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Question
Good afternoon,
I am 21 years old and preparing to graduate in May with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from a small liberal arts University.
I have, for some time, possessed a strong desire to enter the law enforcement field.
I would like to ask a question you have probably received many times before, but as humans we like to have our own answers to our specific situations.
I have smoke marijuana, in the past, probably a total of 5 times. Being as they were spaced out and limited in nature/quantity, I classify this as experimental use only. Do police departments see this the same way?
Most unfortunately, I did take a small puff of marijuana approximately 1 year ago, though it had been many years since I had done it. It was no more than a puff of a cigarette, and something I have quickly come to regret.
Will these incidents injure my chances of becoming an officer within the next year?
Chris:
You were doing good until you took that last hit. That one is going to likely hurt you, but you are still basically OK based on your number of usage times. Be advised, though, that you are fast approaching a threshold where it's going to go from 'experimental' to 'user', and then it won't matter how long ago it was, most departments/state's will DQ you for it.
Just be honest and upfront and go from there. Good luck!
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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