surprise question

[edluver]

So I am in the background phase for my local sheriff's dept. I was caught off guard by a question. The background form asked if I had ever drank alcohol while at work against regulations. So, to be honest, I have to say yes. In 2006, in my former career field in the military, when some was on their last mission, the tradition was to have a beer with your commander (typically the same rank). This was against regs. but was done in the context of tradition and with only one beer.
I won't lie about and explained the situation in an addendum. The rest of my background is clean and have a master's degree, former officer, great performance reviews and doing well in a large internet company now, have never done a single drug and have perfect credit.
So, give me your opinion. Will I at least get a chance?

[Citicop]

If you don't lie, I don't see that being a deal breaker. It might ding your chances a bit, but shouldn't outright end them.

Citicop.

[txinvestigator1]

You were still "on duty" when you drank? Is it against regs to have a beer with other's of your own rank?

[edluver]

You were still "on duty" when you drank? Is it against regs to have a beer with other's of your own rank?

Yes, still on duty. That was part of the tradition. No, not against regs to drink with your own. I didn't want anyone to think my commander outranking me (i.e. i wasn't "ordered" to take part in the tradition) affected my decision. He had positional authority not rank. I only wanted to be clear that I made this decision on my own.

[Piggy]

I think if you can somehow explain it in person, call your BI or attach a letter, it should not be a problem. Go into as much detail as possible.

[edluver]

The question does ask for an addendum if you answered yes. I will explain but won't try to make an excuse but rather take full responsibility. Thank you all for putting me a little at ease.

[nypd4me08]

Hey everyone, How is it going? I am going for my medical exam in the am for NYPD any advice for the rest of the hiring process?

[SnapShawt]

Zero impact as far as I'm concerned. I can guarantee one of our BI guys who has an extensive military background would laugh and move on.