Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Angie on October 8, 2012 at 10:40pm

Congrads! I've been in law enforcement for 20yrs, and the one thing I know for sure at least in N.Y.C is the one thing that really matter is blue not hair. Walk in and carry yourself with your head up, make sure you show you are very comfortable in your skin without hair. If you carry yourself with confidents, every law enforcement officer of every rank and every civilian will have the highest respect for you and respect is what I think makes or breaks your career.
PS: Confident is the new Sexy.

Did you see the movie G.I Jane? A must see.
Good luck, we are here for you. Keep us posted.

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Permalink Reply by steffie on May 20, 2013 at 4:05pm

Hi Angie. I don't have alopecia but my cousin has totalis. She is applying for the police academy and has made it all the way through the process and is now devastated because she couldn't supply hair for the hair follicle drug test and possibly wont get into the next class if she is not able to grow enough body hair in 4 weeks to give a sample. She wears a wig and is not open about her hair. I am trying to encourage her to not give up and make calls and try to see if they will make allowances for her to have another form of drug testing. Any words of wisdom from your experience in law enforcement?

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Permalink Reply by Angie on May 20, 2013 at 7:14pm

I agree with you 1000 percent. The first thing she needs to work on is getting that fight in her. Make some noise, never go away quietly; I say never go away. She needs that confident, let it start right now! During my time, they did not use hair follicles. Saliva is also use for drug testing. Help her to get that confident! that's what will keep her safe out there. :-)

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Permalink Reply by steffie on May 20, 2013 at 7:51pm

Thanks for your response. I will keep encouraging her.

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Permalink Reply by Bizzo on October 15, 2012 at 2:28pm

When I was in the police academy the guys all shaved their heads so you will fit right in. Angie is right on, confidence is key and let everyone know you are secure with your appearance (even if you have to fake it!). The tac officers will always find something wrong, that's their job, but I don't think they would make an issue out of your AU, there are plenty of other things to pick on like uniform not right, shoes not shiny enough, weapon not clean enough, etc. etc. Study hard, keep up with the classroom work, and show competence with the practical stuff and you will do great.

Do they know about your AU? If so, I would think they wouldn't make an issue of it, they can be jerks but there are some rules to follow. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Angie on May 20, 2013 at 7:15pm

Well said Bizzo! well said.

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