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Careers: Police/another drug question

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Expert: - 7/20/2007


Question
Jason,
First, thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions and helping out those looking to become law enforcement officers.  Flattery aside, my question dates back to the year 2000 when I applied for a recruit position with the California Highway Patrol.  At the time I was 20 years old and had recently used Ecstasy (a little over a year prior to my application).  Because of the severity of the drug and the recent use I was disqualified at the time of my oral board interview.
Fast forward to last year when I applied to a police department in AZ also as a recruit(a department my friend works at), went through the testing and oral board interview and was not selected.  I am trying to determine whether my background is  what is holding me up, even though that was the only drug I have EVER tried and that was the only occurrence, or am I just not suitable for law enforcement.
I still live in CA and plan on attending a POST academy next year to help my chances of becoming an officer, but would like your professional opinion if I am just wasting my time.

Thank You,
Chris

Answer
Chris:

  These days, departments, despite what they say about hurting for recruits, still have a 'zero defects' mentality, esp. the larger agencies.  The Ex use will quite possibly DQ you no matter what your other qualifications are.   Simply put, just ask your background investigator if that is what the problem is.  

 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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