Law Enforcement Jobs for People With Disabilities

A law enforcement career can be rewarding for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Some people may believe that a disability automatically disqualifies them from having a career in law enforcement. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act is the driving force behind getting people with disabilities into any career, including law enforcement.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) allows anyone with a disability to apply for law enforcement. The applicant must be able to perform "essential" functions (as opposed to limited functions) with reasonable accommodations. Anyone who applies for law enforcement, whether or not she has a disability, must be able to meet the physical and mental demands of the position. However, a disability will not automatically disqualify a person with a disability to be hired for law enforcement.

Definition of Disability

The ADA defines a disability as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual." Many physical and mental disabilities qualify under the ADA, including alcoholism.

Hiring

Questions related to a job applicant's disability are prohibited from being asked until the medical examination, which can only take place after a conditional offer of employment has been made. However, if a "known disability reasonably appears to interfere" with the job functions, the applicant can be asked to demonstrate how he will perform those job functions. For example, if an applicant applies for the position and he does not have an arm, he can be asked to demonstrate how he would fire a gun.

Tests

Before a conditional offer is made to an applicant, she will be required to take physical agility and physical fitness tests. The Law Enforcement Agency may ask for medical clearance from a doctor stating that the candidate can safely take a physical fitness test. After these tests, the candidate may be given a conditional offer of employment and asked to take the medical examination. Questions about an applicant's disability may be asked at this time; however, a conditional offer of employment cannot be voided solely based on answers to these types of questions.

Employment

The conditional offer of employment can be voided if an applicant fails to pass a background check and/or a drug screening. People with alcoholism are protected under the ADA, as long as they are able to pass a drug test.

References

• ADA: Hiring of Police Officers
• EOC: Definition of the Term Disability