Expert: Dick Rogers - 3/5/2010

Question
In 1996 at the age of 18, I signed up with the Coast Guard.  I passed all my pre entrance physical/mental/drug tests.  Two weeks before I left my friends had a party for me and I smoked marijuana with them, needless to say I did not pass my urinalysis upon arrival. I was given a discharge under honerable conditions and a re4 code.  In the last 14 years I have gotten married, become a father, worked hard and stayed out of trouble. In the last few years I become interested in police work.  I have many friends that are in law enforcement and would like to do my part and make a positive contribution to my community.  My question is,  is it worth it for me to apply, do I stand a chance?  I realize that I made a bad decision as an immature person and I take full responsibility for that, but I feel as though I have grown up and matured.
Thank you.

Answer
Nate, unless my math is bad, you are not good, you are about 31 or 32.  For something that occurred when you were 18 and did not result in an arrest, I wouldn't tack to much on it.  Have you gone to college?  Are there any arrests in your past?  If you have gotten a degree in college and do not have any arrests, you would probably be a shue in.  I would talk with a recruiter for a department and see what they say...I think you would be assured.  Good luck