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Expert: - 11/27/2006


Question
Jason, first I would like to thank you for offering your advice for free.

I plan on joining the police academy. My dilemma is that I don't know if I should tell the truth about my past. I don't want to be untruthful either but I feel that my past will eliminate my chances of ever becoming an officer. What I'm afraid of admitting is that I have tried the following narcotics: marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and meth. I was not addicted to any of the above nor did I sell any of them. I haven't done anything illegal in the last 10 years.

I have a clean record, am educated and have been working in the legal field for the last 10 years. My heart is telling me to become an officer because I know that I can make a difference. Please advise as to what I should do.  

Answer
G:

 Thanks!

Ok, on to the question..the answer isn't good.  In Maryland, any use of cocaine or meth usually disqualifies someone from going to the police academy or becoming an officer.  My suggestion is to check with the state you are in, to see what the policies are.  Some experimental use of some substances is allowed, but not much.  

 The problem with not telling the investigator doing your background, is basically that if you take a polygraph and fail, you are finished with that agency.  And, if you do manage to pass, and they later find out, they can fire you for lying.  

 The 10 year time span is a good thing;  and you 'may' be able to get a waiver if you've had a clean record since then, it will really depend on which state you are trying to become a police officer in.

 Best of luck!
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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