Thinking for the future (advice on DQ perhaps?)

[random81]

Hey every,

Sorry to make this my first post, but I figured I would try to get some advice real quick while I just scout around this site and keep reading up on all the information.

I'm currently 20 years old, turning 21 in a couple months. I'm attending school and going to obtain my BA in Sociology next year and I have been wanting to peruse law enforcement for quite some time now. Now I haven't exactly been the best law abiding citizen either though.

I've never done any hard drugs or any sort despite marijuana. And that's where I'm sort of worried though if I do want to try to get into this career. I did weed throughout highschool and have even done it like 2 times in college so far. I have never bought or distributed it though. I never used to do it regularly, and have probably done it 30 times throughout my four years of high school and twice in college (I know that isn't necessarily one or two times throughout my whole life which is the potential problem)

I also do drink once in a while socially, although I never really will go out if I'm intoxicated and I'll stay in so I don't risk any potential problems. I have never driven drunk, stole anything, or done any other drugs than weed in my life though. I've cleaned up quite a bit since now I'm in college and am taking my academics very seriously (I hold a 3.88 GPA right now. . . I know that doesn't mean anything though in the long run heh).

My last matter is that I see a counselor once in a while. The sole purpose of this though is that I have someone to talk to who is an unbiased opinion about future aspects of my life and what I'm currently doing. I did suffer depression for a little bit in high school but never needed any meds or anything for it. It was mainly due to the lack of exercising and options that I had in my town where I grew up.

I've had 0 tickets and interactions with law enforcement. I have maintained only two jobs through my college / high school career where I worked for 2 years at one and one year at another, so I also am skeptical that that will be enough "life experience" as well. I do live on my own with roommates and don't currently work because I have saved up through my jobs to support myself while in school. My parents do pay for my school and I've had a credit card since I was like 15 and I've always paid everyone off within the first month so I assume my credit should be good. Never had any problems with my rental company or bills either.

Overall though, I just was seeking some advice. I was going to self sponsor myself through the academy to show places how serious I am and that I truly do have a passion for this and wish to get into law enforcement.

[mpd145]

The Marijuana use will hurt your application for sure. Most agenecies here in Texas will only allow MJ usage up to 5 - 7 times before it goes past the "experimental" line. You could give it a shot, but you have a very slim to none chance.

[random81]

The Marijuana use will hurt your application for sure. Most agenecies here in Texas will only allow MJ usage up to 5 - 7 times before it goes past the "experimental" line. You could give it a shot, but you have a very slim to none chance.

Hey and thanks for the reply,

That's what I figured as well. Although I'd be applying in Cali, but I do understand that the prior use isn't really helping me any. Figured I would try to get some advice so I can start planning for when I get out of college for career/job wise.

oh edit real quick: I just stated 30 because that's the maximum I've probably done marijuana. I really don't know the number of times I've done it. Just a few times scattered through high school and then twice in college. Would be a lot easier if I could remember then I wouldn't be estimating, but I guess there's only so much you can do.

[random81]

one last reply real quick.

Finally made use of the search feature so hopefully people won't get on me for that hehe. And I spent some more time thinking into how many times I've really done marijuana and it's probably between ~15-20 which is still a lot I know, although at that time I didn't have this career choice in my mind so I didn't understand the implications of my actions. Of course, that's still not a valid excuse I know, and there's no way of for sure telling what departments will do, despite the fact that I have a very low probability of going anywhere most likely.

I'm not some dope addict though, and I just did it in social situations with the wrong crowd when my judgment was low when I was younger. Not much else to really say but from what I can gather from the rest of the threads here is that it's most likely hopeless unless some absurd amount of years have passed. Inn my case will it will only only be 3 by the time I graduate which isn't a lot.

[pafindr]

How about the drinking under age, you know that's illegal too.

[random81]

How about the drinking under age, you know that's illegal too.

I realize that. Because of that I stopped drinking as well until I turn 21 and it becomes legal. I overlooked that for a while because I didn't have any intent on becoming a police officer and I was doing it in the safety of a private place. I know, sounds like I'm just one careless person but I'm trying to turn it around. It might take some years, and even if it does I am planning on graduate school right now as well in order to keep all doors open in my life so I can try to be prepared for the future.

[SnapShawt]

A lot more time I think will be necessary with established good citizenship and obeying the law. I'd say come back in 8-10 years, and in the meantime work and be productive. Still going to be a huge hurdle no matter what.