Can you become a cop if you have used drugs in the past?

Question

I have used recreationally for a period of five years. I have been clean for 4 years.

Answer 1

They all have so ?

Answer 2

At one point in time if there were ANY criminal convictions for ANYTHING, NO you could NOT become a P.O. But I have seen in the recent past a local police department where there was a scandel and it was found that several officers did have criminal records. BUT they were misdemeanors and as such they were hired. But the way you word you question it sounds like you only used and were NOT convicted. If this is the case and you have been clean for sevewral years then I would say |DON'T SAY anything about this past. Keep your mouth SHUT. Admit nothing DENY everything and DEMAND proof.

Answer 3

you're probably ok. They likely have a clean period of 2 years for stuff like pot and 5 years for harder drugs.

Answer 4

I just read an article about Dallas PD relaxing their policy regarding prior drug use for their officers. You may want to look into that. Here's a link:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/102407dnmetdpdhiring.2a3da84.html

Answer 5

Let me put it like this. I'm a Homicide Detective and was a regular officer before this. I can't remember a weekend during high school I wasn't blowin' trees with my buds.

Answer 6

it depends on several factor one being the agencies you are applying to some are more lax as others are very strict "no drug" policies. two it depends on what drugs you have used most are willing to over look pot but not other drugs.

Answer 7

i heared they dont let you in if you tried LSD..but then again, i'm sure 1/4 of the force has.

Answer 8

there is no problem at all.