My chances

[max7892]

Hey there, I'm currently 18 years old, couple weeks from 19, and want to be a LEO in the future, after college.
I have done two different drugs:
Marijuana - approximately 7 times from 16-18.
Ecstacy - 3 times from 16-18.

I have never really enjoyed drugs, I've done them mostly because of peer pressure and those were the people that I was hanging out with. I very rarely drink alcohol. Since a few months ago, I don't hang out with those guys anymore.

I plan on hopefully joining a reserve program, and doing other volunteer services. I also don't plan to apply until it's been around 6-7 years from when I last did them.

Do you guys think that I have a pretty tough battle ahead?

[PhilipCal]

Hey there, I'm currently 18 years old, couple weeks from 19, and want to be a LEO in the future, after college.
I have done two different drugs:
Marijuana - approximately 7 times from 16-18.
Ecstacy - 3 times from 16-18.

I have never really enjoyed drugs, I've done them mostly because of peer pressure and those were the people that I was hanging out with. I very rarely drink alcohol. Since a few months ago, I don't hang out with those guys anymore.

I plan on hopefully joining a reserve program, and doing other volunteer services. I also don't plan to apply until it's been around 6-7 years from when I last did them.

Do you guys think that I have a pretty tough battle ahead?

Max, the Ecstasy is going to be a killer. Period. Peer/social pressure,etc, is not an excuse or justification for it's use. The use of Excstasy, even if only once, is an auto DQ with most, if not all agencies in the U.S.

[Seabass34]

Hey there, I'm currently 18 years old, couple weeks from 19, and want to be a LEO in the future, after college.
I have done two different drugs:
Marijuana - approximately 7 times from 16-18.
Ecstacy - 3 times from 16-18.

I have never really enjoyed drugs, I've done them mostly because of peer pressure and those were the people that I was hanging out with. I very rarely drink alcohol. Since a few months ago, I don't hang out with those guys anymore.

I plan on hopefully joining a reserve program, and doing other volunteer services. I also don't plan to apply until it's been around 6-7 years from when I last did them.

Do you guys think that I have a pretty tough battle ahead?

U didn't listen to Officer McGruff? Just say NO to DRUGS!!!!!

U did ecstacy at 16-18 yrs old? Get yourself in the military and let them straighten u out!

[max7892]

Ugh, my heart is dropping as I read that. I'd join the military, but it would probably kill my mother. My twin brother joined and she's still upset about it.

Maybe I can volunteer as a reserve or hopefully a CSO for awhile.

[Sakic]

I have to say, that I know a few officers that have done more than that, and still were hired. You need to stay clean for a few years and just be honest about your drug history when applying. You will be able to find a department that will take you.

I think you will need very good grades and lots of positive extracurricular activities to show that you have turned a corner in your life. Volunteer for some meaningful organizations.

One guy I know with an extensive drug history quit the drugs, found Jesus and began as a dispatcher. He showed that he could stay clean, and eventually made it to the road.

I think a lot of places are looking for at least three years from last drug use.

[max7892]

Thanks Sakic for that reassuring post :)

I was in school band from 6th to 12th grade, got into the "A" band in 12th grade. I was looking to start playing my tuba again :P I just completed 1 year of a community college and want to transfer to a 4 year (the drive to school is killing me, nearly 35 minutes each way). I'll try to do as many extracurricular activities, etc. as I can.

I was wanting to become a dispatcher too, before I tried to apply to an agency.

Looks like I've got a long road ahead, ty everyone who posted.

[District B 13]

You can't just "become a Reserve". There is the same process and standards in place as regulars have.

Your multiple drug uses (yeah, be real) are going to keep you out, especially now.

[ask80]

in reality, don't expect to be hired anytime soon. you have an uphill battle as you will be competing with peoples with cleaner backgrounds.

[ifineed2]

I have to say, that I know a few officers that have done more than that, and still were hired. You need to stay clean for a few years and just be honest about your drug history when applying. You will be able to find a department that will take you.

I think you will need very good grades and lots of positive extracurricular activities to show that you have turned a corner in your life. Volunteer for some meaningful organizations.

