Need help with hiring information?

[rob1982]

I am 21 years old and have a year and a half left of college. I'm finishing up the core classes for my criminal justice degree. I need to know if it would be better to switch to an accounting or business major for a better opportunity? Also, in the polygraph exam and background checks I don't know what is asked and the only severe things I have done wrong is that I smoked pot in the eighth grade. I was never arrested. Will this kill my chances? Finally, I had ankle surgery last year which corrected pain I was having. It involved putting a screw in to relieve pressure in my ankle. Physically I can run, jump, and exercise just like anyone else but the screw is still in there. Can I be disqualified due to this? Any info on my questions would be very helpful for my future decisions.
Thanks
Rob

[muskingumboy]

From what I've read here on this forum some says its better to have another degree then Cj, just so have a better experience....

And its best to have a BA, or BS(ie 4 year, and not an associates)

But any college is better then no college....

As for you ankle, as long as you could pass the physical test to get into an acadamy I don't think that it would be a problem.


But then again, I'm in a similar boat like you. One more semester, from my private libral arts college, and I'll get a BA in political science. And I've tried weed, but that was over 2-3 years ago(can't remember exactly, wasn't sober). Don't drink, or do anything anymore like that). But I was arrested for criminal trespass(misdomenor), and I have to get the expunged.

I guess the question is now, don't let anything like what you've said hold back from being a LEO(law enforcement officer), if thats what you want to do, do it..... I know high school grads that had been way worse then me, and there cops now.....so there is always hope.

[Police101]

I have just begun processing for the NYPD. I applied to the Cadet Corps and am taking the written LEO exam next month. Can't become a cop b/c not a citizen. I admitted to experimentation w/marijuana & kinda regret it now. It didn't get me DQ'ed on the spot, and I did see them ask some other applicants to leave. I was advised that I "may not be hired" after telling them the TRUTH! This made me wonder how many other applicants have tried MJ and didn't list it on their applications. I now believe it's best to use your discretion when applying.

[mcsap]

Police 101 , if you LIE on your app and later get polygraphed and fail, you will be marked as a liar and NO department will hire you. Be honest, quit using the junk, and stay out of trouble. If you didn't get DQ'ed you have a shot.

Shouldn't the person who NEVER used drugs be considered above those that have ? ( all other things being equal of course.)

[K9 Police]

As for the education, I don't necessarily think that you will be given a "better" oppurtunity if you major other than criminal justice. I just advice it as some people are not suited for law enforcement work. Everyone thinks that they are, but you never know until you do it for awhile. It is nice to have something to drop back on. For instance, in my case I started very young so I want something to drop back on when I retire. My so-called second career, if I decide to. Or I decide no more police for me, I have other options. Believe me, it happens.

K9

[rob1982]

I agree that it is a big deal that you never used drugs. Also, a person who only did it a few times while in junior high and never again shouldn't be ruled out. It seems wrong to prevent someone the chance to serve their community because they tried marijuana and decided that staying away from drugs was the better road. I tried it and decided it wasn't for me. All of my friends and most of my family were involved in drugs and I thought it was the thing to do but I decided that was the wrong idea. I was dumb and will admit it, but I quit because it was wrong and I wanted to make something of myself. Should I be penalized forever?
Thanks
Rob

[Police101]

Yes, the person that has never tried drugs should be considered above those that have. I am learning so much about the BI process, and it seems some dept's are looking for nails to put in your coffin. Just b/c I experimented w/ MJ doesn't make me a career criminal, and I will regret it if that is what stops me from becoming a part of the police dept. In my case, the guy in charge of hiring worked narcotics for 8 years, so that doesn't make me feel very good. A friend of mine also applied to the NYPD, and admitted using MJ in the past. He hasn't been DQ'ed either.

[mcsap]

If you used MJ in the 8th grade and that was it, YOU will NOT be DQ'ed. That is not a problem.

The ankle issue concerns me a little more however a letter from you doctor saying that you have NO limitations and if you actively participate in any sports or an excercise program would alleviate any concerns that a prospective dept might have.

[rob1982]

My doctor has released me to play any sports and due whatever I want to do physically. The surgery was to fix the joint and the screws are only there because they were installed to hold the bones while they healed. It is just easier to leave them in than to do surgery again and pull them out.
Thanks
Rob