Background/drug question

[nji911]

I have a question regarding drug history. About a year and a half ago I used my roommates adderall 3 times during an exam week. Not thinking at the time, I now realize this is a frowned upon drug and truly regret taking it. Not too much I can do now except move on from it and accept responsibility. My question is while I know this a controlled substance, how is it viewed by police departments as far as a drug goes during a background check? It was not used to get high or anything like that, it was used to aid in studying for the 3 days I used it. Any information would be helpful, thanks in advance!

[deputywave]

Tell the truth and let the chips fall where they will.

[nji911]

Absolutely I would tell the truth. There is no point in lying because if I were deceptive, I wouldn't be qualified in the first place. I went to a physical agility appointment tonight and passed the agility test with no problem. When it came to going over the background information they had said that it violates the Civil service board's rules as far as the adderall goes. I am wondering if it is something that is going to haunt my LE career search forever or if this is something that is correctable with time in between. I have the opportunity to appeal and whatnot as well. Just in all of your guy's experience and what you have seen/heard of in the past, I am curious to see what kind of information you may have on this matter.

[nji911]

And if anyone has any insight on Philadelphia's Police department requirements that would be helpful because that is where I am looking to apply.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

And if anyone has any insight on Philadelphia's Police department requirements that would be helpful because that is where I am looking to apply.

Google is your friend.

[nji911]

Google is your friend.

I tried searching a million different ways and couldn't come up with anything on this topic.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

I tried searching a million different ways and couldn't come up with anything on this topic.

Try way # 1,000,001. I Googled before I made the last post and got the info.

[Citicop]

I have a question regarding drug history. About a year and a half ago I used my roommates adderall 3 times during an exam week. Not thinking at the time, I now realize this is a frowned upon drug and truly regret taking it. Not too much I can do now except move on from it and accept responsibility. My question is while I know this a controlled substance, how is it viewed by police departments as far as a drug goes during a background check? It was not used to get high or anything like that, it was used to aid in studying for the 3 days I used it. Any information would be helpful, thanks in advance!

I think you misunderstand.

It's not taking Adderall that will keep you from getting hired. Plenty of people take it as prescribed and would have no problem in the process.

The problem is that you used a controlled substance ILLEGALLY. That gets looked at the same as other illegal drug use, like cocaine and heroin. Expect your behavior to be closely scrutinized. Did he give it to you, did you buy it from him, or did you steal it (another felony crime)?

I'm not sure I buy that you are in college, but somehow didn't realize you aren't supposed to use other people's prescriptions.

You will probably face a steep uphill climb to get hired.

-Citicop.

[ChaosXIW]

I know in my department, Adderall is looked at in the same light as Oxys and other prescription painkillers. It's a common thing for college age people to take Adderall from friends for study aids. Unfortunately, it is viewed as more serious than using pot, at least in my agency. Taking prescription drugs that aren't yours, regardless of intent, is serious in most situations. The only real exceptions i've seen were family-related, as in "mom had old percocets and Johnny fell and busted his arm. Mom gives Johnny the percs to make him feel better." In cases like that, you get lee-way sometimes. I've never seen adderall use as you have described get excused easily. Given that it was also a year and a half ago, I say you likely have little to no chance of getting looked at for at least a couple more years. But then again, it is Philly, and they need cops. I say apply, but don't get your hopes up.

[nji911]

Did he give it to you, did you buy it from him, or did you steal it (another felony crime)?-Citicop.

It was given to me by a roommate who was prescribed it. It was for 3 days in October 2008 for a testing week. After looking into it and realizing it was actually a controlled substance, I never touched it again. I wish I could take it back but obviously I cannot.

[nji911]

I know in my department, Adderall is looked at in the same light as Oxys and other prescription painkillers. It's a common thing for college age people to take Adderall from friends for study aids. Unfortunately, it is viewed as more serious than using pot, at least in my agency. Taking prescription drugs that aren't yours, regardless of intent, is serious in most situations. The only real exceptions i've seen were family-related, as in "mom had old percocets and Johnny fell and busted his arm. Mom gives Johnny the percs to make him feel better." In cases like that, you get lee-way sometimes. I've never seen adderall use as you have described get excused easily. Given that it was also a year and a half ago, I say you likely have little to no chance of getting looked at for at least a couple more years. But then again, it is Philly, and they need cops. I say apply, but don't get your hopes up.

Yes I know they are in need. I guess I am just wondering if it is a automatic DQ for them or if it is something that would just be an uphill battle. Obviously if it was a automatic DQ I would not want to travel to philly just to be denied.

[Kimble]

Obviously if it was a automatic DQ I would not want to travel to philly just to be denied.

What's stopping you from picking up the phone and calling Philly PD (or any PD you're interested in) and asking their recruiters directly? Cops on this site are from all over the U.S., even outside the U.S., and standards for hiring vary widely. If you want answers for the Philly area agencies, call them and ask.

[nji911]

What's stopping you from picking up the phone and calling Philly PD (or any PD you're interested in) and asking their recruiters directly? Cops on this site are from all over the U.S., even outside the U.S., and standards for hiring vary widely. If you want answers for the Philly area agencies, call them and ask.

Yeah, I just got the recruitment number. I will give them a call tomorrow. I just thought it was kind of a weird question to be asking over the phone, I was hoping someone here had some insight. Either way though, I will find out.

[Citicop]

ark50 / nji911-

Registering multiple usernames is a bannable offense here.

Same basic question and phrasing + a shared IP in some of the posts from each account= multiple accounts to one person.

Goodbye.

-Citicop.