Law Enforcement Testing Guide

Pursuing the Badge:
Color Vision in Policing

From identifying a fleeing suspect’s clothing to processing complex crime scenes, color plays a vital role in law enforcement. However, department policies vary wildly. Learn how agencies distinguish between mild and severe color vision deficiency (CVD) and how it impacts your path to the academy.

Why Departments Test Color Vision

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Suspect & Vehicle Identification:
Broadcasting accurate descriptions over the radio (e.g., “White male, red shirt, fleeing in a green sedan”) is critical for perimeter containment.
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Evidence & Scene Processing:
Officers must distinguish blood from other fluids, identify chemical hazard placards, and recognize distinct pill/drug colors.
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Traffic & Signal Operations:
Directing traffic requires accurately reading traffic lights, tail lights, and hazard flares in low-light environments.

Field Task Color Reliance

Breakdown of everyday patrol tasks where color perception acts as the primary visual cue.

The Academy Medical Pipeline

Unlike the military, policing is highly localized. While the initial screening is almost universally the PIP test, the secondary testing process determines if your CVD is mild enough for sworn patrol duty.

1. Department Physical Exam

Initial Ishihara (PIP) test administered by the agency’s occupational doctor.

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If Failed: Further Evaluation Required

Applicant is flagged for a color vision deficiency.

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2. The Farnsworth D-15 Test

Used by most major departments (like LAPD/NYPD) to distinguish mild from severe colorblindness.

PASS D-15 (MILD)

FAIL D-15 (SEVERE)

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Cleared for Sworn Patrol

Applicant has mild CVD but can functionally distinguish major colors. Academy process continues.

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Disqualified from Patrol

Applicant is disqualified from sworn duties. May be redirected to civilian roles (Dispatch, Records, Cyber).

Practical Testing Waivers: Some smaller or rural departments offer a “Practical Color Test” if you fail medical. An officer will take you outside and ask you to identify the color of passing cars or target clothing.

Standards Vary by Jurisdiction

Do not let a rejection from one department end your dream. Law enforcement standards are highly decentralized in the United States.

🏢 Local & City Police

Most Flexible: Many major cities (e.g., NYPD, LAPD) accept the Farnsworth D-15. If you have mild CVD, you can usually become a city cop.

🚔 State Troopers / Highway Patrol

Moderately Strict: State agencies often require better visual acuity and color vision than local PDs due to high-speed driving and varied terrain requirements.

🦅 Federal Agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF)

Extremely Strict: Special Agent roles typically mandate strict passage of the PIP test with little to no room for waivers regarding color vision.

Likelihood of Acceptance (Mild vs. Severe CVD)

Candidate Checklist: Before the Background Check

Verify Department POST Standards

Every state has a POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) commission. Check your state’s POST medical manual online *before* applying to see their exact stance on the D-15 or alternative tests.

Do Not Conceal or Cheat

Law enforcement hinges on integrity. Attempting to use color-correcting lenses (EnChroma/X-Chrom) during your medical exam is often grounds for immediate and permanent disqualification for deception.

Ask About the Farnsworth D-15

If you fail the initial dot test, politely ask the medical examiner if they administer the D-15 test. If they don’t have it on-site, ask if you can obtain a D-15 evaluation from a private ophthalmologist to submit to the department.