Here is the deal. When I was a child I was diagnosed with ADD. I took Ritalin until I was 17 at which point I took myself off Ritalin so that I could join the military. I spent 8 years in the service, whcih had its ups and downs. Now I am a Police Officer in a major US city. I am a good cop, I love my job and it has meaning for me. What I find is that I have made several administrative mistakes in a row without even thinking about it. Im in a bit of trouble now. I wonder, if I admit that I may have AADD, will I automatically be fired? I served my country well, in peace time and war. I dont believe that my case is all that severe, but I am looking for answers. Im not looking for excuses, maybe just a little bit of help so I can be a better cop and person.

Any input anyone has would be most helpful.

Thank You.

Piggy

Howdy Piggy (love the name):

I think I would first check out my department's policies. First and foremost, their policy regarding ADHD in their cops. Immediate termination/desk job? OK as long as you can cope without meds? OK to take meds prescribed?

The answers to those questions would probably tell me my next move.

Best of luck.

Well, I know that there are many many cops that take andi-depressants and other psychiatric medicines prescribed by the copdocs themselves. They are full-duty coppers. I cant find anything in the operating guides, but I am still looking. Desk duty would NOT be the job for me. I have to lick this thing, or manage it.

That sounds promising.

So you go to the copdoc and say hey, could you settle this bet for me? Joey thinks a cop could stay on duty if he had ADHD and was on ritalin. I'm like, no way. So what's the deal?

:D

Hi Piggy, (Not only is that a great name, but it's my nickname with certain SO's as well!) -- welcome to the boards!:)

I'm no expert on it, but I'm wondering if you might not be covered under the American's with Disabilities Act as far as not loosing your job, if you choose to go back to taking meds.

There may also be accomodations you can make that will help you focus better on the administrative stuff even without meds. Since you've been successful up to now in managing your ADHD you might want to look at what has changed -- your exercise level, stress level, eating habits, home responsibilities, stimulation level, down time, etc. Anybody can get out of balance and not be at their best and for those of us with ADHD that is especially true. Stress and lack of exercise take an especially big toll on ADHD's functioning. Also are you getting the support you need in your life. If it's weak in the personal arena, looking into seeing a counselor familiar with ADHD management might be useful.

There's some good books out there about managing ADHD with and without medication (if that turns out not to be an option for you). I particularly like Hallowell and Ratey's book Delivered from Distraction -- it's got lots of suggestions and is an interesting read, especially since both authors have ADHD and one manages it without medication.

Good luck to you!

Scattered

Hehe, yea, the whole "This guy I know has a problem, doc..." I dont know, I have an appointment tomorrow. I dont see how it could interfere. Its not a safety issue, its a details issue that I miss the finer points of administrative tasks. Tactically I have always been very proficient. It just seems that with whatever I am doing, I do great for a year or two, and then self-destruct in some way. Its not acting out or disciplinary... its just that I start getting into little trouble that seems to build up. I would like to correct this.

Sorry, you must have posted while I was typing. That sounds like wonderful advice. I recently transfered from a VERY busy shift in a BAD part of town (my favorite) to a very SLOW shift in a not so bad part of town. I exercise constantly and I am a professional athlete of sorts on the side (without going into too much detail) My wife is FANTASTIC and has supported me 100% for nine years through a war on terrorrism to a war on crime. I dont know, I suppose that was why all my training officers said "Son, you are an AWSOME cop, especially for a rookie... but you have GOT to slow down." Its not that I am hyper so to speak, its that I am anxiously looking for the "next big bust." Im good at what I do, but I want to do it well, and as safe as I can for myself, my comrades and the public I serve.


Sorry. I ranted.

Hey rant away -- that's what the forums are for!:) If you're anything like me, I can do great, even off meds, if my work is really stimulating and interesting, but if it's not -- oh boy. :rolleyes: Even an interesting job tends to start getting a little less interesting over several years. From what I've been reading, our brains need that stimulation to kick them into high gear, without it we creep along and don't function at the same efficiency level. That's were meds are helpful -- in handling those not so stimulating parts of life!:p But whenever possible, I prefer to live a stimulating life! Meds are just my fall back position.

