Expert: Jason Grabill - 6/2/2007

Question
Hey,
 Thanks for becoming an expert to help other people with questions out. I had a few questions about becoming an officer...

I'm 24 years old, when I was 18 I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease, a cancerous disease for which I was treated with chemo and radiation. That last just under 2 years. I've had no problems whatsoever medically since then that would be related. However, during that time I did get involved in smoking marijuana, and only marijuana, if only temporarily.

It's been a long time since I've had anything to do with any kind of drug usage or any 'abuse' including alcohol or anything else that might come to mind.

I've also had traffic violations in the past that have been taken care of.

Since I ended treatment,and was able to finally pick up a normal life of my own, I've become a happily married father and straightened my act accordingly. I was never really 'bad' as far as I know, I just lacked some guidance I think.

Anyhow, my question to you is... How much would these things affect me ever wanting to serve as an officer?
Would these kinds of things disqualify a person typically from consideration? I realize things may differ from area to area, department to department.. but in your experience how does it add up? I've learned a good deal about myself and developed a great respect for Law Enforcement - I would love to serve in LE and give back to my community, but I'm starting to wonder if my youth choices will bar me from any chance to serve.


I've every intention of enlisting in the Army to serve my country there for a time, as well as learning spanish[which is very commonly spoken here in TX], and earning a degree... but I'd hate to push in a certain direction for so long to reach a goal that is unattainable from the start. I'm not worried about being SWAT or anything like that. Right now I'm only interested in being a Police Officer.

Answer
Rob:

 It will depend, really, on how much you smoked when you were a kid.  Most agencies don't have a problem with youthful experimentation of marijuana, but repeated, long term use will get you disqualified.  Minor traffic offenses and other minor juvenile stuff, while an annoyance, do not typically disqualify a person from becomign a law enforcement officer, unless they were felonies, involved domestic violence, or jail time was served.  

 Enlisting into the military would certainly be another option, it would give you a 'leg up' on most civil service tests, as well as credit towards retirement in some agencies.  Certainly worth looking into.

 I would say you have a decent shot at at least getting into the door based on what you've told me.  Not the best possible candidate, but not automatically disqualified, either (unless the marijuana use was long term and not medically related if allowed by your state).

Best of luck,

Jason