can i still be a cop

[MRoucoCFH]

I am 24 years old, I served 3 years 4 months in the Army with 13 months deployed in Iraq, as an Infantryman/Artilleryman. I Got a Drug Paraphernalia Charge when I was 18. It was a makeshift bottle used for smokoing Marijuana that was in the trunk of my car. It actually wasnt even mine, but I got charged. Never the less I got the charge on my record. I have had no trouble with the law in over 5 years, and a clean Military record. Will any Police Department Hire me???

[mobrien316]

First of all, I appreciate your service to this country. Thank you.


In answer to your question, every department is different but if that is the only spot on your record I don't think it would be a major problem.

You should probably drop the "it wasn't even mine" line, though. It sounds like the usual irresponsible drivel we hear from people every day, and it never leaves a good impression.

[MOCOP]

Like mobrien said every Dept. is different but with your Military Record once it was verified you more than likely have a good shot. Just keep your nose clean and apply.

[MRoucoCFH]

Thanks for your time, and input. thats what I want to hear, keep em comming... :>)

[Cat_Doc]

I don't think you would have a problem with our department if that is the only negative indicator.

[Tater]

Thank you for your service.

This would not necessarily be a disqualification with my Department. Like was stated before, admit it but don't throw in the "it wasn't mine", I know that I hear this on the average of at least once a day. After 5 years, you should probably have a pretty good shot. Your Military Service should also be a big plus. All you can do is give it a try, and the worse they can do is tell you thanks, but no thanks.

[Kimble]

You should probably drop the "it wasn't even mine" line, though. It sounds like the usual irresponsible drivel we hear from people every day, and it never leaves a good impression.

I'll second that. If there's one thing I've learned about working and trying to work in LE, it's that they don't expect you to be perfect (so long as you haven't done anything beyond their hiring policies), but they do expect you to be perfect. A line like "I didn't inhale" or "it wasn't mine" (because let's face it, it was YOUR car) sounds like you're trying to pass blame for your actions. Don't do that.

[TX-LEO]

I am 24 years old, I served 3 years 4 months in the Army with 13 months deployed in Iraq, as an Infantryman/Artilleryman. I Got a Drug Paraphernalia Charge when I was 18. It was a makeshift bottle used for smokoing Marijuana that was in the trunk of my car. It actually wasnt even mine, but I got charged. Never the less I got the charge on my record. I have had no trouble with the law in over 5 years, and a clean Military record. Will any Police Department Hire me???

Larger departments may over look it. Mine would DQ you on the PDP charge, or would pass you up for someone else who didn't have the drug charge.

I think if another 5 years goes by, it would probably not hold much weight with most any agency.

[phantasm]

Everything in a vehicle under your control is yours, unless someone else, present, claims it.

[BP348]

Good military record and over 5 years since the charge... I don't think your going to have too many problems. But every agency is different. I know it won't DQ you for USBP.