Why should past drug use be a factor in employment consideration when....?

Question

the last two persons who've had the most important job in the known UNIVERSE were both users/abusers in their youth. I know this is a question that "makes
a statement more than asks for an answer," but I DO want some thoughtful response here. Shouldn't the "past drug use" question be a lot less emphasized if not eliminated?

CURRENT drug use as a factor? SURE, but this type of question on an app. reminds me of the days when one might have been asked, "Were you, have you ever been, or are you now a homosexual?" lol....Antiquated......

Nice, Erin, I make a rhetorical point and you don't even bother to address the issue, really nice,,,,,,,,Answer the damn question if you're gonna be a smartass!

heansl, thank you for your informative response, I asked this question though to get the perspective of those in law enforcement, not necessarily to ask about the issue as it applies to applying to be a police officer. Thank you though, the info. was helpful.

KC V, I obviously do not support "the local drug dealer" being president......M1A1, I can see your point, well made.....You at least are being fair.

turbo....another good point.......This brings up a whole new set of questions...one of which is, "who was lucky enough to get off because daddy was rich and powerful?"

Answer 1

I can only assume that since your question is posted in the law enforcement section you are asking about applying for a police officer position.

Typically the reason departments want to know your drug history is because it goes to credibility. If you smoked pot when you were 16 once and have never done it again, that is almost always overlooked. If you smoked pot 2 days ago, then how can you enforce the law when you are currently in violation of it. As for felony drugs (cocaine, speed, heroin, etc....) Most departments will disqualify you for having every committed a felony (not just being convicted). The reason is that you have lost credibility. Some departments will overlook if you have taken certain drugs only once in your life and it was years ago, but if a defense attorney for a drug dealer/user, does an open records request for your job application and finds out that at some point in your life you were also a user then they can use that information to discredit you. To keep this from happening, most departments just won't hire you.

Hope this helps out. Some departments have put less focus on if you have ever done it and have started focusing on how long ago you did it and how many times.

Answer 2

It is my belief that people can make huge mistakes when growing up. Do you hold a juvenile accountable to his mistakes when he's obviously to young to distinguish between right and wrong? As for drug abuse...it's wrong no matter how you slice it. As a prospective employer, I would want to know if there's a potential for a libel suit should a former or current drug abuser cause harm while working for me. As for the "two most important jobs ... in the universe"...you used the term "their youth." I look at the education, track record, accomplishments, and up to date information when deciding who I want to represent me in government. It's sad that politicians do some of the things they do but all in all....I'd rather see the person there now running the country than the local drug dealer!

Answer 3

If you have not used drugs in years, I would answer no on the questionnaire. Youthful indiscretions aside, the question is only relevant to what you are doing with your life now. I agree, the question should be limited to say the last 5 or 7 years. Just because someone makes a silly mistake as a teenager, that should not be held against the person forever.

Answer 4

That really depends on the job being applied for. If it entails one of basic trust and high responsibility then I can understand an employer's being reticent to hire. On the other hand I see no reason why a person cannot be hired to an entry level position, allowing the new employee to prove their value to the organization with added responsibility and compensation as a reward.

Answer 5

Because it is law enforcement..It's kind of like putting a drug addict in charge of a pharmacy..the difference being, a pharmacy has everything accounted for, if you have a history of NON REHABILITATED drug use/abuse, you are on the streets with immeasurable amounts of drugs..it is a trust factor..It cannot be held against you determining employment, though they can find other easons NOT to hire you..It's a catch 22, but you can sue for discrimation if it is soley based on your PAST, but it had better be registered as rehabilitated..Hope this helps..

Answer 6

It is a factor because past behavior is the best indicator of future performance.

It is something to be considered - however there are mitigating factors. (Such as somebody being a reformed addict who has been clean for over a decade.)

If I saw somebody with a drug history I would look for evidence that indicates that I do not have to worry about this behavior being repeated.

Answer 7

I agree with you. You're not a dangerous criminal and shouldn't have this hanging over your head for the rest of your life. Some never learn but you are trying to make something of yourself. Drugs have not been my thing and I don't judge you and neither has anybody else the right to. Have you considered going for a
pardon so you don't have to keep going through this?

Answer 8

Depends whether that past drug use comes with a police record or not. This is really the key point, because without it, how can they prove past drug use?

Answer 9

oh whom do you speak - if you are refering to the president of the U.S.A. they don't have the most important job in the known universe - that's ridiculous