Help - looking for answer about background...

[Holden]

I've been scheduled to take the phsyical and written tests tomorrow for an officer trainee position in Santa Monica, CA. To get to the point - I've had illegal drug use in my past - over two years ago since last time I used anything illegal (or drank alcohol). I'm 26 yrs old and am a member of Narcotics Anonymous, because drug use was a problem for me in my past; However, I've radically changed (180 degrees) and have done many many things that would show how much I've changed in terms of my recovery and in my personal and professional life.

I've seen on different websites (I think this was one of them) that if someone has used drugs over a certain amount of times within the past three years OR has ever done LSD even once OR ever sold an illegal drug (marijuana included) that they would be auto DQ from the hiring process.

I'm trying to find out if these are absolutes? I emailed the Chief of Police in Santa Monica with this question, but the response I got was from a different officer replying that, "...we look at the circumstances and time frame for which it occurred which would be disclosed at the background phase. We encourage you to continue with the testing process and look forward to seeing you on Saturday."

This was a vague response and I can't get a hold of the officer by the phone number she left today...I'm trying to figure if it's worth my time to go through with the big prior parts of the testing which I'm pretty darn sure I can pass... I have no criminal history on record.

Can anyone shed light? Testing is 7:30 am tommorrow, Saturday...should I go, or will I get DQ'd later assuming I pass physical and written tests?

Thanks in advance to anyone who gives suggestion.

[meatstick300]

I would take the exam, but still try to get ahold of someone with that dept. and ask them. I can tell you that the time frame from your last drug use may be a problem/may not be. It just depends on the dept.

[manahmanah]

Sorry, but if it was so bad you had to go to NA I would not even try.

[Plazoo]

As bad as it may sound, (at least in my state), if you're in NA you did a little more than smoke the ganja a time or two, more likely there's some heavy drug use in your past. In addition to that, two years is just not enough of a time frame to make you a viable candidate. Of course, you didn't mention what drugs you abused either.

Keep in mind though, that each state is different but, in all honesty, I don't see you having much luck at this point in time.

[Sierra]

To get to the point - I've had illegal drug use in my past - over two years ago since last time I used anything illegal (or drank alcohol).

I'm 26 yrs old and am a member of Narcotics Anonymous, because drug use was a problem for me in my past;

I've seen on different websites (I think this was one of them) that if someone has used drugs over a certain amount of times within the past three years OR has ever done LSD even once OR ever sold an illegal drug (marijuana included) that they would be auto DQ from the hiring process.

Can anyone shed light? Testing is 7:30 am tommorrow, Saturday...should I go, or will I get DQ'd later assuming I pass physical and written tests?

1. Not enough time has passed for you to become a Police Officer in the State of Arizona. AZ requires 3 years since last use. # of times used since 21 is an issue as well. Based on your statements, I would venture to say you would be DQ'ed in AZ, and probably CA as well.

2. This statement leads me to believe that you "experimented" with narcotics more than the maximum # of allowable times.

Both 1 and 2 MAY BE waived under petition from the head (Chief, Sheriff) of the department, but I would rate your chances of this at a larger department as virtually nil. Again, this is in AZ.

3. This statement leads me to believe you may have sold Marijuana. There is no provision for a waiver for this offense unless it occurred under the age of 18 in AZ.

My suggestion would be to check CA's Post regulations (CALPOST?) for what is required to obtain certification. I found AZ's online via the state website (http://www.azpost.state.az.us/), I would presume CA's could be found the same way.

Good luck, but I do not believe you will be able to obtain certifcation.