MPDC....Disqualifiers??

[MDguy]

Hello everybody. I am 31 years old, have a clean record, and 83 college credits towards my Bachelors degree. However, I have a couple questions regarding the hiring process with the Metropolitan Police Department (D.C.). When I was a teenager, (the last time being over 13 years ago when I was 17), I experimented with LSD 4 times. (I spoke with a woman in recruiting and she said it would probably not be a factor since it was so long ago, but I am wondering what the real "scoop" is.) I also currently take anti-depressant medication, however, I am of sound mind (definitely not "crazy") and even have an official letter from my doctor stating that I am competent to perform the duties of a Police Officer. Are these factors automatic disqualifiers, or could I realistically be a competitive candidate for appointment if I pass all other phases of testing? Is it allowable to take prescribed medication in the Academy? (A big question since I know MPD recruits have to live at the Academy during the first month.) I did speak with an officer over at the Police & Fire Clinic, and he told me that it would be left up to the psychologist during background to make the determination about medication, and to go ahead and apply, (which I did.)

Bottom line..I know I asked a couple people with the department, but wondering (particularly from MPD Officers), if you know what the realistic chances/disqualifications are.

Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read. Hope everybody had a good Thanksgiving.

[Citicop]

Hello everybody. I am 31 years old, have a clean record, and 83 college credits towards my Bachelors degree. However, I have a couple questions regarding the hiring process with the Metropolitan Police Department (D.C.). When I was a teenager, (the last time being over 13 years ago when I was 17), I experimented with LSD 4 times. (I spoke with a woman in recruiting and she said it would probably not be a factor since it was so long ago, but I am wondering what the real "scoop" is.) I also currently take anti-depressant medication, however, I am of sound mind (definitely not "crazy") and even have an official letter from my doctor stating that I am competent to perform the duties of a Police Officer. Are these factors automatic disqualifiers, or could I realistically be a competitive candidate for appointment if I pass all other phases of testing? Is it allowable to take prescribed medication in the Academy? (A big question since I know MPD recruits have to live at the Academy during the first month.) I did speak with an officer over at the Police & Fire Clinic, and he told me that it would be left up to the psychologist during background to make the determination about medication, and to go ahead and apply, (which I did.)

Bottom line..I know I asked a couple people with the department, but wondering (particularly from MPD Officers), if you know what the realistic chances/disqualifications are.

Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read. Hope everybody had a good Thanksgiving.

Use of a Hallucinogen *is* a big deal, regardless of what they told you. It's an Automatic Disqualification almost everywhere I have ever heard of. Multiple times is only going to make it worse.

Even if it is NOT an automatic disqualification at MPDC, hiring is competitive in nature. Most of your competition will not have such things in their backgrounds, putting you at a SERIOUS disadvantage in the process. I'd look for a new career, if I were you.

Citicop.

[Wanabe]

Sorry buddy its a no go. Even if they some how let you slide with the lcd (not going to happen) They are not going to hire someone who is currently taking Anti-Depressants

[MDguy]

Hmm...why would people on the recruiting end tell an applicant to go ahead and apply then? And, I might add, the two people I spoke with answered me in a rather "optimistic" tone..not a "yeah yeah go ahead and apply but you're not gonna get it" tone. Why can't recruitment just be straight up? Or am I giving up too easily? I'm basically just going on what you two guys just said. (Would love to hear from some MPD Officers though.) BTW, would the same be true for the DC Fire Department?

[Citicop]

I have no idea about the fire department. But we do have some MPDC officers on here that will be able to give you a better answer.

I'm not saying quit. Apply if you want to, but I'd have a backup plan.

Citicop.

[Wanabe]

I dont want to be the one to make you quit. Go for whatever you want, you wont know until you try. Hey maybe by some long shot you pass the psych. I am just saying from experience of myself and others and the information i have been giving that it is not going to happen.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

As for the fire department, No clue on what kind of standards they have, IMO you have a better shot with them. Maybe that is something you should look into. Good luck