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Question
Should I switch majors? I am a criminal justice major only in my first year though. I have wanted to be a cop for a long time, however I recently did mushrooms. I'm only 18 and i have absolutely no desire to do this again. I have read that this is an auto DQ in most places. Since I'm only a first year should i switch my major if I'm going to be DQ'd because of this? I don't want to get spend all the money on getting a CJ degree only to not be allowed because of one time use of mushrooms at the age of 18.
Thank you, Jason
Doing mushrooms was stupid, my friend. And, that pretty much permanately DQ'd you from law enforcement work.
There are some agencies that will overlook this, but you are correct. You'll have a tough time getting hired in most places because of this. While the rules may not seem fair (in some cases they aren't) they are pretty much set in stone and aren't likely to be changed.
I would have advised changing your major to something else, anyway, since a CJ degree limits your career possibilities after law enforcement. Business, journalism, English, there are many majors that you can do alot with and will help you in finding employment anywhere.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
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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