One guy I know with an extensive drug history quit the drugs, found Jesus and began as a dispatcher. He showed that he could stay clean, and eventually made it to the road.

I think a lot of places are looking for at least three years from last drug use.


This kind of goes along with the other post/question I posed in a simliar thread, I know a FLEO that admitted to what he had done, led a straight life ever since and got cleared. I'm not sure how often this happens, but something worked for him.

[Sakic]

This kind of goes along with the other post/question I posed in a simliar thread, I know a FLEO that admitted to what he had done, led a straight life ever since and got cleared. I'm not sure how often this happens, but something worked for him.

That's exactly what can happen. They aren't as concerned with what you've done as much as your honesty regarding what you've done. Now, that's not to say that if you smoked crack and then were honest about it, you'd get a job. There are some things that are total DQs.

Everyone makes mistakes, and it would be a pipe dream to think that every cop in the country has never tried drugs.

As long as one can demonstrate a sustained clean history, landing a job shouldn't be impossible.

[ifineed2]

That's exactly what can happen. They aren't as concerned with what you've done as much as your honesty regarding what you've done. Now, that's not to say that if you smoked crack and then were honest about it, you'd get a job. There are some things that are total DQs.

Everyone makes mistakes, and it would be a pipe dream to think that every cop in the country has never tried drugs.

As long as one can demonstrate a sustained clean history, landing a job shouldn't be impossible.

Thank you, that seems to explain a lot to me. I've been following this board for a while now and all I ever hear is how people have no chance, but it's never explained how some people have done a LOT in their past and still get hired. Luckily for me it's not an issue, but I've been very curious how some get hired when people on here say that there is no chance of them getting hired after what they've done. Thanks again Sakic

[DDixon1000]

Max,
You don't have anything to worry about I know good LEO's who did alot worst when they were teens. As I stated on another post I know guys who were ex-gang members who are now cops on LAPD. It's all about what you've done since that time. Most departments will chalk it up to you were a stupid kid. Some departments will give you a hard time but just look elsewhere. Be honest and let them know you changed and you shouldn't have a problem.

[SHU]

Join the coast guard. Be a cop on the water, distance yourself from the drugs and gain some quality experience. At your age, with your very recent and significant drug usage, I don't think you would be a very strong candidate right now. Four years in the coast guard would change things.

[703]

max,

don't get discouraged...I'm one of those many cops that veered towards making poor and stupid decisions when growing up...I experimented with steroids when I was in college...upon graduating, I was turned down by many agencies..the one thing they kept telling me was that time and distance from the last usage was needed...so I joined the marines, served as an officer for 5 years, got married, then joined the DC police department..currently, I'm a detective and been on the agency for almost 8 years, I'm having a good time doing it...presently, I'm in the process to go federal...time is on your side, make good judgements...do something now that will prepare you for later, ie., military, or any other professional environment...earn your merit and try again in the future....many cops have skeletons...the good ones fight through their flaws and most importantly, are honest about it..you'll do fine, just don't screw up again....

[ifineed2]

max,

don't get discouraged...I'm one of those many cops that veered towards making poor and stupid decisions when growing up...I experimented with steroids when I was in college...upon graduating, I was turned down by many agencies..the one thing they kept telling me was that time and distance from the last usage was needed...so I joined the marines, served as an officer for 5 years, got married, then joined the DC police department..currently, I'm a detective and been on the agency for almost 8 years, I'm having a good time doing it...presently, I'm in the process to go federal...time is on your side, make good judgements...do something now that will prepare you for later, ie., military, or any other professional environment...earn your merit and try again in the future....many cops have skeletons...the good ones fight through their flaws and most importantly, are honest about it..you'll do fine, just don't screw up again....

WOW! I was always under the impression that was an auto DQ...goes to show that following the right track will get you where you want to go

[max7892]

Thanks again guys, maybe these post'll help other idiots like me :o, they won't take it as an automatic DQ and they'll live straight lives, etc.

Thanks for the idea of the coast guard, I'll look into it. It shouldn't make my mom freak out too much, and I just signed up to volunteer at a local senior center.

