Did I ruin my chances before I ever started?

[Grizz]

No sir, I'm not looking for what I want to hear. I know my predicament and accept it. However, if I have to go to a department that isn't as flooded with applicants to begin my career that's perfectly fine with me. I just finally have some direction and I knew coming here to this forum I would probably get negative realistic answers. I just wanted to know what my realistic chances were and I appreciate the help.

[DeltaV]

As long as you are otherwise well qualified and do well in the testing process you probably will be able to find an agency to hire you. Make no mistake, there are a lot of agencies out there that have very high turnover because of poor pay, benefits, and/or reputation and they just aren't very selective in who they hire because most people don't want to work for them.

Does that mean that you'll ever leave that agency? No. Your use of hard drugs will get your application thrown into the trash at good departments even if it's not listed as an automatic disqualifier and even if you're already working at another department. You can forget about ever landing a federal job if you aspired to that.

[Gutwrench]

Please don't take that post as in an insulting manner. I respect and appreciate every post you guys have taken the time to post. But can you guys answer this? Do you think there are no police officers with a background similar to mine?

Grizz: yes, I know a few with a similar history. With one officer in mind the difference between him and you is that by the time he was hired he had put two years of college and four years of the Army between his use. Also, the small agencies in my area were hurting to find what they considered qualified entry level candidates and were willing to grant some latitude in what they would accept. That was back then.

Your drug history is a significant problem particularly since it's so recent. Even by the time you're 21 years old it will be considered recent, I think. You seem to know this.

It's refreshing to me to see that you recognize your mistake and willing to rehabilitate them. I like your attitude to continue toward your goals. I definitely would not discourage you from pursuing your goal especially since you seem to be going into it with your eyes wide open. You might find an agency to pick you up at 21 or 22 years of age with your past, but I think in reality they would be the exception.

Someone suggested having a Plan B which very wise advice. It applies to almost every situation, even a cop on a call is formulating secondary plans and avenues of escape in case things turn to crap. It's a good habit to develop for life.

I really like DeltaV's answer.