Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Hello all-

I know there are a lot of these posts, but as you know each persons situation is different. I have made my decision that I would like to become an officer. I live in Huntington Beach, CA, and would like to remain in this area. I am currently in law school, and will be graduating in December. I have a degree in sociology in undergrad. Yes I know this is not typical, but the "court side" of law is just not for me. My record is fairly clean, just an expired license ticket. My main concern is that I (STUPIDLY) smoked marijuana about 8 months ago. So in December when I was to apply I will be about a year and a few months out. I have heard many different opinions as to this. I feel my education and experience would be benefit to any department. But frankly if I have to wait another 2 years to apply its not gonna happen. I am already 29 (going on 30) right now, so father time is not on my side. Please let me know what you think, I dont need any sugar coating. This is an honest interest, but dont want to waste my time. Thanks in advance!

Unfortunatley, you are going to need some further time. Most departments require 3 to 5 years since the last MJ usage.

Thats really dissapointing

Thats really dissapointing

Disappointing too, huh?

Disappointing too, huh?

Yeah that one too, sorry. But how is this even possible? I thought hair tests can only go back 4 month? Is this 3-5 years established through the polygraph?

Yeah that one too, sorry. But how is this even possible? I thought hair tests can only go back 4 month? Is this 3-5 years established through the polygraph?

Are you serious? How long THC is detected in your hair, or any other body part, is totally irrelevant to how long a department's hiring policy requires you to have not used a drug before they'll hire you. If you're seeking to apply within the timeframe after the THC would be not detected in a drug test (and seriously thinking that's all that's required to get hired), you're looking for the wrong line of work

29 years old; sociology degree; graduating law school in 4 months and smoked marijuana 8 months ago? Based upon your inability to make sound legal decisions by engaging in criminal conduct as a long time adult, I'd say no. In addition, it's a disqualifyer here.

TITLE 13. PUBLIC SAFETY (http://www.azsos.gov/public_services/title_13/13-04.htm)

10. Not have illegally used marijuana for any purpose within the past three years;

Are you serious? How long THC is detected in your hair, or any other body part, is totally irrelevant to how long a department's hiring policy requires you to have not used a drug before they'll hire you. If you're seeking to apply within the timeframe after the THC would be not detected in a drug test (and seriously thinking that's all that's required to get hired), you're looking for the wrong line of work

If your insinuating that I fail to understand that honesty is the most important character trait of a empowered position such as a police officer, well your wrong. I appreciate your meddling response though. It was a very simple question. Honesty, in fact, is the main driving factor in my decision to pursue this career over being a lawyer. Further, Im pretty sure thats the purpose of this board: to ask these type of questions.

29 years old; sociology degree; graduating law school in 4 months and smoked marijuana 8 months ago? Based upon your inability to make sound legal decisions by engaging in criminal conduct as a long time adult, I'd say no. In addition, it's a disqualifyer here.



10. Not have illegally used marijuana for any purpose within the past three years;

There is always this 'guy' on every message board. You don't know me, and hopefully never will. People in your line of work more than others would probably understand that millions of Americans make this dumb decision every day. 98% of them are honest hardworking individuals. You wanna sit on your high horse, that's cool with me. I will sit here owning my mistakes. In fact that's what I did from the beginning, but clearly you didn't read it: "I (STUPIDLY) smoked marijuana". None the less, my intentions were pure. I would love to help my community in a positive manner as a peace officer. In fact would give up the loads of money I could make as an attorney to do so. If you have a problem with that, well I could give a flying _. I came on here for some answers to questions. Go bog down some other post.

There is always this 'guy' on every message board. You don't know me, and hopefully never will. People in your line of work more than others would probably understand that millions of Americans make this dumb decision every day. 98% of them are honest hardworking individuals. You wanna sit on your high horse, that's cool with me. I will sit here owning my mistakes. In fact that's what I did from the beginning, but clearly you didn't read it: "I (STUPIDLY) smoked marijuana". None the less, my intentions were pure. I would love to help my community in a positive manner as a peace officer. In fact would give up the loads of money I could make as an attorney to do so. If you have a problem with that, well I could give a flying _. I came on here for some answers to questions. Go bog down some other post.

1. I don't want to know you. Get over yourself.

2. I never said you didn't own up to your crime.

3. The line I posted is a certification requirement for the entire state of Arizona. I didn't just pull it out of my azz. Click on my post where it says "Title 13. Public Safety" in blue letters and you'll see the minimum requirements for certification. But departments can, and many are, more stringent in their requirements.

4. You came here asking questions. If you don't like the responses (which you don't get to dictate) GTFO. The answers you're getting come from people who have BTDT. If you can't accept that wisdom, continue on with another career choice.

5. The consequence of your decision to voluntarily (whether "stupidly" or not) engage in a crime is that you may have kept yourself out of the law enforcement field. You have no one to blame for that but yourself.

Yeah that one too, sorry. But how is this even possible? I thought hair tests can only go back 4 month? Is this 3-5 years established through the polygraph?

All of the responses are a result of this post. It implies that you are willing to be dishonest in the hiring process in order to obtain employment. For us officers, we despise a lack of integrity and therefor you are getting the before comments. Either wait the needed time before applying or go be an attorney which my instincts tell me you are probably better suited to be.

I don't understand why waiting a few years will mean it's "not going to happen."

Even Federal Agencies allow hiring of LEO's up to age 37, and many state and local agencies have no age limits at all. If you get hired at 35, you can spend 20 years as a Police Officer and still retire at 55...

-Citicop.

Yeah that one too, sorry. But how is this even possible? I thought hair tests can only go back 4 month? Is this 3-5 years established through the polygraph?

As a potential police applicant and a potential lawyer , you BLEW it big time here. It is CLEAR to those of us here that you fully intend(ed) to make an end run around this regulation because you have such a GREAT background and education.

We don't want people like you. Go on and become a lawyer , and a defense lawyer at that. You think and act exactly like one.

Isn't MJ legal in CA now?

I think with the ethics displayed by the OP that he should stick with being a lawyer.

I don't understand why waiting a few years will mean it's "not going to happen."

Even Federal Agencies allow hiring of LEO's up to age 37, and many state and local agencies have no age limits at all. If you get hired at 35, you can spend 20 years as a Police Officer and still retire at 55...

-Citicop.

Heck, I got into LE in my 40's after a 21 year career in my beloved Marine Corps!

But then again, I never smoked dope, so it was a little more realistic...

P.S. To the O.P. -- You can take your feigned shocked attitude and walk IMHO. You asked - IN YOUR TITLE no less - for us to "evaluate" you. You've gotten your evaluation (bad) and are now ticked. So sorry for ya...

29 years old; sociology degree; graduating law school in 4 months and smoked marijuana 8 months ago? Based upon your inability to make sound legal decisions by engaging in criminal conduct as a long time adult, I'd say no. In addition, it's a disqualifyer here.



10. Not have illegally used marijuana for any purpose within the past three years;

I agree with this 100%. You should have known better than to do drugs