Scattered

Well thank you for the help, I will be sure to let you know how it goes.

Piggy,

I sure you are good at your job. But I would worry about distractability since you are packing a piece.

Hey, the give jet fighter pilots the stuff (Ritalin) to keep them alert while flying night patrols. They can do significantly more damage than your little pea shooter.

Anecdote: I (use to :D) set my cruise at 79mph). In PA you get busted on the interstates at 80+. I like(d) the stimulation of being right on the line. My first cousin is a copper. None of relatives get to my place quicker. Every time he comes up, he gets stopped, flashes his badge, and is on his way. What do you think about an ADHD badge?

Bob

My brother is a detective himself here in oklahoma.He was the youngest accepted to the force here and now at 46,is on the verge of retirement.I know that sometimes officers have been put on anti depressants because of tramatizing ordeals they have faced on the job,I dont see why it wouldnt be the same for ADD.I would think it would be very important for you to take your meds.Especially when in your line of work snap decisions are made everyday.Just 3 days ago my brothers friend had to shoot a 21 year old who was all screwed up on drugs and waveing a gun around.I know if it were me there I would have had a major panic attack!I hope you find your answers that you need and good luck to you and BE CAREFUL.

It just seems that with whatever I am doing, I do great for a year or two, and then self-destruct in some way. Its not acting out or disciplinary... its just that I start getting into little trouble that seems to build up. I would like to correct this.
Hiya Piggy!

I have been doing this almost my entire employed life so I know what you are going through. (I'm being let go by a gov't agency for similar reasons). While I don't use the meds, I have had to find ways of coping with ADHD-related problems at work. I'm finding that as soon as I get a handle on one, another one pops up!

Just thought I'd let you know you're not alone. Hang in there...

Eric

Thanks for all the input. When it comes to dafety, such as using my firearm, I dont get distracted. When there is a lot going on, then its going at my pace. When its slow, thats when I miss mundane things that turn important. Who knows.... I have an appointment today and I will see about it.

BAD juju. They (my attorney) said if I came forward with a history of ADD (Childhood) and I was found to still have it, I would be fired. No ifs ands or buts. Soooooooo, looks like I will just have to learn how to beat this thing on my own. Guess I'll get to reading...

I will use this board as a source of support in the future, thats for sure.

Piggy...

I cannot take the meds. It would kill my career as a pilot. So, like I have done throughout most of the 40 years of my life, I adapt and overcome. How? Right now, I'm seeing a counselor. Other times I've taken what has happened to me and sworn I wouldn't do that again. For me, that works. I rarely make the "same" mistake but I have made "similar" mistakes.

I'm also leary about letting an employer know about my ADHD. So far, it hasn't been an issue in the day to day routine. Just when I blow it!!!

Hang in there!

Eric

BAD juju. They (my attorney) said if I came forward with a history of ADD (Childhood) and I was found to still have it, I would be fired. No ifs ands or buts.
That's too bad, but good thing you checked first!

Their policy sucks, but I doubt the ADA would help you, because people's lives are at stake. The depression/PTSD thing is probably OK if it happens after getting on the force.

So, best of luck in your continuing struggles. I'm also doing it without meds.

Piggy,

Geeeeeez, I hate your handle. Used to be a dope fiend back in the late 60's/early 70's. I feel like I am disrespecting you. Well, you choose it, no doubt with a sense of humor.

lostdogs post trigger a thought: I use to fly privately. Flying was one of those things that wiped out all traces of ADHD in me. I have no doubt you are perfectly safe, maybe better than most, under pressure.

lostdog, A guy has a twin Commanche parked at our local airport. Used to be grass (no piggy - not the smoking kind) when I flew but since paved it. Oh lostdog, oh my, those perfectly synchronized Lycomings sing the most beautiful concerto, make my eyes tear, shakes the ground too. He's about 200 feet over town. I NEED ONE NOW. God I'm in pain :D

This has something to with ADHD so I don't get edited.

