Dumb past, can I still become an officer? WA

[tbergz]

Hey everyone.
I am in great need of some answers as I have become very interested in becoming a Police Officer in Washington State somewhere.

Now I have a very stupid past. Before I turned 18, which was a few days ago, I was smoking marijuana a couple days a week since when I was 16, excluding holidays and family gatherings.

I have also done a little bit of drinking, and tried a few other things (3-4 times max) such as adderol, vicodin, and also took 1 hit of a substance salvia im not to familiar with.

Never been arrested, pulled over, or ticketed whatsoever.

I know myself this would not look good, and I have finally quit smoking weed AND all else except drinking on occasion maybe. I have 3 years before I am 21.

Do I have any chance at becoming an officer, or are my dreams basically shot?

Thanks so much for your time.

[retdetsgt]

For the short term, I doubt you would be hired by anybody. Put in a few years of clean living, getting a good work record behind you and prove that you are responsible for the long term and try.

You did far beyond "experimenting" with drugs, you were a heavy user. You need to prove beyond a doubt that you won't go back and that can only be shown with time.

Good luck and congratulations for turning it around.

[tbergz]

Thank you for the quick reply.
This is really tough to hear but thanks a lot!

Hopefully I can find another career that interests me as much.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Three times a week (generous in your favor, IMO) of marijuana use, times 52 weeks a year, times 3 years, equals 468 usages. Not to mention the illegal usage of prescription drugs.

That may well be an insurmountable hurdle to overcome.

[Cat_Doc]

You would not even qualify to become a certified officer in Arizona.

I don't know about Washington, but doubt they would waive your drug use which clearly was not youthful experimentation.

[viperphi]

So you've been clean for a total of 6 days and 6 minutes? Don't worry, the cop phase will pass.

[tbergz]

No the reason I became interested is because my uncle is a Sergeant for the Port of Seattle Police Department and my aunt has been an officer for the Port Orchard police and they told me to get into the job.

I told them multiple times of my past but they told me I would still be ok as long as I quit when I was 18. So I thought I would get some more information from other officers.

[viperphi]

You'll only know if you try. I'd get some other experience with something else somewhere though... Like military or a degree... My preference is always military though. They set me up for having both.

[tbergz]

Ok thanks.
Also, is there any other job in the criminal justice field I would be more suited for?

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Receptionist?

Seriously, you have a LOT of dope usage. Between marijuana, the scripts and sativa (last one probably not illegal, just goes to character and judgement), you've committed what amounts to MANY felony crimes. You've just been lucky enough not to get caught. All that will come out in your background and polygraph. Many departments will be almost, if not AS strict with backgrounds for non-sworn positions of trust as they are with sworn.

[patchcop]

Again and again and again.

Have you used the search function before you wrote post # 1.234.567 with the question "I'm a doper can I become a LEO?"

[vacop4274]

That much usage will preclude you from being employed by most agencies I know of. I say most because some may very well over look that but I am highly doubtful!!!!

[tbergz]

After telling my Aunt, who was an officer at the Port Orchard Police Department and married to a Sgt. at the Port of Seattle Police, about my use of marijuana and what not, this was the response.

"Hey My Love,

200 times is A LOT....no lie. HOWEVER....I would chat with Uncle * when it comes closer to the time you test. He's been a recruiter/oral board conductor for years........he'll tell you what you need to know.

The bottom line is you are a GREAT kid. You have a steadfast moral code.......that's what they look for. Not to mention, your "bad" behavior occurred when you were very, very young. ANDDDDDDDDDDDd.........Uncle J and I are well connected.......we'll do whatever you need us to do. You'll be such an amazing officer.

Just focus NOW on college and forget the weed (so effing over-rated babe). You're way too smart.....to much of an intellect to even worry about ganja usage..........

You are absolutely what the law enforcement has been waiting for Honey........

Again, continue doing the right thing and we'll have your back (re: references, etc) when it times to testing.........but honestly stop smokin T. Dependence is NOT a moral weakness..........there are solutions to the issue........I'll help. And only u n me will know."

So does anybody truly believe I have a chance?

[Safety Steve]

Why are you still asking? Sounds to me like you are flaunting it in our faces! Are you looking for an argument? If it is already set in stone through your family connections, why come here and ask?

Just remember, if you do get hired, it will always be in the back of your mind, "I only got hired because of my family, not because I earned it"

Is your aunt no longer in LE because of her liberal views of marijuana usage? Could not perform her duties so they had to kick her to the curb?

Let your conscience be your guide! Be Safe.

[tbergz]

Lol wow.
I came here because I needed to hear from other officers if because of my past I will not get hired.

Also no, she was injured on the job.