Will a severe TBI prevent me from going into law enforcement?

2019-09-05T15:27:28-04:00

I was medically retired from the Army in Jan 2018 due to a severe traumatic brain injury and I have been attending college since fall 2018. I hate sitting in a classroom and having to constantly sit in class for all day for 50 minutes to two hours at a time it actually causes me mental and physical pain to be unable to move and do things.

I was in the Military Police Corps and while I wasn't entirely fond of the army I loved when my company was on the road.

My main concerns are (1) my TBI will prevent me from going back into law enforcement, (2) that I may need to switch my major from a (BA) to a (BS) and it'll make college longer and (3) I am romanizing my time patrolling and I'll have the same mental and physical pain while working.

Thoughts?

Response by PO1 H Gene Lawrence made Sep 5 at 2019 3:28 PM

2019-09-05T15:28:45-04:00

A medical exam before hiring will determine that.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Sep 5 at 2019 3:34 PM

2019-09-05T15:34:20-04:00

The question you should be asking is, will my TBI be a danger to myself or others in the field.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Sep 5 at 2019 3:39 PM

2019-09-05T15:39:04-04:00

TBI isn't necessarily a disqualifying factor for law enforcement; however, when you go through the process, the department will make that determination when you get to the medical review portion. Be as honest as possible on your application, and don't leave that out.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Sep 5 at 2019 4:22 PM

2019-09-05T16:22:24-04:00

If you're a Veteran in San Antonio and need work, contact this guy:

Chris Garza
Texas Veterans Commission
Veterans Employer Liaison
E. Houston Workforce Center
4535 E. Houston Street, San Antonio TX 78220
[login to see]
[login to see] .gov

I'm sure there are offices all over Texas but this one is San Antonio and I'm sure you can call him and he will give you the number to other offices. They are the Veteran part of the Texas Workforce Commisssion. Check you local States for the same type of office.

If you want to work Psych, you can contact me directly.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Sep 5 at 2019 5:29 PM

2019-09-05T17:29:53-04:00

Not to be picky here but I wouldn't want you on the road with that type of injury. When I call for the police, I need a full up round...not someone who has been sitting in a patrol car for hours and now has mental and physical pains. I need a clear head...not a foggy one when you respond. Now with that being said there are plenty of other jobs out there that get you outside and moving all day...keep looking and you will find it...hope you find peace with the TBI brother...Stand fast with it and don't let it own you...you own it. I say apply and let the Police hiring authorities figure it out...be honest with it though...don't hide anything.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 5 at 2019 5:47 PM

2019-09-05T17:47:10-04:00

A friend suffered a TBI while quelling a disturbance call as an LEO. Determined to be unfit to continue serving as an LEO, he managed to retain his Peace Officer status and enjoyed being a Criminologist as a second career.

Response by MAJ Beau Chatham made Sep 5 at 2019 8:08 PM

2019-09-05T20:08:01-04:00

Scott, I would be curious if you have had any rehabilitation for your TBI? I work with a program here in Atlanta that specializes in addressing and treating TBI in service members. It provided this service at no cost to you. With a TBI, you may also have balance issues, difficulty regulating your emotions and vision issues. You could possibly pursue a LEO career, but I would be honest and investigate the extent of your injury first. I also invite you to reach out to me via my website http://warriorlifecoach.com a one on one discussion of your goals and to learn more about the program I mentioned. Here is a link to https://www.shepherd.org/patient-programs/care-for-us-service-members

Warrior Life Coach