Past drug user wants to be LEO

[Benji]

Hello. To any police officers here, thank you for all the work you do. I was recently attacked at school by someone in a gang, and the police did all they could to help me, and brought him to justice. Thank you for all the work you do everyday.

I want to become a police officer. I have some problems though. I suffered from depression in 7th and 8th grade and unfortuntely became involved in drug use. A little bit of marijuana use, nothing worse. This lasted around 2 years or so of moderate use. I am set on becoming a police officer because I want to help others and people like myself. The only problem I see is that I had major depression and got involved in marijuana. I also have ADD and have to take medication for it.

Be honest. Will I be able to become a police officer? :(

[Jynkxxie]

I am not an LEO, I am not a Doctor...however, if you are still a juvenile, I would say that at least you may grow out of your emotional issues. Like I said, I have seen it done...but I am not a doctor and do not know your situation.

As far as the Marijuana, if you know that you want to become an officer now, then act accordingly. It may not automatically disqualify you, as you were or are young. But I would keep my nose very clean, and put as much time between you and your drug history as possible. Always remember though that there are other candidates out there that have never used any sort of drug, and or have had/have the emotional problems you do.

Sorry, I know this wasn't much help.

[Benji]

Thanks for the reply. Every reply can be helpful to me.

I take medication for my depression, and it works very well. I can safely say I am not affected by depression when I am taking my medication.

I have kept clean and sober ever since I quit, and don't regret quitting at all. I am going to try to keep clean as hard as I can. Since I have quit my marijuana use, I find I have no urges for it, or any other drug.

[Jynkxxie]

Thanks for the reply. Every reply can be helpful to me.

I take medication for my depression, and it works very well. I can safely say I am not affected by depression when I am taking my medication.

I have kept clean and sober ever since I quit, and don't regret quitting at all. I am going to try to keep clean as hard as I can. Since I have quit my marijuana use, I find I have no urges for it, or any other drug.

That is great. It is none of my business and you don't have to reply, but there is nothing you can do to become independent from the depression or ADD meds?

[Benji]

Don't worry about it.

I'm not sure I can become independant from them. They sure help a lot, and with them, I'm completely normal and functional like everyone else is without them. Can you have medication and be and LEO with no problem?

I'd really like to hear from police officers on this.

[Altai]

I think your best bet would be to get in touch with the medical examiner that works for your city's police department. He/she can tell you exactly what you need to know. Call the department or the recruiting section and ask them if there is any way you can talk to the doctor who does the medical exams for the recruits.

[mcsap]

This would be a case by case, department by department issue. At least stay away from illegal drugs and stay away from trouble.

You are either known by who you are or who you hang out with.

[DeputyMadMax]

Marijuana 8 years prior (Estimation to when you would be apolying for a job) won't be an issue for MOST agencies. A majority of people who suffer from ADD grow out of it, or at least learn to deal with it without medication by their late teens, early 20's.

Cronic depression (Bi-Polar) could be a problem. Depression already runs high in law enforcement. If you're already prone to it and taking medication, that may make a lot of agencies a little skittish. You don't say how old you are now, but I'm guessing you were refering to high school, so I assume you're in your teens. You may outgrow the depression problems too. You still have a long way to go before you can apply. I suggest you do as the others have suggested. Stay away from the dope, choose your friends wisely, and keep your nose clean. When you reach 21, re-evaluate your ADD and depression. If you're not ready, wait 5 years and re-evaluate again. Just because you are not ready the day you turn 21, doesn't mean you can never be ready.