Bob

PS The hardest part of flying for fun was paying for it.

This is one way that a lot of adults seem to discover they have ADHD.
Talk to your personal physician and see what he has to say. It could be important. If you do have it , ignoring it won't make it go away. Taking positive action might help reduce the chances of similar events in the future... so there is hope for improvement. :)

As far as recovering from your past mistakes goes. I don't think I'd announce it until I knew for sure. If you can demo that you have taken positive steps to correct the problem, it may help.

On the other hand, people can be very prejudiced against people who come out about neurological conditions, so be careful and make sure you know the lay of the land well before you tread on new turf... It could be that coming out is bad for you. You need to decide what to do on this one....

Me :D

Here is the deal. When I was a child I was diagnosed with ADD. I took Ritalin until I was 17 at which point I took myself off Ritalin so that I could join the military. I spent 8 years in the service, whcih had its ups and downs. Now I am a Police Officer in a major US city. I am a good cop, I love my job and it has meaning for me. What I find is that I have made several administrative mistakes in a row without even thinking about it. Im in a bit of trouble now. I wonder, if I admit that I may have AADD, will I automatically be fired? I served my country well, in peace time and war. I dont believe that my case is all that severe, but I am looking for answers. Im not looking for excuses, maybe just a little bit of help so I can be a better cop and person.

Any input anyone has would be most helpful.

Thank You.

Piggy

I am going to see a personal physician through my health care provider rather than one of the CopDocs. That way I at least have a support system. I really dont think my case is all that severe, nothing that education, determination and discipline cant handle. Thanks for all the support, especially LostDog!! I absolutely relate!

Bob- My handle is a joke, no worries. Its only because some cops take their jobs WAYYYYY too seriously... or rather, they take themselves too seriously.... or a combination of both! LOL.

:) Hi. My ex husband is a state trooper. He took anti depressants, and he "tried" my stimulants. He reported that he was very focused after pulling a double shift. (coughs) But he says he's not add/adhd. *shrugs.

What I do recall is that there was a toll free anonymous number anyone on the job could call to ask about delicate subjects. Surely, this would qualify.

Also, strattera isn't a stimulant medication. Your medical records are YOURS, and whatever you discuss with your physician should stay there. Just talking about a hypothetical doesn't mean you are definitely going to follow through. I cannot see how weighing your options should cost you your job, you know? Then again, I don't know the whole story.

Best of luck to you.

Flying was one of those things that wiped out all traces of ADHD in me. I have no doubt you are perfectly safe, maybe better than most, under pressure. Flying IS one of the few places the ADHD doesn't come up. My counselor says it's because it's a stimulation-rich environment. (He's a pilot as well.) I've always had the luxury of not having to pay for flying save for earning my tickets. It's funny, in the ground schools, I had to force myself to focus but in the air, once I did the manuever a couple of times, I had it. All I would need would be to fine tune it.

Several doctors (MD's) and my counselor have all said the FAA is blind when it comes to ADD/ADHD related medications. I know a guy who had his medical yanked and lost a job at the Forest Service because the doctor put him on Zoloft. His doctor said he was good to fly but the FAA said "NO!"

And yeah...the sound of an airplane engine will make me look up every time!!

Eric

Thats EXACTLY how I am when it come to a call. Especially anything tactical. Its the after action stuff... like parts of a report, that i have trouble with. Stimulation rich environment, indeed!

I figure I will get some private help so I can get this under wraps and manageable!

I would consider that hyperfocusing on the stimuli. In this case, the adhd is working FOR you, not against. I consider mine to be a gift, not a curse. It makes me a better teacher. I can modify a lesson in a second, if I see the students aren't catching on. I can sense when someone has a learning need, without being told. Much like you can focus on all the controls in a plane, Lost, or you can focus on all the necessary things when taking in the scene of an accident (or whatever the situation), Officer.

