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Careers: Police/Possible disqualifier for DEA
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Question
In 2004 I chewed on a few coca leaves. I did not know it was illegal but now realize that it was. It was just the once. No other drugs whatsoever. Do you think this isolated incident would disqualify me with the DEA? Would a local or state PD disqualify based on this isolated incident? Any help or advice would be surely appreciated! :)
Adam,
I don't know if you would be disqualified at a particular Police Department other then the one I work at and I can say all things being equal between you and another candidate you would not be hired. It is a simple matter if both candidates are equally qualified, however, one has this sort of blemish on his record the Department is more likely to go with the candidate with the unblemished record.
I don't know what the DEA policy is, you'd have to contact someone that works with the DEA.
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Answers by Expert:
Eric Potts
Expertise
I am a Veteran of The United States Army where I served as a Military Police Officer for 6 years and have been a Municipal Police Officer for 20 years. I am a certified Arson Investigator, as well as a certified Community Police Officer. I am a DARE teacher in the local schools. I am a Defensive Driving Instructor and worked for years as a Detective specializing in White Collar Crime. I'm qualified to answer general law enforcement questions, general procedure questions (all departments have different rules and regulations. I can answer questions about how to become a law enforcement officer, and questions that might help someone understand why an officer acted a certain way. I am also a Police Suicide Awareness trainer and a member of the NJ Critical Incident Response Team. PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME ANY QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO SWAT-I AM NOT QUALIFIED TO ANSWER THEM AND WILL REJECT THOSE QUESTIONS.
Experience
I have 27 years total Law Enforcement experience in a wide range of areas. I have worked as a Detective and a Patrolman and have made well over 2,000 arrests in my career.
Education/Credentials
Graduated from the United States Army Military Police School
Basic Law Enforcement Training
Arson Investigators School
DARE Officer Training
Interview and Interrogation School
Police Suicide and Awareness Trainer
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