Expert: Jack Toomey - 1/2/2010

Question
Mr. Tooney, I know you've received these kinds of questions a lot, but i know you're also patient with answering them.

Anyway, I've been looking for a change of career and was considering law enforcement. However, a month before I turned 21 I was convicted of a minor consuming alcohol charge. Where I live, crimes of moral turpitude are a disqualifier. Does an MCA fall under that?

Another disqualifer they have is marijuana use within the last three years. The last time I smoked was about six weeks ago, as at the time I didn't have any aspirations of duty. I have no desire to smoke it again, but was wondering if I should wait a few years before applying just to be safe. Basically, would I be better off waiting to apply when I have better chances? Or would applying a second time after being rejected a first time not hurt my chances any?

How stringent are the medical standards, in general? I know I have a few issues (latent tuberculosis (which has been treated), asthma (pretty much gone), high blood pressure, and a possible kidney abnormality (never had it checked into)) that could keep me out of the military. Other than a bad right knee from wrestling, I am physically capable, the bad knee doesn't keep me from doing anything, just feel a dull sensation sometimes.

Is there a way to find out my city's medical standards?

Answer
Chris,

The thing that most of my customers do not understand is that there are thousands of police departments in this country and every one of them has different hiring standards.  What might be true on Department #A could not be true on Department #B.  So to try to answer most of these questions about prior indiscretions are impossible because of the different rules, etc.

I'd be the last person to tell you what to do with your life.  But if the particular department that you are interested in does have the rule about marijuana then you will be turned down.  If you are untruthful (not saying that you will be) you will be tripped up on the polygraph and never work in law enforcement anywhere.

MY department will allow a candidate to apply a second time but most of the time the candidate is turned down.  Again this only applies to MY department.

Your medical issues sound more than trivial.  Most departments perform a routine physical followed by a strenuous physical test.  High blood pressure is of a particular concern.

I'd say that medical standards are a matter of public record since you are the one applying for the job.  It sounds like you have not even applied yet so when you do you should be given a copy of the medical standards.  You should be able to find out now by simply going to the police department and asking for a copy.