RCMP Background questions

[Vanman84]

Hello,

I'm hoping to become an RCMP officer.

Ethically, my background is very good. I have a perfect driving record. I've never got into any fights outside of the boxing ring (except for open-handed tactics when working security). No type of sexual misconduct, etc...

One problem. My background is very good except for.... you guessed it.... marijuana. I have used in one instance in my life. A huge mistake where I just let myself down and immediately regretted it, back when I wasn't really planning on being a cop.

Although it isn't really advertised on the website, I have heard through the grapevine that there is a rule of no marijuana use 3 years prior. So my questions, which I'm hoping can be answered by an RCMP officer on this forum:

Is this an absolute hard and fast rule? Is there any discretion involved? Or is it a plain you smoked weed, come back when your 3 years are up?

Does it have to be 3 years for me to even start the application process? Could I go through the application process if by the time training started the 3 years are up?

I would greatly appreciate any advice or information.

Oh, and by the way, I realise that it is still going to hurt my application regardless. I know somebody was going to try to point that out to me. I just want to know a twhat point I might have a shot.

[realpolice]

Yes, you have a shot; however, you're in a trick bag because you will have to convince the panel that you will no longer use it, and since its only been a short amount of time, it will be difficult for them to believe that. A lot of applicants have used it in the past, even if its experiemental. In fact a lot of departments/interviewers, based on the area/department you're applying at, will have difficulty believing someone that's never even tried it. Hope this helps.

[Vanman84]

Thank you so much for the info.

I am thinking of strengthening the volunteer section of my application by doing some volunteering in some sort of anti-drug position. Maybe somehow working with youth. The crazy thing is that I legitimately don't believe in marijuana, and this could really cost me.

I've heard from someone who I think to be a reasonable source that it is cut and dry 3 years and that is the policy. Is there any actual RCMP members on this board? I just don't want to waste my time and the RCMP's time by doing an application if it is just going to be thrown away automatically.

[ravenzoom]

I don't know about this policy but one thing's sure is that they expect most candidates already used drugs in their life at least once.

[Intheprocess]

Hi there;
I too am in the rcmp recruiting process and am battling with the marij.. issue of having been around it a little over a year ago (stupid I know but I own this and am moving forward). I have spoken with an RCMP source and they stated that it will be more of an issue convincing the panel what has changed, the fact that it was a soft drug is a non issue (while it is an issue) but the focus will be more on what you are doing different, etc etc. Also, volunteer lots (and I mean hundreds of community based hours, be active in your community) and be honest.

I think that the RCMP want real people, we all make choices and we must learn from them, hopefully that is, i think it would be a problem if you have a pattern of drug use, misdeeds etc but move on and if you are fortunate to progress in the process, be honest, open and show them the fantastic person they would be hiring. Yes, there may be a person in the running a million times better when it comes to having a clean past but so what! Do not give up!!!

Be yourself and give it your best, you don't know until you try and most of the answers you are going to get online or from anyone (including myself) is going to be speculative at best. Each department has a different procedure and it will definately be different in the US. I don't know if this helps but, there you have it,

s