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Expert: - 2/1/2008


Question
Jason - you seem to be in the MD/DC area and familiar with the agency process. Can you tell me if Maryland agencies determine elibibility based on open, honest history or if they base eligibility based on State mandates soley  as is stated in this mandate....
www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/12/12.04.01.19.htm

Specifically if an individual tried powdered cocane twice since the age of 21 but are applying to an agency  twenty years after the fact???


Answer
TW:

 They go with the COMAR.  While the commission will look at a waiver (see section 'G' in the article), it's up to the agency to submit, with complete documentation requested, the request for same.  I have never heard of an agency doing this (that doesn't mean it's never happened, I'm just not aware of it).  The reason they wouldn't?  There are plenty of applicants for each position, and unless you bring some sort of very special, unusual, or highly desired qualification to the table that they want, it's a gamble for them because the commission may, even with the documentation, STILL deny the applicant.  

 While you state your use was 'twice since 21, twenty years after', it doesn't fall within the 'experimentation' section since not only was it cocaine, it was after age 21.   That's not one strike, but two.  This will be an extremely difficult obstacle to overcome, and most agencies (not saying all...but most) will DQ you as a matter of policy based on the COMAR, without much of a thought.

 I'm not a big fan of 'zero defects' mentality in regard to things like this, the COMAR was revised and actually made looser in 2004 with the appeals process.   Still, that doesn't help your situation.

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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