Drug Use and Applications

[Stop Resisting]

I'm planning to begin the application process very soon. I have a perfectly clean record, not even a speeding ticket. Have the two year degree. But my past isn't exactly the best. As a teen, I tried most every drug. For fun yes, but more to understand the effects. The only drug I've done more than once is marijuana. I've never done acid, heroin, club drugs, or "harsh" drugs (other than cocaine, but only once). The last time I "used" was smoking marijuana over 2 years ago.

My question, knowing full well that drug use is very frowned upon by all departments, is whether or not to be open or even mention my drug use during the application process. I hate the thought of lying to someone flat out, especially what may soon be a co-worker, but I feel if it hinders the possibility of getting hired to too high a degree I may have no choice. The departments I'm looking into do not use polygraphs. But I still am faced with the moral dilemna/obligation to tell the truth.

Would stating my drug use in the past on an application greatly effect my chances of being hired?
What would the proper answer to a question of my own drug use be, stating the truth, but still explaining the reasoning behind why I actually did try them?

[irishlad2nv]

Before anyone else states the obvious here. Are you stupid or something? If you do not disclose any of that information you mentioned because a certain department does not use a polygraph, then you don't even deserve a chance to apply anywhere! It's like you want to cheat the system so you can get a job!

As far as your drug use and not getting hired. That will all depend on that agencies hiring requirements. But I will acutally give you some advice: If you fail to disclose your prior drug use and a BI is done on you and they find out, you will be automatically DQ'ed. And one more thing, why not let us know what departmens you are applying to incase you decide not to tell them!

[SD5326]

Before anyone else states the obvious here. Are you stupid or something?

DITTO Brother!

[Stop Resisting]

I'm sorry, I think you may have misunderstood. I'm just asking, as an officer in the hiring process, would you highly frown upon that kind of thing? Knowing fullwell my explanation and the truth of myself having done those things only once, never repeatedly. I didn't mean to say "I'm going to lie on my interview and try to beat a polygraph."
And you don't have to cal me stupid over it, no question is a dumb question. I could however understand how that post may be misleading, just poor wording.
Thanks for any help

[exilio]

You'll have to excuse the two previous posters as I see they have not mastered any level of diplomacy beyond that of a badger on PMS.

Anyways, to answer your question: yes, it will be frowned upon, but how much is up to each department.

Hindsight is always 20/20. Thusly it would have been a good idea to consult with a police department before you spent time and money in an academy. However, that is water under the bridge. So, what can you do now? Nothing.

You cannot rewrite history and you shouldn't try. Be honest, be complete in reporting what drugs and when. Relate that that was you then, and this is you now. Some departments may require that you put a few more years between you and some of the harsher drugs. But don't be discouraged.

It sounds like you understand what it is you need to do and you have been doing so, keep it up. Stay clean and stay focused on becoming a police officer and one day you will be rewarded.

And for "Irishlad and SD5326", you guys need to soften your approach and get off your high horses. You don't think this guy deserves a chance, but you think your abrasive, unforgiving approach is good for a cop? Think again.

[irishlad2nv]

As I stated above and take it as you may. As a LEO, and by your questioning about whether you sholjd be honest or to lie, which withholding that kind of information is considered lying, you would be DQ'ed. Failure to disclose any type of information in reference to drugs, employment history, etc. Will be an automatic DQ. So back to your question, yes its FROWNED UPON. Theres no other way for you to re-word what you were asking, simply you must endulge on your past, whether you like it or not. If you don't, well Police work is not for you then!

[blackandgold978]

Stop Resisting-

Lack of tact aside, :p the other posters have it correct. It is not an automatic DQ for weed, although it certainly is in most agencies for crack, coke, heroin, acid, etc........

That said, you are still at a bit of a disadvantage. Consider the other applicants who are competing with you that have no history of drug usage. If you had the exact same qualifications as someone who refrained from drugs in the past, I would pick the other applicant.

