Expert: Jason Grabill - 11/3/2011

Question
I was recently honorably discharged from the Army for an entrapped nerve from a hernia surgery done by the army. I am i good shape and will have no problem what so ever passing any PT tests. With that being said I have used marijuana but not since 16-17 I am now 23. I have never had any encounters with the police and never have been pulled over or received any citations. But when I was younger I was adapted and put on a medication for ADHD and depression and put into a group home after issues with my adapted family after my biological mother died. Since the age of 16 I have not been on any medications and have had no further problems. During the process of leaving my adopted family I was put into a treatment center when I was 13-14 (pretty much my adopted family didn’t want to help me through my loss). If I am upfront with all of this should I have a problem of becoming a LEO? Also, if my juvenile medical records are sealed to I by law have to divulge this information? I plan on telling them anyways I am just curious.  I just want to see if I should even try and join I do not want to waste any BI time or mine. Thanks in advance for your response.

Answer
Matthew:

 I don't see any of this as a major issue overall.  And, no matter if records or sealed or not, that's only to prevent 'the public' in general from seeing or knowing about them.  When you do the background, you'll sign a release allowing the PD to GET those records.  So, if you don't divulge the information, when they find it, you'll get disqualified immediately.  

 If you haven't had any issues since basically you were a kid, it's worth trying.  I don't see anything jumping out at me that would 'auto-DQ' you right away.

Best of luck!

Jason