Hello, I am really hoping to become a police officer and was hoping i could find some answers here for a few questions i had. I want to make sure i do everything i can to make my dream of becoming an officer happen.

1. I am a 5'2 female, i weigh 125 lbs and I am fit and healthy. Would my smaller size make me look like a "joke"? How much harder would it be for me to become an officer? and how would i be treated by other officers and criminals?

2. I am hoping to eventually go into K-9 or Mounted. How competitive are those two areas exactly? I am located in Long Island, NY if that helps.

3. I have a GED but i am planning on continuing my education and getting my four year degree in Criminal Justice. I have never been arrested or gotten in trouble in any way. I have never done any drugs. I worked with a Search and Rescue agency as a K9 handler and Ground Pounder for 2 years and after 6 months was made a team manager. Although i have spotless records and i am continuing my education, i am worried my GED will make it harder for me to get in. Will it make a difference that i have a GED and not a HS diploma?

Thank you in advance for any replies.

1. Your height would not disqualify you. If you are in shape, you should be fine. Become as fit as possible! Other officers can find a reason to give you a hard time if they want to! If you are a good recruit, and then officer, it would likely be mostly in jest. Some criminals will use what they can to intimidate you, and capitalize on what they perceive as a weakness. Don't let them!

2. K-9 and mounted can be very competitive!

3. Having a GED as opposed to a high school diploma would not make a difference (especially if you have a college degree from an accredited school).

Good luck! Keep us posted, and let us know if you have any other questions.

I WOULD PREFER TO BE TALLER BUT DON"T LET YOUR HEIGHT HOLD YOU BACK!

Go for it! Think positive, and don't take any crap!