Expert: Jason Grabill - 6/18/2009

Question
Hello,

I have yet another drug question, but this one is specific to the Baltimore City Police Department. I figure since you have worked with Maryland Law Enforcement, you might have some clear answers.
I took the police test about a month and a half ago, passed, and was told I should hear something in a week or two. I have not received a letter or phone call since the test. I'm not sure if I have been DQed, or just on a waiting list. Here are some of my theories of what is holding me back.
As far as drug ues, I put down that I used marijuana 10 times in a 5 year span. This number probably exceeds the actual number of times I have smoked marijuana, but since I do not know the actual number, and they wanted specifics, I chose 10. I've read previously answered questions, and you said that it varies from state to state, but I was wondering if you knew the amount for BPD?
Also, I haven't used any drugs in the past 3 years, but I did answer yes to smoking once while I was over the age of 21. Once again, I'm not even sure if this is accurate, I may have been 20, but I am not sure and did not want that to come back and hurt me on a polygraph test. Could this be an issue?
Also, I used mushrooms twice in high school. I know you said this is an automatic DQ for some states, but once again, do you have any idea with BPD? I have talked to different officers about this, and some say it is a DQ, some say it's not. Once again just wondering if you had any idea?
Lastly, I have a null process on my record from 5 years ago that I thought was expunged. After taking the test, I found out it wasn't. I have since contacted the proper authorities, and they said it should be expunged with no problem. I have sent in the paperwork, and am currently waiting the 120 days. I informed the Police recruiting department about this, and they told me that if I did not hear anything before it's expunged, to send them copies of the paperwork once it is expunged.
Sorry for being redundant with some these questions, but since this is for a specific agency, I was hoping you could add some more insight.

Thank you in advance,

Matt

Answer
Matt:

 I think you'll be ok with the marijuana.  I don't see an issue with the over 21 deal as long as it wasn't within the last 3 years.  The mushrooms might very well DQ you however.  MPTC has very strict guidelines on this and you are at, or near, the limit unless it's changed.  Some bigger agencies will overlook it if it hasn't been recent.  I say 'some', BPD may or may not be one of them.

 Everything else sounds ok, and like all of it, it's a waiting game.  They do things on their own time, and two weeks should be taken as a guide and not a hard and fast rule.  However, if you have a point of contact, it won't hurt to call them, just to ask.

Jason