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Careers: Police/Becoming a police officer and former drug use
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Question
Hi,
I just got back from a Maryland Transit Police Orientation and after completing a form saying that yes, I have done marijuana (3 times in the last 3 years) they informed me that I have to be completely clean for 3 years. Is this true for all Maryland Police Divisions, or just the Transit Authority. I'm looking into Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Howard County. I have read your previous answers on this topic and was under the impression you were allowed "experimental usage" and wanted to see what was going on. Thank you for your time.
Matt:
MDTA has stricter standards, yes. The Md Police Training Commission sets minimum standards, but agencies can modify them 'up' if they so desire. If you've smoked marijuana in the last year, or the last two, then no agency will likely hire you at this point. Even a 'one time' use within the past two years will DQ you from most agencies. Three years or longer is pretty much the standard, and many agencies have even longer time periods.
In essence, yes, 'experimental' useage they will be ok with as long as it's not within 2-3 years.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
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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