October 21, 2010 Ohio auxiliary officer wants age limits lifted www.privateofficer.com
ELYRIA OH Oct 21 2010 — Elyria resident Raymond Shepherd said he has always thought about being a police officer and now — at the age of 36 — he would like the opportunity to see if he can make that dream come true.
His only problem: He is too old to take the qualifying Civil Service exam. The age cutoff is 35.
Raymond Shepard wants to be an Elyria police officer but finds himself over the age limit.
Shepherd, an active reserve National Guardsman and Elyria auxiliary police officer, would like to see the requirement changed to give him and others in his age range the chance to serve in Elyria.
“I just want the opportunity to test for the job,” he said. “Testing doesn’t guarantee me a job, but let me try for it just like anyone else.’’
Shepherd took his concerns to City Council on Monday night and urged Council members to change the rule in advance of the next test.
“I don’t think there should be an age limit,” he said. “That’s age discrimination. As long as you can pass the physical agility test, you have proven that you are up to doing the job.”
Shepherd also pointed out the age limit to enlist in the Army is now 42.
Councilwoman Mary Siwierka encouraged Shepherd to plead his case in front of the Civil Service Commission. While only three members strong, the commission has the power to alter set requirements without legislative action by Council.
“They are a very powerful group that decides a lot of things pertaining to city personnel matters,” she said.
Shepherd will have some time before the next test.
Civil Service Commission rules dictate entrance exams are given every two years. A test was given in 2009, so another one will not be given until 2011, said Becky Stewart, secretary for the Civil Service Commission.
The current eligibility list has 19 candidates on it so when the Police Department begins hiring again, those individuals will be evaluated and interviewed first. Not that just making the eligibility list is enough to become a police officer.
In addition, applicants must pass a drug screening, physical fitness agility test, extensive background, credit and psychological tests as well as be available for face-to-face interviews with city officials.
Police Chief Duane Whitely said he will look into when and why the age requirement was added to determine eligibility. He said he cannot argue for or against changing it until he learns more.
Shepherd said he would have taken the test when it was given in 2009, but he was in Iraq on a 10-month tour with his National Guard unit. Upon his return, Shepherd joined the auxiliary force. For the last 20 years, he has worked at Giant Eagle and currently serves as the dairy manager.
“I just wanted to get the experience of being in the community and saw it as a good way to get my foot in the door with the Police Department,” he said. “I’ve lived in Elyria all my life and I want to be an Elyria police officer. Elyria would always be my first choice.”
Shepherd sought to take the entrance exam in Lorain, but learned the age requirements to become a police officer are similar to those of Elyria. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and not yet 35 years old.
Source:Chronicleonline
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