Buddy did Shrums

[GoDirectly2Jail]

He had a choice in taking an illicit substance. YOUR choice is ongoing, and involves whether knowing what you know, whether you choose to continue your association with him or not.

In college, I was casual friends with some co-workers of mine in a CD store. One night they invited me to a party and ended up passing a joint around the room. I didn't partake, AND it was the last party of theirs I attended.

If you choose to remain friends, any potential department will be wondering if your buddy gets in a bind and comes to you to "make it go away", are you again going to choose the friend over the department?

Any competant background investigator would be asking you why you continue to associate with someone who participates in illegal activities.

[bluelightzgrl]

There is a similar saying in Spanish which sounds eloquent as it is said and roughly translates; "Show me someone's friends and I'll know who that person is."

Personally, I prefer, "You will be judged by the company you keep."

[__FutureCop__]

Thank you all for your advice on this subject.
I guess i have to take a step back and think of it through the eyes of the hiring department or the Background Investigator.
I'm glad I asked this question because in trying to find out something for him i found something for my self.

I am willing to do what it takes to get into the department, would it make a difference if i broke all ties with him?

[__FutureCop__]

I am willing to do what it takes to get into the department, would it make a difference if i broke all ties with him?

Let me elaberate on that a little bit.
I understand everyones meaning about moral choices and i do understand that it is not a good thing to assciate with people of that nature, our friendship has been mostly business related (restoring my fathers 1968 corvette)
I understand that i cannot just make the fact that I associated with him dissapear, but everyone in this thread has definatly opened my eyes
I'm just going to tell him how it is, hopfully he understands
Thanks everyone

[SnapShawt]

Well, don't be too harsh either. If all he did was try it ONCE and not since and does not currently use any illicit substances or participate in any other criminal undertakings, then you don't have to stop being his friend. What is meant here is that if you were keeping the company of someone who regularly does those things and/or is a troublemaker of some sort, then THAT would definitely reflect upon you.

I have a friend myself who told me he tried LSD a long, long time ago. He's not a police officer of course. He has a wife, two kids, a very good job, and is a very responsible citizen. I didn't say, "Oh crap I didn't know you ever tried that stuff. That's it, friendship is over, you never should have done that!!!!" I think it's really just common sense on what we're talking about here in terms of the company you keep.

However, having EVER tried a hallucinogenic substance is an immediate disqualifier at most agencies I'm familiar with anyway. There are physiological reasons for that. In this way, yes, it will have permanent consequences for your friend as he will need to find another career.

[__FutureCop__]

Agreed.
I don't think he's done anything recently, but as stated in an earlier post 2-3 years is not a long time ago, i still think i shall move this friendship to a business relation from now on
Thanks for your reply