[Stop Resisting]

Very understandable, and thank you for actually answering instead of insulting me. The best method I see is to be fully honest with the departments. It may take a few more applications than others, but I guess that's the price you pay.

Thanks for the help.

Oh, and the thought hasn't even crossed my mind on doing any substances. 2 years clean and applying at departments? That'd be a good laugh;
"When did you last do drugs..."
"Hmm, about once two weeks ago, oh, and the joint this morning"

[SD5326]

I feel if it hinders the possibility of getting hired to too high a degree I may have no choice.
I didn't mean to say "I'm going to lie on my interview and try to beat a
polygraph."
Have the two year degree, academy finished also.

You said it and you can't take it back. Very fishy.

Would stating my drug use in the past on an application greatly effect my chances of being hired?
And you don't have to cal me stupid over it, no question is a dumb question.

In your case......yes there is.

Sorry for being so abrupt but you already know the answers to these questions if you are a cadet I mean ...............your done with the academy and your asking this..... COME ON! I'm sure you know right from wrong. If not, LE is not for you, especially at your age.

[SD5326]

you guys need to soften your approach and get off your high horses.

Oh o.k. .......but don't they teach ethics in the academy, as he has claimed to have gone through and completed?......unbelievable! Yes, he does deserve a chance and I am not quick to jump down someone's throat but talking about lying when you have already gone through an academy is really suspect. :cool:

[SlowDownThere]

You'll have to excuse the two previous posters as I see they have not mastered any level of diplomacy beyond that of a badger on PMS.



That's a good one. Mind if I use it sometime?

[Stop Resisting]

I was browsing over a few of the other forums and saw this type of catagory posted a few times.

What would you classify as experimentation? Say my case. Only one time on some of the harder substances, never more than that. And multiple (Say... 15-20) times on marijuana. The marijuana wasn't much experimentation, but with 5 years from my last use (17yrs was the last time) would that be an automativ DQ even on an applicant with a 4 year degree and current police aide(like a cadet) job?

[irishlad2nv]

I was browsing over a few of the other forums and saw this type of catagory posted a few times.

What would you classify as experimentation? Say my case. Only one time on some of the harder substances, never more than that. And multiple (Say... 15-20) times on marijuana. The marijuana wasn't much experimentation, but with 5 years from my last use (17yrs was the last time) would that be an automativ DQ even on an applicant with a 4 year degree and current police aide(like a cadet) job?
Your original post stated that is was over 2 yrs ago and now its 5 yrs ago? A department has its own guidelines to go by and standards and if you are a DQ for drug usage, no a 4 year degree or even a PHD will not stan up against that.

[blackandgold978]

I was browsing over a few of the other forums and saw this type of catagory posted a few times.

What would you classify as experimentation? Say my case. Only one time on some of the harder substances, never more than that. And multiple (Say... 15-20) times on marijuana. The marijuana wasn't much experimentation, but with 5 years from my last use (17yrs was the last time) would that be an automativ DQ even on an applicant with a 4 year degree and current police aide(like a cadet) job?

WHOA! Wait just a second there, bro.......... :eek:

You told us earlier that you never touched the "Hard" stuff; only weed. Now you say only one time on some of the "harder" substances. :confused:

O.K..... Truth Time. You should just come out and say it; because now I'm suspicious, too. Did you EVER abuse ANY hard drugs (Meth,Acid,Heroin,Crack,Coke) besides weed, even once? Don't say it to satisfy our curiosity, say it so we can give you a straight-up answer as to wether or not you are elidgeable. I got the feeling you're not being very forthright, here.

[Chiller]

Here's an example for you if ya like.............


1 time cocaine(powder) in 1988. I can't be employed by any dept. from the state of Maryland.

Don't know about others but such is life here. It is what it is.


Just admit it like I did and see what happens. All places are different unless u have several times then your screwed.


GL

[SD5326]

We'll never know Black and Gold......the truth that is, with this one. 2 years ......5 years, hard stuff no hard stuff, etc. this is what I can't stand people try to get and give legitimate advice about drug use and all the sudden people like this come on here. I wouldn't trust him now even if he did come clean. You only get one chance with honesty and this is the internet for crying out loud, we can't even see his facial expressions.

