Expert: Jason Grabill - 4/5/2008

Question
Hi, I just turned 20 and have a history of drug use. I have since quit and ceased association with former friends and would like to pursue a career in law enforcement. I have used marijuana on multiple occasions (extensivly for a period of time) and experimented with other drugs on several occasions. I also have a DUI from when I was 18. I fully accept the actions of my past and have commited to a better future. I am currently in college and have not used any substance for 8 months, I will graduate with a degree in Law and Society in two years. After 5 years of abstinence from any drug use or other problems and with this degree would it still be possible to pursue this career path? If not, I am considering joining the National Gaurd to further my declaration that I am commited to law enforcement and changing my behavior. If this goes well I will be somewhere around 30, 10 years removed from use, with military experience. Would this help? Is there anything I can do to gain enterance this field given my history? (I had asked William Payne this question and he told me he already answered this for me; however, this is my first time on this site.) Thanks for your time.

Answer
Brian:


 First, and most interesting, William Payne was my first Field Training Officer back when I was a rookie cop almost 20 years ago, thus proving it's a small world.  He and I talk almost every day.  Just a bit of trivia to think about.

 Five years time sounds 'right', but the 'extensive' use of marijuana is going to haunt you for the rest of your life if you are trying to choose a path in law enforcement.  Many states have a 'number of uses' "cutoff" number for lifetime use.  In some states, this is as low as 20 times in your life.  Anything more than that and you are DQ'd from being a law enforcement officer in that state.  "Hard" drug useage in some states, 1 time DQ's you, lifetime.  It doesn't matter how far removed the time is or was.  

 Some states allow a waiver for this if a large amount of time has passed and the person has led a drug free life since then.  

 Military service for sure will not hurt your chances of getting hired, and if you deploy to a combat zone, you'll gain extra civil service 'points' in hiring.  That's a good thing, and will definetely help make you look better come hiring time.  My advice is to continue along with schooling (get that BA or BS degree!) as well as enlist into a reserve component of the military if you are able to do so.  Once at least five years passes, look into the law enforcement career field and see how things are for you.

Jason