Does ADHD disqualify you from law enforcement?
Asked by: Fletcher Tremblay | Last update: April 21, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (30 votes)
The simple answer is no. ADHD does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a police officer, including with the NYPD. Law enforcement agencies, including the NYPD, evaluate each applicant and their application on a case-by-case basis.
Can a person with ADHD be a police officer?
ADHD often comes with hyperactivity and impulsivity, leading to high energy levels. This excess energy can be harnessed in high-energy careers, sometimes feeling like an energy boost rather than a drawback. You can leverage these traits to your benefit in professions such as police officers.
Is ADHD considered a disqualification?
However, their ADHD symptoms may interfere with their ability to complete the application process, and ADHD itself is not a qualifying military disability. People can speak with military recruiters about ADHD to learn more about the application process, suitability, and medical waivers.
What medical conditions disqualify you from the police?
Examples of health problems that may be disqualifying are an untreated hernia, cardiovascular disorders, serious deformities or disabilities of the extremities, mental health disorders, fainting and/or seizure disorders, metabolic disorders, bleeding disorders, pulmonary disorders, and marked speech abnormalities.
What does ADHD disqualify you for?
Current DOD accession policy lists ADHD as disqualifying for military applicants if they meet any of the following conditions: ADHD medication prescribed in the previous 24 months, an educational plan or work accommodation after age 14, a history of comorbid mental health disorders, or documentation of adverse academic ...
Police Hiring: Will Medication Disqualify Me
What jobs does ADHD disqualify you from?
Jobs that involve a lot of multitasking or quick decision-making may also be difficult for individuals with ADHD and are best avoided. These types of jobs require a high level of focus and attention to detail, which may be challenging.
Do I have to disclose that I have ADHD?
Timing: You're not obligated to disclose during the initial application. You might choose to discuss accommodations after receiving a job offer. Privacy: Remember that disclosing your ADHD is a personal decision, and you're not obligated to share more information than you're comfortable with.
What prevents me from being a cop?
Criminal Record
In most forces, felony convictions, records of domestic violence, and serious misdemeanors can keep a person from becoming a police officer. Murder, rape, robbery, drug trafficking, and other crimes are immediate disqualifications and may even reveal criminal ties.
What disqualifies you from MEPS?
What can disqualify you at MEPS? Any disqualifications that appear during your MEPS physical exam or interview may prevent you from joining the Army. These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height and weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others.
Is ADHD officially a disability?
Yes. Whether you view attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as neurological — affecting how the brain concentrates or thinks — or consider ADHD as a disability that impacts working, there is no question that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers individuals with ADHD.
Is ADHD disqualifying for the military?
The U.S. Army website, for example, currently states that ADHD “will only prevent you from joining the Army if you've been treated with ADD/ADHD medication within the last year, or if you display obvious signs of the condition.” Similar guidance appears in the Navy's website.
Do you have to declare ADHD?
You must tell DVLA if your attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) or your ADHD medication affects your ability to drive safely. If your driving is not affected by your ADHD or ADHD medication, you do not need to tell DVLA .
Can a police officer be on Adderall?
The police department is not concerned if you take medication that helps you function closer to normal. Their concern is any involvement with illicit drug use. If they discover illicit drug use, you're not getting hired. Prescribed medication is okay.
Does the FBI hire people with ADHD?
We actively recruit persons with disabilities for all roles within the FBI. "My motto has always been 'don't dwell on what you can't do but focus on what you can do. ' I think every person with a disability just wants to be treated normally by other people and respected for what we can offer."
Is life harder for people with ADHD?
Adults with ADHD often have a history of poor academic performance, work problems, or strained relationships. They may find it challenging to stay organized, stick to a job, keep appointments, perform daily tasks, or complete large projects.
What does ADHD disqualify you from?
In the Department of Defense's (DoD) current guidelines, ADHD disqualifies an applicant from military enlistment if they meet any of the following conditions: A recommended or prescribed IEP, 504 Plan, or work accommodations after age 14.
Why do most people fail MEPs?
Common Reasons for Failing MEPS. Medical, physical fitness, and administrative errors frequently result in failing MEPS. Understanding these issues helps you prepare better.
Can you get drafted if you have ADHD?
“Academic skills defects, such as learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are not disqualifying if academic success can be demonstrated without the use of classroom accommodations, and no medication has been used in the past 12 months, with good grades.” See USNA Medical Considerations for ...
Who can't be a police officer?
Criminal history is a major factor in deciding whether you are appropriate to be hired as a police officer and felony convictions are the most significant. Lesser crimes, misdemeanors, can also be detrimental if they are related to honesty and especially if they are domestic abuse/violence crimes.
Do police background checks look at internet history?
Under certain circumstances, law enforcement agencies may be able to access your internet history without a warrant or court order. Generally speaking, law enforcement can access basic subscriber information from an internet service provider (ISP) without a warrant or court order.
Can a cop lie about not being a cop?
The short answer is yes. Police officers do not have to tell you that they are police officers, even when asked. As long as the officer is lying in the course of performing his or her official duties (like an undercover drug buy), there is no law prohibiting them from doing so.
Does ADHD go on your medical record?
Whether recorded on paper or online, your medical records for ADHD are important. They are a written record of your mental health, and include information on evaluations, therapy, medications and the details of your treatment plan.
Does ADHD count as a disability?
ADHD is considered a developmental disability, not a learning disability. Accommodations can often be made in the classroom or work environment to help people with ADHD be more successful.
Which famous people have ADHD?
Scott Kelly (astronaut), Will Smith (Actor), Britney Spears (Musician), Justin Timberlake (Musician), Lily Allen (Actress), Jordan Stephens (Performer), Louis Smith (Olympic Gymnast), Heston Blumenthal (Chef), Lee Mack (Comedian), Mark Ruffalo (Actor), Ben Whittaker (Boxer & Olympian), Winston Churchill (Politician and ...