What are my chances?

[impymech]

I just left the Navy two months ago with an honorable discharge. I served for almost 9 years. I miss the service but it was getting tough on my family with the deployments and having to relocate so often. So I thought about persuing law enforcement for my next career so I can still do a part to serve my community. The only problem is my past. Seems law enforcement is more concerned about it than the millitary was. I was arrested for breaking and entering ( age 13 ) driving without a license ( age 15 ) and DUI ( age 18 ). I used marijuana, crack, cocaine, and LSD numerous times. I have been clean from everything for ten years now. The last time I did drugs was ten years ago and my last criminal conviction was over 12 years ago. I can say I'm a changed man but I don't think it's going to matter. I guess I'm just wondering if my past is going to ruin my chances even though I served in the military for 9 years ( and currently serving in the Naval Reserves). Will my military service help? I plan to apply tommorow and I willl be completly honest about everything that is asked. But will it be a waste of time?

[Switchback]

Hard drugs will exclude you from every department/agency that I know.

[Oldbillplod]

I used marijuana, crack, cocaine, and LSD numerous times.

That's your downfall, you will never get employment as a LEO.

[TPDHellhound]

I just left the Navy two months ago with an honorable discharge. I served for almost 9 years. I miss the service but it was getting tough on my family with the deployments and having to relocate so often. So I thought about persuing law enforcement for my next career so I can still do a part to serve my community. The only problem is my past. Seems law enforcement is more concerned about it than the millitary was. I was arrested for breaking and entering ( age 13 ) driving without a license ( age 15 ) and DUI ( age 18 ). I used marijuana, crack, cocaine, and LSD numerous times. I have been clean from everything for ten years now. The last time I did drugs was ten years ago and my last criminal conviction was over 12 years ago. I can say I'm a changed man but I don't think it's going to matter. I guess I'm just wondering if my past is going to ruin my chances even though I served in the military for 9 years ( and currently serving in the Naval Reserves). Will my military service help? I plan to apply tommorow and I willl be completly honest about everything that is asked. But will it be a waste of time?

That depends on the agency... many departments have automatic disqualifiers. Crack and LSD are two of them in my agency. You may want to call the recruiter for the agency you plan to test for and ask him/her.

[04SteveR6]

I agree that it may not be possible because even though you have been a good citizen for 9 years, you are still a gamble for the department.

[Nole795]

Hard drugs will exclude you from every department/agency that I know.

Same on my end...

[suzanne1020U.S.]

Hard drugs will exclude you from every department/agency that I know.

Chin up, your chances of landing a reality show on VH1 are tremendously high.
....Excuse the pun.:D

[freshgirl]

I'm not a LEO yet, but I've been through the hiring process (should have a hire date in Feb). I live in California, which seems to have the most tolerant prior drug use policies, and although most agencies will over look some marijuana and *SOME* will allow for one or two uses of cocaine or LSD, crack is an automatic DQ for every agency I know of.

edit: I forgot to add that if the agency will allow any of the above, there must be some time between the use and applying, generally 5-7 years (maybe 3 years for pot)

[Mike Romeo]

I usually run home to Mother on questions like this with disqualifiers from my department. Which is likely similar to other departments. The fact that you possessed/used LSD is a lifetime disqualifier. Sorry.

Applicants who have illegally used or possessed any drug or controlled substance which would constitute a felony (i.e., cocaine or heroin) within the past 15 years, have illegally possessed or used marijuana within the past 36 months, or have illegally used or possessed steroids within the past 5 years, will not be considered for employment. In addition, applicants who have ever illegally possessed any type of hallucinogenic drug (i.e., PCP, LSD, Peyote, etc.) or have ever sold or distributed ANY controlled substance listed under §54.1-3400 of the Drug Control Act of Virginia will not be considered for employment.

[Oldbillplod]

So to sum up:

You are more likely to see a one legged dog trying to bury a turd on a frozen pond than a department take on someone with such a history of drugs.

[GSrider]

So to sum up:

You are more likely to see a one legged dog trying to bury a turd on a frozen pond than a department take on someone with such a history of drugs.

:D Nice analogy...

So how about 1x use of LSD and 2x use of mushrooms 16 years ago? Currently I'm an E-7 in the Army (11 years of service) with numerous tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, awarded the Bronze Star medal during my last tour. I have a Top Secret clearance after a lengthy BI 5 years ago. Only blemish on my record is a Disorderly Conduct charge over 10 years ago which I paid a $75 fine for. I've also completed my AS/CJ degree and am working towards a BS. I was thinking of getting out next year and pursuing a law enforcement career. I've never failed at anything and didn't think of myself as an auto DQ for something so far in my past. In your opinion's will this DQ me from all law enforcement departments as well?

[Oldbillplod]

The problem with an halluciagenic is you can get flashbacks several years later after only one hit, this in itself should be enough to disqualify anyone.

[H.R. Cufnstuf]

Welcome back to the MA Force ;)