EDIT:

Hmm, I'm looking on the USCG website now, and can't really find any info on this. I just sent an email to a local recruiter. I was wondering if I can become a reserve, go to boot camp this summer, and be back in time for school in the fall.

[StateChamp]

max,

don't get discouraged...I'm one of those many cops that veered towards making poor and stupid decisions when growing up...I experimented with steroids when I was in college...upon graduating, I was turned down by many agencies..the one thing they kept telling me was that time and distance from the last usage was needed...so I joined the marines, served as an officer for 5 years, got married, then joined the DC police department..currently, I'm a detective and been on the agency for almost 8 years, I'm having a good time doing it...presently, I'm in the process to go federal...time is on your side, make good judgements...do something now that will prepare you for later, ie., military, or any other professional environment...earn your merit and try again in the future....many cops have skeletons...the good ones fight through their flaws and most importantly, are honest about it..you'll do fine, just don't screw up again....

Good info. I never done steroids, but what if you had experimented with natural test boosters? These are NOT considered PH's nor Steroids, but I just wanted to clarify if they are at all relevant.

[ifineed2]

Good info. I never done steroids, but what if you had experimented with natural test boosters? These are NOT considered PH's nor Steroids, but I just wanted to clarify if they are at all relevant.

If you were going to claim that taking a natural test booster or even legalized PH boosters like T-bomb etc is a drug, then you'd have to rationally open that thought up to everything sold at every health store. No, they don't consider those drugs unless they've been classified as such by the FDA.

[TPD Cadet]

Thanks again guys, maybe these post'll help other idiots like me :o, they won't take it as an automatic DQ and they'll live straight lives, etc.

Thanks for the idea of the coast guard, I'll look into it. It shouldn't make my mom freak out too much, and I just signed up to volunteer at a local senior center.

EDIT:

Hmm, I'm looking on the USCG website now, and can't really find any info on this. I just sent an email to a local recruiter. I was wondering if I can become a reserve, go to boot camp this summer, and be back in time for school in the fall.

I'm gonna have to say the ecstasy is an auto DQ for the CG. You must remember, we may be a branch of the mil but we are also a federal LE agency.

Aside from the drugs we really aren't actively recruiting these days. Most rates are over 100% and the majority of us Coasties re-enlist after four years. When you have less people leaving than you have coming in, you fill up spots FAST.

Good luck to whatever you do.


If I have done drugs, am I disqualified to join?
Illegal drug use is prohibited in the Coast Guard or any other military service. Prior conviction of illegal drug use may be disqualifying. All Coasties are subject to random drug testing throughout their term of service.


The bolded is in reference to "soft drugs". Again, I am 99% sure that any "hard drug" usage is an auto disqualifier.

[M-11]

Please don't bother the Military, I have enough Drug problems with the kids we have already.

M-11

[ifineed2]

I'm gonna have to say the ecstasy is an auto DQ for the CG. You must remember, we may be a branch of the mil but we are also a federal LE agency.

The bolded is in reference to "soft drugs". Again, I am 99% sure that any "hard drug" usage is an auto disqualifier.

I don't know bout the CG, but I was in the Army long enough to know that the military will let anyone in if they seem like they geniunely do want to do the right thing. Get your head out of your fourth point of contact (airborne joke for those who were paratroopers like myself), straighten yourself out and apply...don't give up man, everyone does stuff they regret. Go earn yourself a bronze star or purple heart...

[TPD Cadet]

I don't know bout the CG, but I was in the Army long enough to know that the military will let anyone in if they seem like they geniunely do want to do the right thing. Get your head out of your fourth point of contact (airborne joke for those who were paratroopers like myself), straighten yourself out and apply...don't give up man, everyone does stuff they regret. Go earn yourself a bronze star or purple heart...

We are not hurting for people. Same reason that it is next to impossible to join the CG if you have any prior DUIs. Because we do not need people, we can be very, very picky. I appreciate that because it means I have to work with less dumbasses.

The Army will probably take you.

Coast Guard? I would be shocked if you got in.

I am sorry if you don't like my reply but I am just being brutally honest.

[DARE_SUPPORTER]

I am so sick of hearing about people that say I have done this Drug, or I have been arrested this many times, or I have so many misd or felony convictions but I still want a promising career in LE.

