Expert: Jason Grabill - 11/28/2009

Question
My name is John Sullivan, I'm 19 years old, and I just had a question about whether my past history will affect my becoming a police officer. I understand you probably get this question a lot, but I'm hoping my situation will be a little bit different.  When I was 16, I used LSD once (Not lying, only once!); however, many places say "any hard drug use disqualifies." It will have been at least 5-8 years since this time, that I will apply for the job.  On top of that, I also used marijuana (once a week mostly, sometimes less) up until that time I used LSD (I decided I was done experimenting, thought it was dumb). I was in a kind-of-bad bad accident recently (no one hurt, my car really screwed up) that was my fault technically, but was impossible to avoid (person turning left and stopped, wet road, sharp curve, wasn't even really speeding).  I have recieved two tickets (one for the accident, one for not stopping completely at a stop sign). This probably looks like an absolutely horrible application, so I'm wondering if I should even bother.  On the plus side, I will have a bachelors degree in Psychology from William and Mary, I keep myself fit, and there are many other volunteer activities I am involved in (at hospital, random events that become available).  Is it possible that the goods (i will add many more if they can) balance out the bads? Sorry this was so long :/

Answer
John:

 The tickets aren't as big a deal as the LSD.  Many states automatically DQ you for just one use of that drug.   Your Marijuana use, if over a long period or more than a dozen times, in some states is considered 'habitual' and will also DQ you.  

 Depending on what state you are looking at, you will have an uphill climb.  Still, I encourage you to apply, because some states are, as I said, more lenient than others.   Make sure you FULLY disclose all use that you've done, and let the chips fall where they may.

Jason