LOL it drives my students NUTS that my back can be turned and I know who was whispering anyway. What they don't "get" is that the whispers distract the heck out of me...I can't help but hear them. *big cheesy grin*

I think this is why I waited to drive a car til I was older. I truly didn't feel I was mature enough to handle the responsibility of focusing that much at sixteen. It scared the heck out of me. When I was ready, I was fine. No fear. I had no idea then that I was adhd.

For some people, the ability to hyperfocus at something on a regular basis works for them. For others, the ability seems more erratic and less dependable. On the one hand, I can understand why some jobs are unwilling to take the chance. On the other hand, knowing that everyone's symptoms manifest differently, I also find that this can be a form of discrimination.

I hope things are going better for you at work, um...Officer. I can't call you Piggy. I'm sorry. I understand the humor, behind it. But in light of how my ex husband was, I can't show you the same lack of respect that I feel for him. (Please consider this a compliment.)

I do consider it a compliment. I am all too familiar with the "cop mentality". No worries at all! I understand why they would be hesitant to allow someone with ADHD to be a cop. I do, however, think it is not any more dangerous than allowing someone to work who is depressed and on medication. You never know what will happen to their emotions... I have seen some pretty horrible things, but I deal with them in positive ways... not everyone does that

Piggy - I don't know if you read my post on another thread (can't remember which now..haha). I have a problem talking to doctors/therapists...pretty much anyone in general about my health and/or feelings. The reason is that because several years ago I was in the police academy - and did not disclose some adolescent therapy for "depression" - and I was almost to the end of the academy - top of my class, "top gun", etc.. - went through 2-3 weeks in and out of internal affairs, being treated like a criminal, having my friends and family all questioned...I'm sure you know how it goes - then one day before I as to graduate, I was fired. That was probably the most devastating/humiliating thing that has ever happened to me. Just consider yourself lucky that they didn't find out about your prior tx before letting you on!

Your medical records are YOURS, and whatever you discuss with your physician should stay there
Unfortunately not true in law enforcement - you sign a release that enables them to have/look/talk to anyone and anything they want. Nothing is private.

Ms.sunshine...

Driving a car for me was very intuitive....lot's going on. I was so relaxed behind the wheel from the moment I first drove a car. One father of a friend of mine said I didn't "drive" I just aimed and accelerated!! I took it as a compliment and have never been in an accident. I "see" so much of what's going on on the road that very little suprises me.

Eric

And people wonder why so many in law enforcement-or other professions- don't seek help when problems arise in their personal lives. That, in my opinion, is where the real danger lies. Seeking help shouldn't be grounds for dismissal, as if it is a sign of weakness. In reality, I feel it's more a sign of strength.

Unfortunately not true in law enforcement - you sign a release that enables them to have/look/talk to anyone and anything they want. Nothing is private. So the patient doesn't have to give permission to their doctor to release information from their personal medical files?

I believe I have the right to confidentiality AFTER I have been hired. I signed all investigative rights over during the background phase of the hiring process, but now I am entitled to the same confidentiality of any one else.

And all the diagnosis and what not was when I was a child (juvenile). Also I moved around a lot, so I am sure that helped!

I recall the extensive background check. The whole thing took close to nine months, before he even knew he was accepted into the Academy. They even talked to his kindergarten teacher!

I know in some instances, they do find out about external issues, and have been known to use them to cover departmental problems. I hope this is not the case for you.

Cant be. I spent a year as a "probationary" officer a few years back when I first came on. During that time you are not a member of the Union and can be terminated "at will". Plus, we have a VERY good history of civil lawsuits to get our jobs back.

It also helped that I was friends with my background investigator from before the war.

:)

Just wanted to say that this thread has been particularly helpful in helping me to understand my own behavior.

Bob

Thank you, Bob. I am very glad that I am not the only one who has benefited from this thread!

Any news on this?

Well, in the spirit of creative problem solving that add people are apparently famous for, my suggestion is that if you do get fired because cops aren't allowed to have ADHD, then you should become a criminal. It stands to reason that because you were on the "right" side of a badge for so long, you'd make an excellent criminal, seeing as how you would know how to outsmart the police.