[TPD Cadet]

I am so sick of hearing about people that say I have done this Drug, or I have been arrested this many times, or I have so many misd or felony convictions but I still want a promising career in LE.

I know, if you really have wanted to be in LE your whole life you would of stopped and thought, "Maybe I shouldn't do this, maybe this will hurt my chances of getting into Law Enforcement". Ive wanted to be a cop my whole life and I basically based my whole life off of "How will this look to the recruiters?"

[Dean27]

We are not hurting for people. Same reason that it is next to impossible to join the CG if you have any prior DUIs. Because we do not need people, we can be very, very picky. I appreciate that because it means I have to work with less dumbasses.

The Army will probably take you.

Coast Guard? I would be shocked if you got in.

I am sorry if you don't like my reply but I am just being brutally honest.

Ok if you can pass a drug test and have a clean record you are good to go, as far a joining the coast guard.

[ifineed2]

We are not hurting for people.

The Army will probably take you.

Coast Guard? I would be shocked if you got in.

Is this your way of saying the Army is sub-par to the CG?

[TPD Cadet]

Is this your way of saying the Army is sub-par to the CG?


Haha, definitely not.

Different branches with different missions. A lot of people try and get into ****ing matches over which branch is "The best" but the way I look at it is that we need all branches for their respective specialities. Ill guarantee you the Army is much better at fighting a war Than the Coast Guard. Just as the Coast Guard is better at maritime LE and SAR.

I am just point out the fact that the Army is actively recruiting and the CG is not. As far as I know we are more focused on getting officers than enlisted. I have had many friends try and get in, only to be turned down by our recruiters before they even had a face to face meeting.


Ok if you can pass a drug test and have a clean record you are good to go, as far a joining the coast guard.


Are your ROs recruiting where you are?

[ifineed2]

Haha, definitely not.

Different branches with different missions. A lot of people try and get into ****ing matches over which branch is "The best" but the way I look at it is that we need all branches for their respective specialities. Ill guarantee you the Army is much better at fighting a war Than the Coast Guard. Just as the Coast Guard is better at maritime LE and SAR.


I totally agree with you, everyone has a mission and its definitely not really worth getting into a "my branch is better than yours" disagreement.

[CJSSA2B]

I did my time in the Army and had a chance to work joint assignments. Accepting recruits with lower standards has nothing to do with which branch is better, has everything to do with filling vacant slots. CG and Air Force has traditionally been more selective of their recruits because of fewer positions available. Army, Navy, Marines - well they need numbers and that's no secret.

[TPD Cadet]

I did my time in the Army and had a chance to work joint assignments. Accepting recruits with lower standards has nothing to do with which branch is better, has everything to do with filling vacant slots. CG and Air Force has traditionally been more selective of their recruits because of fewer positions available. Army, Navy, Marines - well they need numbers and that's no secret.

+1,

That was the intent of my post, I should have made it clearer.

[TheKansan]

I am so sick of hearing about people that say I have done this Drug, or I have been arrested this many times, or I have so many misd or felony convictions but I still want a promising career in LE.

I know, if you really have wanted to be in LE your whole life you would of stopped and thought, "Maybe I shouldn't do this, maybe this will hurt my chances of getting into Law Enforcement". Ive wanted to be a cop my whole life and I basically based my whole life off of "How will this look to the recruiters?"

You have to give people a break. They probably honestly did not know law enforcement agencies were so selective.

Most agencies give a very vague description of the requirements when they advertise, something like: "Over 21, no felony convictions, able to pass a physical/written test"

The average person sees that ad and assumes that it is easy to get hired, but when they dig deeper, they suddenly find out that something minor they did, perhaps 10-15 years ago, and that they were never caught doing, automatically disqualifies them.

That person considers might be a truly good person, and it is hard for them to understand why agencies would consider them undesirable.

[boat_boy]

I know plenty of guys that have far from perfect records and they had no problem getting in..As a matter of fact i know one that it was a go to jail or join the military situation and he is currently serving and is a qualified Boarding Officer..It is not a automatic DQ..Find out for yourself..Who knows.....