Careers: Police/Prior Drug Use

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/10/2007


Question
I am applying to all agencies to become a police officer, However I have used
drugs in the past, Marijuana is one that I used most the others were used
Experimentally....It has been over 8 years since....Do I even have a chance or
shall I reconsider my dream?

Answer
Mar:

 It will depend on how much you used as well as what the local agency policy is on drug use, as well as the state you are applying in.  Some recreational use is allowed, but hard drugs (cocaine, LSD, mushrooms) will typically get you DQ'd right away;  there are some waivers, but not many when it comes to that sort of thing.  Best thing to do is check with the state you are trying to get hired in;  most of the time the state, not the agency, determines what the policy is.  Of course, the agency may enact stricter standards than required by the state itself.

Best of luck,

Jason

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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).

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.