You'd also be getting revenge on those who cheated you out of a lawful job by making them look bad. If you go on a crime spree and they can't do **** all because you're smarter than them, they get bad publicity. You get free stuff, cash, and notoriety for your criminal stuff, as well as the satisfaction of seeing those who fired you get thrashed in the press.

2 birds, one stone, you win.

Um... Ok, no. I dont need a badge to do whats right. I would try to do the right thing regardless. The ADD is not the issue with the dept, its the administrative mistakes I have made.

Onthe other hand... maybe it would be fun to dress up in green tights, run around the forest with my merry band, stealing from the rich to give to the poor... I could call myself Robin of the Hood.

Umnothanks.

As far as I go, I have a meeting next week to address the administrative issue. I will then seek to address the ADD issue with a private doctor.

As far as I go, I have a meeting next week to address the administrative issue. I will then seek to address the ADD issue with a private doctor.
While I hope the best for you, I wonder if this might not come back and bite you on the butt (green tights-clad or not)?

That is, if you know that treatment for ADHD is grounds for termination, and yet fail to disclose that you are getting treatment, could that cause problems down the road -- like when it is time to collect your pension, or when you get injured on the job?

Hm. Maybe, I suppose it could. But I guess I will have to cross that bridge if/when I come to it. I am taking everything very slowly and feeling things out as I go. Im being very non-ADD about it and taking calculated steps to A. Get help so I can best serve my people and B. Keep my job intact

Well this thread is a bit ancient now but here goes:

I am self-proclaimed expert in this area. You cannot be a cop and be taking a controlled medication PERIOD. The ADA WILL NOT help you!

Secondly if you tell your Department about it and are either on medication or not - they will definately ask you to be assessed. Why? *Scenerio - your in an officer involved shooting where it's 'iffy'. By some strange act of fate someone finds out about your ADHD'. Now the Department is looking at a negligent hire lawsuit.

My advice - do not say **** to your employer! If you really think it is a problem then quit or ask for a re-assignment.

Piggy, did they really say you would be fired?? Do they understand that ADHD is covered under the American's With Disabilities Act?

While they may not keep you in your current capacity, I really don't think they can fire you.

Piggy,

I don't know if you're still around or not but after what I was reading on another thread about medication for ADHD going into a data base available by law enforcement -- do be careful.

On the other hand a stimulating anti depressant like Wellbutrin might not be a problem -- have to check with folks more knowledgable on the legal aspects than I am.

On the small rant side, it really irritates me that law enforcement can lose their job for this. ADHD covers the whole gammat from very severe to very mild. I would expect that many mild cases are attracted to the police force just for the very stimulation of it and probably do a good job. It not only seems very discriminatory to me but also very foolish to have such a policy in place. Since 15% of the army of ADHD and I'll be the figures are similar for the police force, how much better to let them get appropriate treatment than try to hide it. It seems weird to me that I couldn't get a job with the police force (not that I want one), because of my ADHD. Each person needs to be looked at indiviudally -- not just some catch all diagnosis.

Scattered

I can't understand why you would get fired because of ADD. Mistakes happen, and if you need meds to help keep you on the right track, then why not? If they know about it. I sure would hate to think that my 17yo son couldn't become a police officer if he wanted to just because of his ADD. It makes no since. I hope things have gotten straightened out for you piggy.

It's ok to give Adderall to fighter pilots in the war but not ok for a cop? Seems backwards!

Ah, but the fighter pilots given adderall weren't diagnosed adhd, were they?

I don't get it. What would they rather have, someone honest and says, Hey, I am ADD/ADHD, I take such and such pills to help. Or, them hide it, and something happens, then they say, Hey you didn't disclose all your information. Either way it seems you lose. So not fair.