[blackandgold978]

Yeah, I know. :D Ah, well. we need to keep trying for the sake of people who really are serious.

[SD5326]

Your original post stated that is was over 2 yrs ago and now its 5 yrs ago? A department has its own guidelines to go by and standards and if you are a DQ for drug usage, no a 4 year degree or even a PHD will not stan up against that.

Well said Irish.

[Stop Resisting]

More explaining in order... I finished my 2 year degree. I'm thinking about getting a 4 year degree. With the extra months, and 2 years, it would come to 5 years total. If you had read the first post blackandgold, you would've seen that I said: "I've never done acid, heroin, club drugs, or "harsh" drugs (other than cocaine, but only once)"

Go figure I try to ask a legitmate question, and leave a few holes out to protect my own identity and all I get are 3 decent responses and 10 other nagging ridiculing ones. It's not like I'm proud of it, I decided to go into law enforcement recently. Back then, I wasn't thinking ahead, but only living in the moment. So if you're planning on criticizing, then don't reply. You are cops aren't you? I'm pretty sure we all can understand decency.

[exilio]

@ Stop Resisting:

That sounds like a good plan bud. You are on the right track, just be sure to STAY FOCUSED. Don't let well-meaning, but harsh critics get you down. You need to have a thick skin to make it through this process. No matter if you get an LEO job or not, you are on the right path. But I have a feeling that when a LEA sees the effort you have put forth, they will be highly impressed at your level of motivation.

Remember, there are many police that have a clean record merely because they were never in the position to be tempted. You have been tempted, erred, and saw your mistake, and have now made the change...that is more impressive to me and I feel it will make you a better man in the long-run.

Keep it up and stay focused...I tell myself the same thing every day.

@ Slow Down There:

All yours sir. ;)

[blackandgold978]

If you had read the first post blackandgold, you would've seen that I said: "I've never done acid, heroin, club drugs, or "harsh" drugs (other than cocaine, but only once)"


Fine! You won't mind both barrells, then....... :rolleyes:

You'd be DQ'd by most departments. Even if you weren't automatically DQ'd, most would pass you over anyway; due to the fact that that the many of the other applicants who are competing for just a few slots have no prior drug history. The fact that you were contemplating concealing that little fact from your background investigator leaves your honesty suspect, anyway.

Feel better now? You wanted an honest answer, you got one. :cool:

[gotthblues]

As I stated above and take it as you may. As a LEO, and by your questioning about whether you sholjd be honest or to lie, which withholding that kind of information is considered lying, you would be DQ'ed. Failure to disclose any type of information in reference to drugs, employment history, etc. Will be an automatic DQ. So back to your question, yes its FROWNED UPON. Theres no other way for you to re-word what you were asking, simply you must endulge on your past, whether you like it or not. If you don't, well Police work is not for you then!
i am with irish and sd on this one, you are 25 have already been through an academy and you are wonderiing if its okay to lie just to reach your goal,, if you dont already know the answer, then WOW,

would you lie on the stand about a bad arrest just to reach YOUR goal, same thing,

and umm, yea there is a such a thing as a bad question.

[gotthblues]

feel free to correct me if i am wrong, but when a background is done, since they run an fbi check, you are assigned an fbi number, not the bad one, but none the less a number, so if you are dq'd for imbelishing, and apply somewhere else, they do a bi on you, they check fbi, they see your number, they call the pd that ran one to begin with, they dept 2 contacts dept 1, and finds you have an imbelshing problem, then you are cooked,

correct?????? or is it only after being fingerprinted.. cant remember.

[SD5326]

And you don't have to cal me stupid over it, no question is a dumb question.

In your case......yes there is.



and umm, yea there is a such a thing as a bad question.

[gotthblues]

oh i forgot, i guess they left this one out for you, all you have is your integrity, you lie, you lost it, you might as well opt for early retirement, be a shame to lose it before you get it,