Law Enforcement and the Aging Process

The authorisation separation clause, or forced retirement at a certain hop on for police officehageds was officially upheld in 1996, as the lobbying efforts of the Fraternal Order of Police were successful in pleading their case. The sort out argued that mandatory separation should be enforced because of the physical requirements of the position.They believe that an officers ability to physically meet the demands put his or her personify at a certain age naturally diminish, which places the officer in imminent danger. Jim Pasco, the FOP music director, averd that Its non only harder to put up yourself, but think of the very strenuous nature of, for example, the foot chase. (Kennedy, 2007)The director did admit, however that not all police plane sections choose to enforce mandatory separation based upon officers reaching a certain age, as some(prenominal) departments believe its harder to recruit new officers and expensive to train them. (Kennedy, 2007)Pascos comments wer e in response to the November 2007 fatal shooting and cobblers last of Broward, Floridas placeholder Paul draw rein, age 76. many another(prenominal) believe that the deputys death could pee been prevented had the department enforced the mandatory separation policy state and local rectitude enforcement agencies are allowed when an officer reaches a certain age. composition dishonoring a convicted ramp uped robber to stand trial in some other location the inmate gained control of the deputys resurrect arm and fatally shot the officer.Deputy Reins daily duty was to transport inmates between secure locations and according to the department this was a duty older officers could handle. Rein was considered safe, as he transported the prisoners while riding in a secure fomite that contained a locked cage. Fellow officers however reported that they viewed Rein let the accused inmate out of a medical vehicle prior to his death, which put the officer in danger and violated depart ment policy. (Kennedy, 2007)Though most workers are protected by strict federal laws prohibiting variation based on age, there are some exceptions to the sway. The Age dissimilitude Act of 1967 (ADEA) is the federal organisations security to employees over the age of 40 that work for a regulated employer. (Pellicciotti, 1991)The ADEAs laws are not limited to those who hold a current position these laws also support protection during the hiring process, salary increases, promotions and more. State and local government employees are excluded from more than of the ADEAs protection, as the government is not considered a regulated employer.Those workers are protected by the EEOC, which enforces the same discrimination laws. Extreme limitations are placed on the accomplished servant the state and local law enforcement officers and fire fighters, due to the demands of the position and taking into consideration the fact that age may limit an officers ability to perform. (Pellicci otti, 1991)Law enforcement officers have limited protection infra the ADEA, as the Act allows the government employer to fail to hire or discharge the law enforcement officers because of age if specific stipulations are met. (Pellicciotti, 1991)The ADEA allows the government employer to branch against law enforcement officers because of age if the action is taken (1) with respect to the employment of an several(prenominal) as a firefighter or as a law enforcement offers and the individual has attained the age of hiring or retirement and (2) pursuant to a bona fide hiring or retirement plan. (Pellicciotti, 1991) The ADEA will protect officers if the retirement option presented to the civil servant is not legitimate.The ADEAs definition of employer also excludes the federal government and, like the state and local government workers, these workers are covered downstairs the EEOC. The federal government established a mandatory separation clause specific to federal law enforcement o fficers, fire fighters and air traffic controllers. to a lower place 4 U.S.C Sec. 8335 (a), (b), & (c) federal workers holding these three positions are needful to comply with the mandatory separation policy established by the federal government and this clause is heavily enforced. (Pellicciotti, 1991)Experts on both sides of the argument represent that the bottom line is employing the best possible law enforcement officers and fire fighters. Many believe that the age limitation is non-existent, as Broward Sherriffs Department spokesman Elliot Cohen verbalize there are different roles that can be filled by individuals of all ages. (Kennedy, 2007) Still, the ADEA allows state and local law enforcement officers to be the exception to the rule however in the case of officer Rein many have once again posed the question is age the best proxy for reaching that goal? (Kennedy, 2007)ReferencesKennedy, K. (2007). Death of Deputy, 76, Raises Age Question. Gefunden am November 9,2007 un ter http//www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D8SQF39O0.htmlPellicciotti, J. M. (1991). Exemptions and employer defenses under the ADEA. Public PersonnelManagement , 20