Expert: Jason Grabill - 8/21/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi, i'm 33 yrs old and consdiering a career move into law enforcement. I have background issues that i think will prevent me from getting hired....only that i'm not sure if the issues will get me hired. My concerns are:

I was terminated from employment five and half years ago for bad mouthing a female co-worker.
I was arrested when I was 17 for burglary, but was never charged, I was realeased to my parents.
Last time I smoked pot was back in 1998 on my lunch break where I was working at the time.
I have in the past, have gotten into verbal arguments with co-workers.
I have a G.E.D, but went back to get my diploma,so I recieved my diploma late (1999)
I did recieve an associates degree in 2003 and am in the process of a Bachelors.
I have excellent credit and a good work record where i've been the past 5 years.
My question is, do I stand a chance of getting hired in law enforcement?

ANSWER: Hill:

  Never too late to start, but there will be questions about your background.  The termination and drug useage may be the issue, esp the drugs during work hours.  It also depends on how much you smoked, lifetime.  Many agencies have strict policies that will automatically DQ you if you've smoked more than several times.

 It's always worth a shot no matter what!  Give it a go.  THe worst that can happen is you'll be told 'no'.

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you SGT, your input was well recieved, I really appreciate your candid response. I've only smoked pot a total of three times in my lifetime, and like i said, the last time was about 10 years ago back in 1998, I've tested with the san francisco police dept, and I was never DQd, I was placed on the list, which expired last year.
ANSWER: No problem!  If that is it, then by all means go for it!!  I think you should re-apply.

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks again Sgt, the only major thing I was concerned about was my termination 5 years ago(bad mouthing a female employee falls under harassment). I know for a fact the company won't disclose that info, and chances are, the Background ivest won't be able to determine I was fired, but I really do want to be up front about everything in my life at this point!

Answer
That one *may* be an issue, and you will have to disclose it, but you are better off in the long run if you do.  As long as there have been no further instances of things like this, you should be ok.  Prepare to do some lengthy explaining, of course, but I think it's still worth trying.

Jason