Prior Drug Use.?

Question

I made a few mistakes ten years ago when I experimented with drugs a couple of times. I have been in the Military for the past ten years, earned a Bachelors Degree, and have not used any drugs while in the Military.

I am interested in a position at a Florida Sheriff or Police unit and would like to know what their prior drug use policy is for a Polygraph Examinations. For example; I know the FBI's policy is no use of any drugs other than Marijuana in the past ten years, and no use of Marijuana in the past 03 years.

I have heard that some Sheriff Offices require no drug use in the past 36 months, and that is it. If anyone could help me out that would be great. Thank you.

How would a mistake I made ten years ago make me a criminal? That is the most ignorant answer I could have asked for. I am trying to be honest here and that is why I am asking this question. Nobody is perfect, and even Federal Agencies know that. I have been serving my country for the past ten years in a Federal Law Enforcement postion in the United States Coast Guard. I am offended by the answer of me being a Criminal. What have you done for your Country or even City?

How would a mistake I made ten years ago make me a criminal? That is the most ignorant answer I could have asked for. I am trying to be honest here and that is why I am asking this question. Nobody is perfect, and even Federal Agencies know that. I have been serving my country for the past ten years in a Federal Law Enforcement postion in the United States Coast Guard. I am offended by the answer of me being a Criminal. What have you done for your Country or even your City?

Answer 1

Sounds like you're selling your self short. Why not go for the US Marshals instead or even ATF. Federal agencies give special preference to prior military service.
The main thing is to be open and honest about your PRIOR drug use. That's mainly what they're looking for. If you lie about it or try to cover it up, it'll only hurt you (then you get black-balled).
Show me someone in their 30's or 40's who hasn't had ANY prior experience with drug use of some form (including alcohol) and I'll call them a liar to their face.

Answer 2

I went to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and did a search on prior drug use. The individual police department will use this as a basis. (Each department must remain in compliance with their state policies).

Here is the page it is on.
http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/rules_and_forms/rules/11b-27p.pdf

All it states is that the amount of use cannot reflect bad character or the applicant will not be considered.

It is not very specific about lenght of time since use or amounts used. When I went before the board in Arizona they were much more specific. I can tell you that a few uses of hard drugs and less than 20 uses of marijuana were considered experimentation and were waived.

Answer 3

Each police or sheriff's department is different on their drug use policy. Some will not hire anyone who has had previous use, and some will. Your best bet is to make contact with the departments that you are interested in being employed at and speak with someone who is over the hiring process. They will be able to give you the details you are desiring to know.

Good luck!

Answer 4

One more criminal on a police force, what the heck go for it they'll welcome you with open arms. Oh and after you've been on the force along enough to become totally contemptuous of those you have sworn to serve and protect you could hand cuff a 7 year old for riding his bike on the side walk or shoot a 90 year old granny. If you weren't ill you'd be looking into getting a real job.

Answer 5

The best thing to do to get an accurate answer is to contact the recruiting division of the departments you are interested in working for.

Answer 6

I would call them to find out....but I don't think they would be more strict then the FBI

Answer 7

If you are up in the panhandle, it doesn't matter we are all potheads up here.