I've seen a few topics on ASD/Asperger's and law enforcement as a career path, and thought I'd share my views. I've been a policeman for eight years here in Australia. I've only been recently diagnosed with ASD/Asperger's at age 42, so I can't comment on how disclosure would affect recruitment. Most of my colleagues I would describe as introverted eccentrics with hearts of gold. The police is full of 'strange cats', as when you go to work as a police officer, you enter a 'wrong planet' for all concerned. You're traits are likely to be appreciated and your different ways of seeing things will be appreciated. You 'act out a role' to cope in many police duties, as you have always done in life generally, so you may find yourself more capable than others with years of practise behind you. The uniform is your outward identity and a kind of suit of armour. You can be as different as you like inside that uniform (within reason), but your black and white attitude to 'truth' will be your foundation. The rule of law provides structure, as does the relaxed paramilitary organisation that you work in. After a couple of years, you can specialise (crime scene, investigations, analyst, etc) and become an expert. As far as interpersonal skills are concerned, you don't socialise with crooks and victims, do you?. The formality of your speech, and a general lack of expression is expected, and widely seen by most in the community as 'professionalism', but you show compassion when it's due or needed. It's not difficult really. If you have to deliver a death message or receive a domestic violence victim with a broken face, there's little chance of missing communication 'cues', is there? There's not a lot of chit chat in policing really. People want to make a complaint, and receive reason a reasonable, mature response and action in return. Crooks are apprehended, processed, and sent to court - no need to be mates with them. There's a lot more here that I can mention, but I just wanted to flag how policing can be suitable for 'some' Aspies....It is challenging and consuming though, and I find that when I'm not at work, I'm generally alone in my solitude, and recharging my batteries (and lost in my non-policing 'special interests'). Cheers.
18 Sep 2015, 9:42 pm
