different area to go to the academy. I still did better than most of my class. One of my buddies at the academy called me “a miracle of modern science” because of how I did despite the cards stacked against me.
Your life experience will be a huge benefit over most recruits. It’s helped me a ton and my FTO’s brought up the fact that I’m not afraid to take initiative and talk to people. It really helps talking to people when yes, in fact, you understand what they are going through and you’ve lived a lot of life before you ended up here.
It’s about heart. You gotta want it. If I could do it, so can you.
Im training with someone your age now. He brings welcome perspective and stability to our class, and I think he will make a great officer. If its what you feel called to do, you should do it. His motivation is contagious.
There was a guy in my academy (class who graduated right before us) who was in his 50’s and came from a high echelon job at Google. Dude was well put together and killed it from what I heard. Just give a go man the worst that can happen is you hate, the best that can happen is you have the time of your life. Sounds like a risk welk worth taking
No, just do it if you really want to. Don’t let the negative voice in your head talk you out of it. Find out what the physical test is and practice it over and over.
Im in the same situation. I’m 39 and just starting the process. recruiter told me as long as im fit to do the job and pass everything I need to , then I should be fine. Go for it.
There’s a guy in our academy right now who’s 44, so age isn’t the issue, if the department wants you, they’ll move you through the process. The real question is how you’ll handle being around younger recruits. They can be immature, and you’ll probably find a lot of their behavior irritating. Plus, even though you may not need the same discipline or correction they do, the training officers won’t make exceptions, you’ll still be subject to all the same mind games and pressure. At 39, it really has to come from a place of purpose and passion, not just a paycheck. Because there will be moments in the academy that’ll push you hard and make you wonder why you signed up in the first place.
Comments
No.
Only way to know is to try
Lot of places in FL don’t have age limits, we have a guy in our academy in his 40’s right now, and it’s not abnormal.
That being said, you probably won’t be a road dawg for 20 years, but you’ll probably make a great detective after a few years.
You 100% can still be a cop. Many agencies may even sponsor you to the academy due to bringing in more life experience versus someone only a few years removed from high school.
I had a 52 yr old dentist join my infantry basic training course. If he can do it, you can too.
Not according to The Rookie show. Watching now 👏🏼
You face a fitness reality/injury
Are you just getting out of military and are in shape? You’ll be fine.
Worked a desk job, need to drop 75 before you can even apply, etc… you’ll need to be very highly motivated to change that many years of inactive lifestyle.
My academy i was 25, we had a 40 year old retured marine. He spanked us, lapped, then came around to spank us again. It was humbling and amazing to watch him in action.
My academy class president was in his 40s. As long as you can pass all the physicals you’re fine.
If you are fat and out of shape, yes.
If you are a very fit 39 year old, then you are likely to pass a law enforcement academy.
The competition or adversary is always about 19 years old as a guideline.
Life experience counts for a lot for many calls and de-escalation techniques.
At 39, there is no chance to become an 1811 but you could be a TFO after you earn your time in a PD
Your TFO might be younger than you chronologically, but they have years of experience on the job that you do not. Be an empty cup
Im 48 and going to my first attempt to be a Sheriff Trainee in about a month so I hope not! I wrestled in college so the physical part I think I am ok with..just hope I am smart enough..
I’m so sick of this question. No. You’re not. I went to the academy with dudes in their 60s. You’re a spring chicken compared to them.
Not at all. Your life experience is going to make some parts of the hiring process grueling though. You’re going to need to list a lot. Get your personal docs in order.
No
Too old for some agencies and not for others. Only you can answer this question, do you feel too old to be a cop?
No, my coworker was 48 when he got hired as a deputy. Southern MN Sheriffs Office
A lot of departments prefer a mix of guys, young and old. The older guys tend to be more responsible and help guide the younger goofs
Some agencies have an upper age limit. For example, the age cap for the Pennsylvania State Police is 40yrs old at date of hire, but if you can pass the academy and you aren’t a criminal, you can be a cop
Well, you don’t know till you try right? We can’t decide that. If you feel like you can complete the academy then go for it.
I will warn you. It is a young man’s game. The older individuals that went through my academy class did have a rougher time. We did a lot of running. Every single day except Fridays. As you get older, your body wears down. Not trying to discourage you but just be aware of that. You’re going to be the old man of the class.
As far as the day-to-day job, you just got to know your limitations. Probably not going to be chasing down some 17-year-old kid like a 23-year-old copy is but nobody says you have to. You probably have a lot more life experience and you’re more laid back than that 23-year-old kid.
Nope. Do it
Had a 50 year old in my academy… he was long time army retiree.
Not in my opinion. I hope not, at least. I am 38 and am considering doing it. lol
In academy with a 57 year old now.
He was an officer for 30 years, retired, and is coming back.
I think it’s more important how athletic you are.
Are you a 39 year old that hasn’t had meaningful physical activity in decades? Are you in better shape than people in their 20’s?
Unlike many other careers, being a police officer is a lifestyle. Just be honest with yourself.
I turned 39 in the academy. I was in pretty shitty shape when I started, not super overweight or anything, but my cardio sucked.
My department put us through a prep course before we went to the academy. It was hell at first, but I did a lot better than people 20 years my junior. I shaved 4 minutes off my two mile run before I got into the academy.
Oh, btw, I drank and smoked the entire time. I also lost my fiancée and her two kids because our relationship went to shit in that timeframe. Not to mention moving to a different area to go to the academy. I still did better than most of my class. One of my buddies at the academy called me “a miracle of modern science” because of how I did despite the cards stacked against me.
Your life experience will be a huge benefit over most recruits. It’s helped me a ton and my FTO’s brought up the fact that I’m not afraid to take initiative and talk to people. It really helps talking to people when yes, in fact, you understand what they are going through and you’ve lived a lot of life before you ended up here.
It’s about heart. You gotta want it. If I could do it, so can you.
Im training with someone your age now. He brings welcome perspective and stability to our class, and I think he will make a great officer. If its what you feel called to do, you should do it. His motivation is contagious.
There was a guy in my academy (class who graduated right before us) who was in his 50’s and came from a high echelon job at Google. Dude was well put together and killed it from what I heard. Just give a go man the worst that can happen is you hate, the best that can happen is you have the time of your life. Sounds like a risk welk worth taking
No, my best friend in the academy was 44 and he ran circles around lots of the younger guys.
No, just do it if you really want to. Don’t let the negative voice in your head talk you out of it. Find out what the physical test is and practice it over and over.
Heck no you’re not too old. Many many dudes do 20+ years in the military then become cops. You’re fine man.
I had a 67 year old and a 63 year old in my academy. They made it. Idk why they WANTED to make it by they did.
A guy I work with was an architect in his mid 40’s when he went through the academy. He’s a good officer and he will still get people in foot chases.
I had a 49 year old in my academy who was top 3 physically. Go for it
Im in the same situation. I’m 39 and just starting the process. recruiter told me as long as im fit to do the job and pass everything I need to , then I should be fine. Go for it.
There’s a guy in our academy right now who’s 44, so age isn’t the issue, if the department wants you, they’ll move you through the process. The real question is how you’ll handle being around younger recruits. They can be immature, and you’ll probably find a lot of their behavior irritating. Plus, even though you may not need the same discipline or correction they do, the training officers won’t make exceptions, you’ll still be subject to all the same mind games and pressure. At 39, it really has to come from a place of purpose and passion, not just a paycheck. Because there will be moments in the academy that’ll push you hard and make you wonder why you signed up in the first place.