What are my odds of making it?

[Tim51]

Hello All,
Well this is my first post here and wanted to get some feedback from people who have gone through the process.

I am thinking about making a career change and applying for an entry level position here in Washington. I have always been interested in law enforcement, but was not focused on that during school. I am getting tired of creating and analyzing financial statements, forecasts, budgets, etc. I am just wondering what are my chances of actually making it through the hiring process.

Here's some details:
I'm 29 and physically in shape. I lift weights four times a week and run about 12 miles per week. I have a BS in Business and Master's in Business. Since my undergraduate studies, I have had a stable employment history with continual advancement. No concerns about references. My criminal history is clean except for a speeding ticket 12 years ago. During high school and college I did experiment with marijuana (about 30 times) and tried LSD once (13 years ago). I have not used any in the past 8 years.

My personality is laid back, but am not afraid to take action when necessary. I am very analytical and logic oriented. I enjoy working with people and get along with people well.

So what type of candidate are agencies looking? Do I have a pretty good chance at making it?
Thanks for the feedback.
Tim

[mcsap]

Except for the drug use but at least it was a long time ago, you look like a pretty good candidate. You MUST be up front about that and also be on the level when you say it was strictly a thing of the past amd that you are 100% against it now.

Apply, apply and apply some more. If nothing else , take tests for the experience of taking a test. Perserverence pays off. If you want the job , are earnest in your application, dress WELL for any interview etc, look good ( physical condition) and have a good work history and a clean background as far as arrests ( a 12 yr old traffic ticket means NOTHING, you are a good prospect.


Good Luck and welcome to RP.

[Oldbillplod]

Depends.....how quick can you eat a donut, two burgers, fries and a strawberry milkshake?

If the answer is within 3 minutes then I reckon you have a good chance, but that just my opinion.

[Charlie]

Tim51--

Based on your post, you generally appear to be a well-educated candidate which is a definite plus in your favor. However, your past "experimentation" with marijuana and LSD is a concern.

Most departments know that everyone has made mistakes or poor choices in their past and, they also know that often a significant number of applicants, (who are otherwise very good potential candidates), may have experimented with drugs. Most departments often have policies or guidelines in place addressing drug use-related issues. I can only encourage you to contact the police department's recruiter for more information about this issue. They should be able to tell you whatever their policy dictates regarding this issue.

Most departments MAY excuse "experimentation" with marijuana but there are two factors concerning this: (1) When was the last time you used it? AND, (2) How many times? Policies I have seen give somewhere between 1 to 5 year ranges for "last time used" purposes with regards to marijuana. AND, they'll usually have some sort of definition concerning HOW MANY TIMES a person can have used marijuana as well. (i.e.: a definition of WHAT constitutes "experimentation.")

Your admission of using LSD, even one time, may be a particularly problematic situaiton for you. Some departments will not hire applicants who have "experimented," even ONE TIME, with drugs such as LSD. (I am not an expert but from what I understand, LSD has been known to trigger "bad trips" after significant periods of timehas gone by since a person last used this substance). Therefore, depending on the department, you may be permanently disqualified from further consideration.

Sounds like to me you have your life going well for you but unfortuantely, I suspect, your past drug use, even though long ago, may be an issue.

Nevertheless, it certainly does not hurt to check with any departments you have interest in to clarify their policies concerning this issue but I suspect my assessment is likely fairly accurate.
--
Charlie

[Jcrazy]

Like the others said, You sound like you are a good candidate with the exception of you drug use. 30 times is up there for marijuana. In my state I think the limit is 20. I also think the LSD use is going to give you lot of trouble. It is still worth looking into. It really depends on the department. If you look hard enough you might find one that will let it go.

[Chief_Wiggum]

30 times marijuana probably means a no hire. LSD is a no hire. BAd news, but that's life.

[HK45cal]

LSD use, no hire

[zander_zye]

LSD is pretty bad stuff - I don't think any department will hire you if you had taken that.

Just my two....

[metallicat]

Regardless of the fact that they say its an immediate disqualification, it still can't hurt to apply in my opinion. You never know.

[Hex]

Down here (San Diego, California) all the departments have "hallucinogenic" drugs as an immediate disqualification.

[Norm357]

Originally posted by Hex
Down here (San Diego, California) all the departments have "hallucinogenic" drugs as an immediate disqualification.

Same in Ga.

[Hex]

Yeah I bet. They are, however, very lenient with marijuana. They state that you are only disqualified if you used it within the last 3 years from when you applied.

[Tim51]

Thanks for all the replies.
I have spoken with a couple departments in my area about their drug usage policies and they have said since my usage was so far in the past it is not an issue.
I have an oral board scheduled for next week!
Thanks,
Tim

[mummer43]

Here are the PA State Police standards taken from their website:

Drug Admissions:

*Zero usage of Schedule I drugs, excluding marijuana, and non-prescribed schedule II drugs as listed in the Controlled Substances, Drug, Devices and Cosmetic Act (Act 64), for a period of three years prior to filing an application. [Schedule I and Schedule II drugs include, but are not limited to cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstacy), oxycontin, Gamma Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)].

*Zero non-prescribed usage of steroids (Schedule III) for period of three years prior to filing an application.

*Zero marijuana usage for a period of one year prior to filing an application.

[Rad Diver]

Make an appointment with a LE Department recruiter. First ask a small or rapidly growing department, then ask a larger organization.

Just be honest, sincere, and be ready to explain.