Thread: How does height affect your job?

Hopefully this is in the right place. I've wondered a lot lately about how much height may make a LE job more difficult. I'm a five foot eight male, about 170 pounds, putting me at the shorter end of the people spectrum (however, I can lift about 100 pounds over my weight). I was just curious how many "shorter" officers are on here and would like to know if your height makes the job any more difficult than it already is? Or is it not really an issue? Just seeking some input from those with experience.

I think it's the opposite. I think there are too many officers who are short that overcompensate for their shortness... ala short-man syndrome.

Other than that, I don't see it as much of a problem. If you're short but you have good muscles, a nice V-shaped torso, and good verbal judo, you shouldn't have a significant difference than a giant officer. Or you can get your uniform shirt tailored so that they appear tight around your biceps.

I don't the height really comes in to play all that often. Its the manner in which you present yourself which makes the difference when getting people to respond in the manner that you want. Always project that you are the one who is in control of the situation. If you are sure of yourself and speak with a steady,clear authoritative voice you can control most situations.Quick thinking will get you out of a dangerous situation a lot faster than height,muscles or quick fists.

I'm 6-6, and I've noticed some back issues from getting in and out of the car so often. But, it may have nothing to do with height.

Checker--

I check in at just under 5'10, and weigh around 205 most days. Granted, I spend a couple minutes here and there in the gym. I think statistically I fall right into the middle of the pack for height, although it seems to me that everybody else is taller. However, I have yet to notice anything job-related where it has negatively impacted me. In fact, I have an advantage over the 6' plus guys--I can drive every car in our fleet and be perfectly comfortable. The only time I notice shorter guys having problems is when, as Johnny said, they have an obvious case of little man syndrome, and their personalities cause situations to escalate that otherwise wouldn't have.

If you step out of your car at a location and look and act like you're in charge, are totally professional, and look like you can handle your business, then nobody's going to notice your size. They'll see the badge and the uniform and you might as well be 6'6 in their eyes. As per one of my favorite movie lines of all time: Power perceived is power achieved.

I'm 6'3 230. I'm sure my size intimidates some but not always so I don't rely on it to prevent problems. There's always somebody bigger and not everybody is intimidated by somebody bigger than them.

Height isn't that big of an issue. Don't sweat it. Besides the taser is a great equalizer.

Good to hear these things. I'm glad the car may be more comfortable too...except for the fact that it can't be too comfortable sitting on a utility belt all day/night. At least now I don't have to worry about stuffing my shoes with paper or anything crazy like that now .

Originally Posted by checker

Good to hear these things. I'm glad the car may be more comfortable too...except for the fact that it can't be too comfortable sitting on a utility belt all day/night. At least now I don't have to worry about stuffing my shoes with paper or anything crazy like that now .

Except that you will have to sit on a phone book to see over the dash....

I'll pipe in I'm 6 foot 140, and I don't physically fit in my issued chevy s-10 the way the computer and crap is put in the truck/car I can't move the seat and I keep rocking my knee on the laptop. We're gunna have a meeting and I think we're going to RPG the car. I also found people like to think I'm a pushover because I'm very skinny. So I've become good at using verbal commands and talking my way around problems because scrapping with someone two bills isn't fun.

I'm six foot three. This week we were searching a house and I went into a closet that a shorter agent was searching. He asked if I could hand him a chair from in the room so that he could look at the upper closet shelf. I told him that I could see it fine, and there was nothing there.

Im 5'8 190lbs. I've never had any issues with height. As long as you know how to handle yourself (verbally and physically) you will not have any problems.

Originally Posted by Group 9

I'm six foot three. This week we were searching a house and I went into a closet that a shorter agent was searching. He asked if I could hand him a chair from in the room so that he could look at the upper closet shelf. I told him that I could see it fine, and there was nothing there.

We have an officer who is maybe 5'6 if he stands up really straight... the other guys give him crap and say would you stand up when you're talking to us!

Originally Posted by checker

Hopefully this is in the right place. I've wondered a lot lately about how much height may make a LE job more difficult. I'm a five foot eight male, about 170 pounds, putting me at the shorter end of the people spectrum (however, I can lift about 100 pounds over my weight). I was just curious how many "shorter" officers are on here and would like to know if your height makes the job any more difficult than it already is? Or is it not really an issue? Just seeking some input from those with experience.

Dude, you're still about three inches taller than me. I've taken some crap in the past nine years (more good natured stuff from my own colleagues than anything else). When I was in uniform I've found booster seats in my cruiser, step-stools, etc... I've even been asked by a skell or two, "What are you gonna do about it Tiny?" Those are the guys that are doubly embarassed when they get it handed to them by the 'little cop' and then go to jail. I've been called 'little buddy' on details (I always end up getting paired with some enourmous partner) and I never take it the wrong way. All in good fun. It has never made the job any more difficult for me, and I never used it as an excuse not to get in the middle of something. Once the big guys realize you can bring it with the best of them, it makes no difference. If anything, it has taught me not to take myself too seriously. If you can laugh at yourself, you'll get your feelings hurt a lot less and make more friends on the job.

On a side note, my former girlfriend is an NYPD cop in a tough precinct. She comes up to about my shoulder. She's a total pro, but no one doubts she will kick your a** if it comes down to it. There is no part of the job she can't do, irrespective of size.

5'8" and 165 here. I have no problems with any cars in my fleet and am confortable in all. I will just piggyback on what some others have said about verbal commands, controlling the scene, etc. I have had a couple scraps with bigger guys, but each time they have lost. Keep yourself physically fit and practice your verbal judo, defensive tactics, and command, and you will be fine.

To chime in on this, I'm 6'3" @ 270.
In my experiences, it seems to drunk guys or dopers gravitate to thinking they can kick my .....!!
I'm a mellow, quiet guy. I'm more the diversion.
My shift loves to go into a situation with me due to ~ the perp will be looking at me just before being laid out by the Def. Tact. "Little Guy" Officer.

You'll be fine. Know your abilities and capabilities. Always know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it - as it needs done. "They don't pay me to fight fair, only to win".

Peace