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Careers: Police/Drug use in distant past.

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Expert: - 6/23/2009


Question
Hello,

  I am seriously considering a career change into law enforcement and was hoping you could answer a question for me. I am in my mid-forties. When I was 20 or 21, I was given a substance to try and I am not sure what it was but I was lead to believe it was acid. If, it was acid, it was the first and last time I have ever used that substance. Will that automatically disqualify me from being considered for employment as a police officer? Would that prevent me from being able to be certified by MPCTC as a police officer in MD? I understand there is a lengthy background check and a polygraph test I would have to undergo. I am not concerned with my background as it is clean but, I want to be truthful about my past regarding drug usage and do not want to waste my time nor a law enforcement agency's if I would automatically be disqualified. The only other drug use in my background was marijuana and cocaine. I used marijuana 2 or 3 times back in high school (1979 or 1980) but not since and I tried one snort of cocaine back in 1984 and have never used that substance again. That is my complete background history regarding illegal drug use.

 Thank you in advance for your reply.


Answer
Kevin:

 You *might* still be qualified but it's going to be difficult;  With both Acid and Cocaine, even though it's a one time use thing, most departments will automatically DQ you, due to MPTC requirements.  You *might* try larger agencies such as PG county and Baltimore City, they are sometimes more forgiving for 'experimentation'.  It's worth a try by all means.

Jason

Careers: Police

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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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