Expert: Jim Pastore - 3/24/2008

Question
I am 40 yrs old. When I was 20 i joined the Navy. I was discharged 3 months later due to my piss test coming back positive for cocaine. In my late teens and early 20's i used drugs. I am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. I have not used any drugs in eight years and I have not had a drink in almost five years. I attend AA meetings. In the last 12 years I have been working in corporate america for fortune 500 companies and have a solid employment record. I have never been arressted for anything and my backround check is clean. I want a career change and want to get into law enforcement. I am wondering if any of the thoings I mentioned would disqualify me. I know they do a poly graph and would answer all the questions truthfully but did not know if the past drug use and that I am a recovering alcoholic ( with years sober now )would disqualify me.... Matt

Answer
Matt,

   I don't know that anything you mentioned would automatically disqualify you from a career in Law Enforcement. Each Department has different entry level qualifications and restrictions. I would decide which Department you intend to apply and go and speak to them. Explain to them your situation and that you don't want to waste their time and would like to know if you would be disqualified by your past. I'm sure they would appreciate honesty and true interest by asking. Good Luck.

Jim