[Joeprep4820]

Originally Posted by plattb1

Rob, most police departments don't screen for D. I previously worked for a municipal police department in SC & personally knew three PWD - two with T1 & one with T2.

I've found that some do, some don't, and many that do allow those to still become or continue to be cops.

[plattb1]

Right, Joe, that why I said "most" don't. As a law enforcement accreditation manager, I had access to tons of law enforcement policies & procedures manuals from all over the US. Most don't screen for D. And, when it comes up in physicals, most don't consider it to be a disqualifier.

[Joeprep4820]

Originally Posted by plattb1

Right, Joe, that why I said "most" don't. As a law enforcement accreditation manager, I had access to tons of law enforcement policies & procedures manuals from all over the US. Most don't screen for D. And, when it comes up in physicals, most don't consider it to be a disqualifier.

Do you know why? I am happy that it is that way, but am curious as to why it is not a disqualifier.

[plattb1]

Mmmm ... no, I can't say that I do know why. Because clearly most of the same worries that DOT would have about truck drivers should apply to patrol cops who spend hours at a time behind the wheel of a patrol car.

It's an interesting question. Maybe they're not organized enough to do it! Or, maybe it's the donuts ...

[CaptainMike]

Add ship captain in the US Merchant Marine to the list of jobs you can't do as an "Insulin dependent diabetic." I'd have to knowingly lie on 3 different forms to "not disclose" the information. I am currently controlled on an ultra low carb diet, (less than 20 grams per day of carbs) and a very high level of exercise (10+ hours per week). I am one of those "skinny" type 2's (maybe 1.5, LADA or something else, but I am fine being categorized as a T2 for now since it allows me to keep working) who don't make much insulin, so in order to keep my career, this is the path I have chosen.

[Newdiabetic]

Currently in the trucking industry, taking oral medications will not disqualify a driver, but closer attention is paid to the physical exam and many do get out immediately when they become insulin dependent.

Same with school bus drivers. Insulin dependence is a NO-GO, even if you have the pump. Our Doctors have to sign a yearly release. He isn't going to put his job on the line. My Doctor told me he doubts very seriously that I will have a problem. I have always pretty much taken care of business. Last year, I healed pretty quickly from a broken hip because of hard work and determination. I wonder if that is when my BG numbers started going up...I was so busy with that and then playing catch up with the rest of my life....hmmmmmm.

[Chef Barrae]

Originally Posted by plattb1

Rob, most police departments don't screen for D. I previously worked for a municipal police department in SC & personally knew three PWD - two with T1 & one with T2.

I was a Emergency 911 Dispatcher for a police/fire/rescue department in a small municipality for years. I do think the medical exam covers diabetes as well as much more. I was working there when I was originally diagnosed with T2 and my chief never batted an eye. In fact, my officers kept my spirits up and became my cheerleaders. They not only helped me stay on track with the T2 but they also helped me quit smoking. I loved my guys. So, I never had a problem with it but I do believe when you are reviewed for hire by a PD your physical includes anything that might prevent you from doing your job properly. Did you have a polygraph and psych test also? It was standard where I worked.

I think that it is important for you to include the info for your drivers license. If you have a problem while you are driving and get pulled over the officer will more likely realize that you are not drunk but suffering from a sugar issue. He will then be able to call for the EMT's much faster. Otherwise, you are likely to find yourself arguing about being drunk or not and wasting time taking a breathalyzer test. It's for your own safety, in my opinion.

[mortis505]

Originally Posted by plattb1

Mmmm ... no, I can't say that I do know why. Because clearly most of the same worries that DOT would have about truck drivers should apply to patrol cops who spend hours at a time behind the wheel of a patrol car.

It's an interesting question. Maybe they're not organized enough to do it! Or, maybe it's the donuts ...

May also be that LEOs have the ability to stop and test/eat once in a while. Whereas long haul truckers cant stop that often.

[Chef Barrae]

Originally Posted by mortis505

May also be that LEOs have the ability to stop and test/eat once in a while. Whereas long haul truckers cant stop that often.

Only if it's a quite shift. That's not always the case though, especially in a small department. Sometimes the officers don't catch a break at all.

[Real4]

Originally Posted by bfitz

Does anyone know of any privacy issues regarding this? I've never had to disclose diabetes for a job. I certainly didn't check the box on my drivers license application. I didn't like the thought of having some restriction and didn't think they had a right to ask. If I thought I was being discriminated against I'd sue, if I thought disclosure would lead to discrimination I'd lie.

I'll refrain from using the words that come to mind.

Using insulin means that you are subject to passing out, sometimes with little or no notice.

That has happened to me once, which I attribute to injecting my longacting into a vein by accident.

I was lucky and was not in a situation where I had responsibility for other people's lives at the time.

It would be totally irresponsible of me to take any situation where I routinely was responsible for people's safety by being alert second by second.

I don't like it, but that's the way it is.

Your have responsibilities whether you like them or not. Children may evade them to a certain extent, but for adults to do so is criminal.

[Joeprep4820]

Originally Posted by Real4

I'll refrain from using the words that come to mind.

Using insulin means that you are subject to passing out, sometimes with little or no notice.

That has happened to me once, which I attribute to injecting my longacting into a vein by accident.

I was lucky and was not in a situation where I had responsibility for other people's lives at the time.

It would be totally irresponsible of me to take any situation where I routinely was responsible for people's safety by being alert second by second.

I don't like it, but that's the way it is.

Your have responsibilities whether you like them or not. Children may evade them to a certain extent, but for adults to do so is criminal.

Not disclosing Diabetes to an employer is completely understandable in my opinion. Employers can exclude you from a promotion or from a special assignment for it and simply say you aren't experienced enough. I would never and have never told my employer or coworkers about it because in my line of work, there is the possibility this would happen.
I was excluded from two positions after graduation, one with the Secret Service and one with the CIA, since neither accept anyone dependent on insulin (two more positions that we cannot do) even though 90% of positions for both of these organizations are desk jobs. Is there a possibility I could pass out? Yes, but no more than the average person. Diabetes is no longer the somewhat unpredictable condition people thought it was 20 years ago, it is 99% controllable, and if it means me not getting a promotion simply because I may be a liability, I'd rather my employers not know.