Law Enforcement Disqualification???

Question

Ok i just learned that i was disqaulified for past use of narcotics in an attempt to get a job in the sheriff's department.

My question is will this really hurt that bad? Are they really that strict against it? last time i used was a year and a half, could that be it?

Also im going back to school to get my degree in Administration of justice, would this really keep me from getting in? My rec. is squeaky clean, nothing else against me.

Im really bummed out because i live my life so different cuz i was scared that i wouldnt get in and it still didnt work... No matter tho im trying to keep a positive outlook...

Ok here is the thing, i was never convicted of anything... i just admitted to the use of it...

So im not really screwed over even if i get my Degree am i?

I was 17, it was a mistake that i made thank god that i did not fall victim to addiction...

But realistically talking say i go back to school get my degree then apply at say 21 - 25 do i have a good shot at getting in? No record.

Answer 1

Some departments will not accept an applicant with any kind of drug history. But most will accept the application if the drug use was at least five years ago. That you were a juvenile, just experimenting, and it was a one time (?) use will be in your favor.

You said this occurred when you were 17 and it was a year and a half ago. So that makes you 18 / 19 years old. I am surprised they even let you apply. Most departments won't even look at someone until they are 21.

Go back to school, get your degree; that will show the department that you are serious about a law enforcement career. If you can, do a few "Ride Along" shifts with whatever department has such a program. Lets the other cops get to know you.

Answer 2

You didn't mention what drug you admitted using. And it sounds like you are just maybe old enough to apply. A lot of agencies will still take you for using something like marijuana, but it has to be more than 18 months ago.
My advice: finish your degree, and while you're at it see if the school or local department has an internship program. Stay off the weed, and the next time you apply, continue to answer the polygraph questions truthfully about prior drug use. Trying to be deceptive not only doesn't work, it's a surefire way to be denied.
Good luck!

Answer 3

Here's my recommendation... for what it's worth.

Get your degree. That's always a huge advantage. Also, check with the probation department where your drug charge happened, and see what it will take to get your record expunged. Now, that won't make it disappear from your record for a law enforcement background investigation, and you should always be honest about it... But the fact that you got it expunged... that you met those requirements.. well, that means something.

So... perhaps not instant gratification on reaching your goal of becoming an officer. But, in the long run, having your degree when you are hired will really give you an advantage for future promotional opportunities... I know that might not make sense to you right now, but perception is everything. Take care of your business and then try again. In the meantime, see if you can be a reserve officer, or part of their cadet program. It never hurts to make yourself visible... and show them you're taking care of your business.

Good luck!

Answer 4

You're applying to a LAW ENFORCEMENT agency, for crying out loud. If you break the law what makes you think a law enforcement agency is going to look the other way just because you applied for a job?? I don't think a record will keep you out of school, but it will certainly keep you off most law enforcement agencies. Once you get your degree, however, it may be a different story. So try after you get your degree - and stay clean.

Answer 5

When my father applied to the FBI he was refused. He had once been arrested.
He was out with his fellow ex-sailors after WWII celebrating the end of the war and their release into civilian life. They had just gotten out, had gotten somewhat drunk, and were driving home (this was before a lot of the drunk driving laws).
The judge heard their story, chided them not to do it again, and threw out the case with a thanks to the men for their service (wise judge).

The FBI could not take him. They do not hire you if you have ANYTHING that could be used against you, including an arrest. National Security comes first, first, first.

I agree with their attitude, though I wish he could have gotten the job he wanted.

We can't afford to have people with low ethics or will power in positions of authority. I am grateful that they turned you down, though sad that you made the choices you did.

You mean in this day and age you didn't know that taking narcotics was wrong? Or that you really expect people to ignore it because "you want something".

I have to question more than your ethics if that's the case.

Answer 6

It would depend on the drug in question. Marijuana is not thought of as a big deal anymore. I got a top secret White Clearance while in the military and stood within inches of President Reagan on and off for 2 years after admitting to a past history of weed usage.

Now if it was crack, heroin or LSD I'd honestly say your chances are extremely nil.

Answer 7

My department will not hire anyone who has ever used any illegal drugs of any kind during their adulthood. I doesn't matter if they smoked pot one time 15 years ago. If they find out about it, you are out of the process. It doesn't matter that there was no conviction. They will ask you about drug usage during the lie detector test. So, unless you know a surefire way to beat a lie detector test or unless you find a department with low standards, you will probably have a hard time getting hired on, especially since your last drug usage was only 1 1/2 years ago.

Answer 8

that's going to in all probability be harder while you're up against different applicants with out archives. yet as long as you're honest and straighforward including your historic past, you're able to not have any challenge. the actuality which you have stayed sparkling enables too. It shows extra of a lapse in judgement than a ordinary challenge, which they don't desire. i could examine with each and each branch's interest skills. i don't understand approximately different factors, yet in Southern California, maximum police companies are very militia friendly while it incorporates recruiting. they like the self-discipline, militia bearing, and extreme questioning skills which you learn in the militia. Plus the actuality you have an pals degree is a plus. some smaller departments now require a minimum of an AA to maintain on with. when I utilized for police officer, i became user-friendly and honest with my solutions. i think of that helped me get employed on.

Answer 9

There are many police departments that will not allow you to ever work for them if you used any drugs at all.

some departments will let you work for them ( normally lower paying small departments)

But it will depend on which drugs, pot is not as bad as some. LSD or others will stop you from doing anything in police

Answer 10

It shouldn't matter if it was not Felony conviction. If you have FBI numbers then forget it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!