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Careers: Police/Can I become a Cop?

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Expert: - 4/20/2010


Question
QUESTION: I am 16 and my goal in life is to become a cop. I have no criminal record but for a while I was doing drugs but nothing major. I am wondering if the police force will still accept me if I stay clean.

ANSWER: "Doing drugs" is a pretty broad statement.  That could mean experimental use of marijuana or use of heavy drugs.  

Its hard to say whether you would be hired.  I'm not sure if you aware of this but only about 1% of those who fill out an application actually make to the end of the line and enter the police academy.  There are a variety of reasons.  The first is that many people simply to not have the aptitude to do police work.  Other reasons are lack of ability to write long and concise compositions, physical weakness, lack of the ability to express yourself in correct English, something in your background check that would eliminate you, and finally the polygraph.

So its very difficult to predict who is going to be hired because police departments are very selective and only take the best applicants.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The drugs that I have done is marijuana, cocaine, extacy, the date rape drug and alcohol. I realize that those were bad choices and have since been clean and healthy. My goal is to become a cop and will do what ever it takes to become one. I also have friends in the police field but I dont know if that would help me get in. I have seen the bad that happens in this world and I want to help stop it. Should I keep on my path to become a cop or find another career choice?

Answer
Well its impossible to predict what is going to happen in five or six years when you are old enough to apply to become a police officer.  But your use of what is called "heavy drugs" will not work in your favor.  But then again it might not hurt you.

Having thousands of police departments each with its own hiring standards makes it impossible to predict an outcome  But drug use leaves you open for blackmail while in a position of authority.

Careers: Police

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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