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Careers: Police/Youthful experimentation
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Question
Hello Sir!
I am in my early 20's and will soon be graduating from San Francisco State
with a BA in Criminal Justice and a good strong GPA. I also hope to have some
good Air Force experience under my belt. My questions is, when I was a
freshman in college, I experimented with a couple of drugs at parties and
with friends. All of this was only once or twice and they weren't super
hardcore drugs. I realize now it was really stupid, but at the time I was only
18 and thought it would be interesting. Other than that, I've never been
arrested or broken any laws, other than minor things like drinking at parties
before I was 21.
By the time I apply, it will have been 5 years since any experimentation and I
plan to be completely honest about my past experimentation on my
background check. Do you think I will have any chance?
Hannah:
It will depend on what drugs you did and how many times, exactly, you did them. Using some drugs will bar you for life from working in law enforcement.
You've got the right idea, though. Be 100 percent honest with the background and see where it goes from there. All you can do is try.
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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