I receive many questions about how a PTSD diagnosis coming out of the military can affect your chances of being hired as a law enforcement officer. Here is the story of a recent applicant who is preparing for his second appeal after being rejected due to PTSD. I wanted to share with you, the advice I gave him, because the advice is appropriate for any problem that is blocking your career progress.
Police Applicant’s PTSD Story
Dear Sgt. Godoy - As I mentioned in my previous email, after passing every other step in the hiring process, I failed the first psychological exam due to, "inability to handle stress".
I submitted an appeal to the Department and requested a second interview. In my appeal packet I submitted a personal letter, letters from friends, from the military as well as from my current employer. I presented the following in my appeal and interview:
My PTSD diagnosis has not been a hindering factor in my life currently.
After my diagnosis I worked on x things with my doctor. Because of this, I do not feel anxious, have nightmares, paranoid, etc.
I have never been diagnosed with severe case of PTSD to where I am unable to have gainful employment.
I have never needed or been prescribed PTSD medication.
I was also cleared by my therapist from further treatment and wrote a letter to the psychology department deeming me "fit for duty."
I dealt with life threatening stressful situations during my military service and was able to handle them just fine. I provided examples.
Letters from military service stating that I maintained my composure during stressful events that include being overseas in a combat environment.
You get the idea.
Psych Exam Appeal Failed
I felt the “appeal” interview with the director of psychology went relatively well. I gave great responses, was honest and displayed that I've dealt with stress before without issue. I received a letter recently stating that, after careful review of my packet, background, statements, letters submitted, mental health records, I was still denied.
They are giving me the option to submit a second appeal so that my "case" can be reviewed by a board of psychologists.
I've considered taking a step back and finishing my degree before pursuing another agency or a career in law enforcement, in general. In your opinion, why do you think they've given me such a hard time with this? Is my diagnosis a showstopper to ever being in law enforcement? Am I wasting time asking for a second appeal?
Sgt. Godoy’s Advice
Thanks for your question.
I am not an expert on this subject. You are quickly becoming one – an expert. My goal here is to help you make the best of a bad situation and get hired.
My reaction is that you should make a 2nd appeal.
However, you need to be realistic! With the recent news about police brutality and shootings, you should not be surprised that this is a super-sensitive topic. Everyone involved in police hiring does not want to make an “error” and contribute to the problem of bad officers in police agencies.
You will help yourself if you become more sympathetic to the reviewers. Recognize that there is downside for them to take a “risk” with you.
Try to demonstrate with your answers that you understand their concerns.
Do not act like a unique victim. Recognize that you are caught up in a modern phenomenon that is not directed at you personally. PTSD and police psychology are more common subjects today than ever before. This is a perfect storm with your situations.
For this reason, there is no handbook on how to proceed, either for you OR for the evaluators.
Try again and show empathy for the seriousness of their questions and show appreciation for their role in the hiring process.
Police agencies need good people and favor ex-military, as you know. That continues to work in your favor.
I hope this helps.
Sgt. George Godoy