If someone wants to become a police officer, can they never have done any drugs?

Question

I have a friend who is almost finished with her law enforcement degree, but she made a few mistakes as a kid. She tried every drug imaginable, but she is obviously, no longer involved in that lifestyle. I know that in our state, they do not issue polygraphs, however, is there any way they would try to find this informattion out? Should she just be honest? And is she is honest, will that ruin her chances of becoming a cop?

I would also appreciate answers from any cops out there, but still, thank you everyone else...I just need a sure answer.

Answer 1

be honest. if she lies and is found out, she will be DQed on the spot. but honesty is the best chance for her being hired.

Answer 2

Whatever you're told she needs to be 100% honest on her application and PHQ.

If she had done any psychotropic drugs (LSD,Shrooms, etc.) then she will not make it in any department I have ever heard of. Pot is the drug that you can get it away with if it was used "experimentally." Any of your hardcore stuff (heroine, cocaine, methapmhetamine) will also so be very tough to pull off. I imagine she will be destined to work in a smaller department in a more rurla area if at all.

Sorry, but thats the deal. I find it hard to believe she would go for the CJ degree after doing the drugs. Seems like a huge waste of time. I'd say push the degree to the top and teach ; )

Answer 3

A lot of it depends on if she's ever been arrested for possession (DQ), DUI on drugs (DQ), and how long she's been clean. If it's under a year or two, the results probably won't be favorable. 5+ years would certainly give her a better chance.
As far as the polygraph there is one simple rule DO NOT LIE!!!!! Getting busted on a lie about substance abuse or drug usage is automatic DQ! and possibly a letter advising that the PD will not accept any more applications from her. At least if she tells the truth, they may allow her to reapply to prove her sobriety for a longer period. Unfortunately, I've never been on a hiring board so I really couldn't tell you what the requisite amount of time would be, even in my own jurisdiction. The length of time sober is my own opinion.

Answer 4

No, they would not find this out unless there was an arrest and/or conviction for it. Most people have experimented with some type of drug in their lives so it is not a rare thing. Just tell her to close the door on that part of her life and move on. She can put her knowledge of these drugs to good use when she makes the force.

Answer 5

It all depends on what pd they apply at they all have guidelines some stricter then others. As long as she was a minor she should be ok.. Most cases couldnt have smoked weed in the last three years and any other drugs
9meth, crack, E, herrion etc..) in the past ten years

Answer 6

Honesty is the best policy.

So many departments are desperate for good candidates, and so many young people have experimented with drugs that it is hard to fill the ranks without making some exceptions.

The rules from department to department can vary. The thing to do is to call and ask the police department directly. They will tell you.

Answer 7

I'm not a cop but I have lots of relatives and friends who are.
The only thing to be concerned with is being arrested for it.
Lots of cops still do it. It shouldn't make any difference so long as thier clean now. I do know its difficult to become a cop if you've ever been a convicted fellon.

Answer 8

She should be honest and point out in the interviews that she has been drug free for "X" years and her GPA and clean records and drug screening reflect that. Tell her to NEVER lie. It can be cause for dismissal if it is ever discovered.

Answer 9

I know a lot of people that used drugs and are now in law enforcement

Answer 10

Based upon real life experience, the only time that someone in law enforcement is able to do drugs is AFTER they join the force. They don't care to accept those that do it prior to joining.