Expert: Jack Toomey - 3/27/2010

Question
First off, I would like to say thank you for taking a few moments of your time to answer this question. I am currently 19YO, earning a bachelor's degree in criminology and I have almost completed my first year (still undecided on a minor). My grades are right around a B+ average. I have no convictions or arrests and have never been charged with anything before. Never been pulled over before. My work history is great, I started working in March of 2007 at the age of 16 and am with the same company to this day and plan on staying there through college. I have gone on two ride-alongs so far and am trying to get more involved in an LE agency in my area for any volunteer work that is available. I am also beginning to workout a lot in order to get more in shape and am going to be taking jiu-jitsu over the coming summer. The downside is that I have smoked marijuana 11 times total. The last time being right before my senior year in high school in late August/early September of 2008 (age 17. I currently have about a year and a half since my last use. I have not used anything harder than marijuana. By the time I graduate college in 2013, I will have about 4.5 years since my last use of marijuana. Of course, this is beyond experimental use so I would like to hear your opinion on how I may look as a law enforcement applicant within the next several years to come.

Thank you for your reply, it is much appreciated.

Steve

Answer
Steve,

You look pretty good as an applicant.  Your background should come in clear and I would assume that your references should give good recommendations.  The experimental/sometimes regular use of marijuana won't help you but it probably won't hurt you.  Its impossible to say for sure because every department operates independently of each other.

Just a word of advice. I wouldn't get too involved with the department that you aspire to. Sometimes that sends the wrong message and when it comes time to apply.  If they are asking for volunteers then that is fine but just don't be a nuisance around the station.

I will say this.  You write very well.  You should see some of the trash that I get from people your age who have not yet learned to write in complete sentences.