the ELS was from the marine corps. it was 8 years ago and was for failure to disclose prior service marijuana use. i failed the uranlysis and was sent home with eligibility to re-enlist in two years. i also have a summary offense ticket from that same year. since then i have enrolled in a municipal police academy(one at your own expense with no guaranteed job afterwards, you only receive cert. to become a police officer if hired), been employed as a correctional officer, an armed security officer subcontracted by federal government, and held numerous other armed security jobs and certifications/liscensures. i have also avoided any kind of trouble since 2000, not even traffic tickets. i am just wondering what kind of chance i have in succeding. i am looking for awensers from police officers but mainly background investigators who may come across this question. HELP!!
2007-12-05 15:48:33 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I seriously doubt any department would exclude you for the ELS, since a positive urinalysis is not the same as a conviction. Your drug use could be a factor during a polygraph, however. Only you know how that will turn out.
Seems like you've done well to better yourself.
2007-12-05 18:27:05 · answer #1 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, keep up the great work. You are on the right path. Continue to keep your nose clean, and be sure to report everything on any background paperwork you fill out. Be honest and be consistent with every agency you apply to and every application you complete.
Your issues will not keep you becoming an officer but many of the larger agencies will probably be tougher to get into since they tend to be more bureaucratic and therefore the standard for hiring is more strict.
Do yourself a favor and have a one-on-one talk with someone at the academy about your past and ask them what your chances are. They will know what most agencies are looking for and willing to tolerate.
You are doing the right thing and I feel strongly about your future success. Do well in the academy and always be honest about your past and how that was you then and this is you now.
2007-12-06 04:04:04 · answer #2 · answered by Exilio 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably not. It really depends on the police department you apply at. Huge departments,like Chicago have ex gang members, etc. Past marijuana use does not normally disqualify someone. It really depends on the department. They each set thier own qualifications but my past law enforcement experience has been that the more people that are applying for an opening, the choosier the dept. will get. Good luck. You might consider taking any law enforcement job you can get, even if it is not your first choice, then after a few years experience try to move to your ideal job. Police departments love to hire fully trained officers (at someone elses expense)!
2007-12-06 00:05:50 · answer #3 · answered by barbsleeps 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the greater Los Angeles Area there are 144 different police agencies. If you keep applying, someone will hire you. It's the same for your area. Persistence pays.
2007-12-06 00:02:21 · answer #4 · answered by Jack Flanders 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Criminal records will show up in every application when complete background investigation is conducted on sensitive positions just like joining the Police Force.
2007-12-05 23:57:20 · answer #5 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