Does past drug use bar someone from Law Enforcement jobs?

Question

even if it was a few times (Marijuana), over ten years ago?

Answer 1

Unless you are going for some federal positions experimental use of pot is completely acceptable. Contrary to what most people above have stated- DO NOT deny it or play dumb, agencies don't care if smoked a joint in high school, they want to know that your being honest, and if you have to go up angainst a polygraph, they will try to verify past criminal activities including drug use. And before people start putting out retarded "how to beat a lie detector" solutions here, don't bother, you won't beat it, and it's easier to just tell the truth, especially with something as minor as a little weed a decade ago.

Answer 2

It probably wouldn't bar you from most patrol officer positions, but it would keep you out of the FBI, the DEA, and most of the other DOJ enforcement positions. It might also keep you from promoting within the department that does hire you.

Also, most federal jobs are now drug testing with a hair sample that can trace drug usage back over several years; so don't even think about lying to them.

That said, best of luck to you.

Answer 3

Different agencies have different policies. The main thing is to admit it up front. For example, the Coast Guard would not bar you from joining. But if you did not disclose it and later during your background investigation, your buddies admitted that you all used to toke a few buds, then it could cause you to be discharged other than honorable. This would cause you problems the rest of your life.

Remember President Clinton admitted to smoking (but lied about not inhaling) and he got re-elected as commander in chief of the military and federal law enforcement.

Answer 4

There are some departments that isn't care, some have a strict rule against it. so which you will might desire to start with smaller departments. additionally you may seem at various the Federal regulation Departments, I worked for one the place my previous drug use became into even seen a benifit when you consider that i became into experinced with extremely some tiers of medicine. and that i worked for various state businesses when you consider that that element all of which new of my previous drug use. a college degree alongside with your militia will help alot additionally. in many circumstances the superb element is to no longer point out it on the applications, yet wait till finally you get added alongside contained in the intervew technique.

Answer 5

It does in New Jersey. Not sure where you live.

Also, you won't be able to join the Freemasons either.

Tough break, huh? God bless America's "War on Drugs".

Answer 6

no, but the military frowns upon it.go figure,most people come out of the service to become cops. it actually makes you a excellent candadate for undercover narcotics.try applying with the sherrif dept. they are pretty leinient
about your deep seeded past. you'll make a great cop!!!go for it. be honest!!!

Answer 7

No as long as your honest. A lot of agencies require you to pass a lie detector test. As long as you pass then you should be ok but you have to be honest.

Answer 8

only if you admitt to it..
you did not have a problem and never got in any legal trouble over it..why not forget it happened and never disclose it..
everyone has a past, be glad yours is not worse than it is...

Answer 9

yes, because you will dealing with the public. At least in Florida.

Answer 10

no i dont think they would care about that.
the federal background check is a trip.
hold on to your hat.
wait wait hold on to your seat.