Ok fine, this thread frustrates me to all hell... 15 years ago I was a 'bad kid'. Well actually I was a good kid I just did a few bad things. Still have a clean criminal record. Note: At least 50% of ADHD kids have comorbid OCD or APD according to most research surveys that I have read. I went on and got a degree relevant to law enforcement and I even worked in probation for a short time. When I was at uni I was intermittently using stims for ADHD. At one point I got confused with the dosages and had a bad reaction - got violent and got arrested and hospitalised in order to detox. Nothing really too serious. That happened about 8 long years ago.

Now when I applied to Australian Police Agencies they asked me to do a whole ****load of assessments. I spent 2/1/2 years doing psychometric, neurological and clinical assessments for the NSW Police at my own expense. Each assessment was favourable and along the lines of "yes has ADHD but is highly functional and can do the job". Now when the police surgeon got these reports he probably cursed under his breath and let out a big sigh. Eventually he was cornered and had to "pass" me on the medical. In the end they just hauled me for an interview and stated that I just "wasn't suited" or "wasn't competative" or some BS like that. The secret police do not even tell you what the problem was unless you litigate and the FOI Act does not help.

I even had the Australian Federal Police tell me over the telephone "you would not be successful in any event so you should not bother continuing the application process". Mind you this came 7 days after submitting my medical records like they had directed. Yes I did appeal but these appeal mechanisms are merely token and don't resolve anything.

Now in Queensland last time I checked they ask you to do a number sequencing task for the police exam. You have to repeat a series of numbers in reverse order 10 seconds after someone reads them out. If you write them down in the correct order you get disqualified for the method you use when writing them down. This is what happened to me. I could recount the number sequence correctly but was not allowed to write it down in my own way. ie. Not allowed to use adaptive techniques to overcome disability. This test is a load of BS because every cop is allowed to carry around a pen and notebook. Asking the dispatcher for a "10-9" is not an unreasonable accomodation either and these sequences to which I refer go way beyond a simple licence plate number or phone number.

Now in the USA things are slightly different. Don't get me wrong - 'same **** different smell.' If they get wind of ADD in yer background then they USE ANOTHER part of the process to disqualify you. In my case they said that because I was arrested for disturbing the peace it was "too much too recent". Nevermind the fact that but for the innocuous over-administration of amphetamine I would otherwise have not come to police attention. In any event the result is the same - disqualification.

I spoke with two labor attorneys about this. They both seemed to think I have a case but because I don't have any money they can't really help me. Catch22? I also contacted the Commission on Peace Officer Standards. They informed me that backgrounds people should really take mitigating circumstances into consideration, be objective and thoughrough when assessing a candidate. This is all in theory mindyou. Reality is totally different. What really gives me S**TS though is that I have really adjusted and reformed to the point where I don't need meds anymore. Now I just have to put up with people telling me I'm so qualified and intelligent and why don't I work as a cop or something... blah blah blah. Before I used to say nothing and hide my secret. Now I just tell people that law enforcement don't hire people with ADHD.

So all you people out there who keep posting crap like 'I don't see a problem' or 'I don't understand why a Department would'... PLEASE STOP! It insults my intelligence and yours! Real world works differently. Let me put it another way if you are still struggling: Department hires cop with history of ADHD (impulsivity)... cop shoots oris accused of roughing up a suspect... suspect's family subpeona police file .... suspect's family sue Department for negligent hire etc.

Take this story and learn from my errors. Don't run off and do a postgrad degree in law enforcement or related field if you have ADHD! If you do, do not expect to get an equal opportunity and do not expect to have any legal rights!

Heya Piggy,
I worked for the Prosecutor's Office, last year, and it took my going to a disciplinary hearing, to get my butt in gear..
That's when I decided to go back on my meds, swallow my pride and bring my 'ADD letter' to work and stay on my meds/psychotherapy.

It's not a guarantee that it'll save your butt if you're argumentative, or do not understand the chain of command in your field, and don't make the effort of double checking your work (I think you know what I'm talking about) but if you stay on the meds, they'll help with that.

Hope I helped a little, and best of luck to you. (0:

Nova