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Careers: Police/Drugs will it disqualify

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Expert: - 7/20/2011


Question
Jason, I have used/tried drug in the past; marijuana (less than 10-12 times). Cocaine, hash and mushrooms (once or twice).  This took place over a one or two spread in 1983-1984(have not use since). In fact the time I was drunk was at my bachelor party in 1994 .Since then I severed honorably in the military for more than 27 years both active and reserve (will retire soon) found God ,gotten married and had two kids.  I am tiring to become a police officer; fulltime or auxiliary will this hurt my chances.   Thanks

Answer
Since it was long ago,  you might stand a decent chance.   However, some agencies automatically DQ you for 'one time use' of certain things such as Cocaine.   The best advice I can give is to give the application a try and see what happens.

(Sorry for the delay I was out of town since last Wed...)

Jason

Careers: Police

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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