Automatic disqualification?

[TRH]

Hi everyone,

I joined this site because I am unsure of whether I should attempt to undergo the police testing process. I am 24 years old with an MBA and a completely clean record. I have never been arrested, have never taken illegal drugs and I genuinely care about helping people around me and making a difference in my community.

There is, however, one blemish on my record that I would have to admit on the background packet and during the polygraph: 3 years ago (while I was an undergrad), I had received prescription vicodin (schedule III, I think?) after getting my wisdom teeth removed. I only used a few of them and was about to disgard the rest. When my roommate heard about this, he offered me cash for the remaining pills and I accepted.

I still don't know why I did it. I knew it was wrong. I really needed the money, so I think maybe that clouded my thinking substantially, but if I had considered the ramifications that such an action might have on my chances of a law enforcement career, I would have never done it.

My question is whether admitting to a one-time *major* blip in my recent past is enough to get me thrown out of the process immediately? Again, that is the only negative thing that I have to accept responsibility for. Do I stand any chance at all? Should I wait x-amount of years before applying?

I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Hi everyone,

I joined this site because I am unsure of whether I should attempt to undergo the police testing process. I am 24 years old with an MBA and a completely clean record. I have never been arrested, have never taken illegal drugs and I genuinely care about helping people around me and making a difference in my community.

There is, however, one blemish on my record that I would have to admit on the background packet and during the polygraph: 3 years ago (while I was an undergrad), I had received prescription vicodin (schedule III, I think?) after getting my wisdom teeth removed. I only used a few of them and was about to disgard the rest. When my roommate heard about this, he offered me cash for the remaining pills and I accepted.

I still don't know why I did it. I knew it was wrong. I really needed the money, so I think maybe that clouded my thinking substantially, but if I had considered the ramifications that such an action might have on my chances of a law enforcement career, I would have never done it.

My question is whether admitting to a one-time *major* blip in my recent past is enough to get me thrown out of the process immediately? Again, that is the only negative thing that I have to accept responsibility for. Do I stand any chance at all? Should I wait x-amount of years before applying?

I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

Are you ready to be pounded by all the replies? I'm sure they're incoming.

Long story short, selling prescription drugs for money (even once) is a career-killing lapse in judgment. You would be auto-dq'ed here.

[TRH]

Thanks for the response.

[mobrien316]

Check with the agency to which you wish to apply. It certainly won't help your chances, but a one-time incident like that may not be an automatic disqualifier.

[tcop733]

People are too honest.
It may be an auto DQ, but I believe the background investigator will look at the overall package.

[retdetsgt]

Check with the agency to which you wish to apply. It certainly won't help your chances, but a one-time incident like that may not be an automatic disqualifier.

I agree. It was dumb and technically a felony, but my department wouldn't look at you as a drug dealer. If everything else is good, you'd probably get a good eye roll from our BI's, but that would probably be it.

[greg72982]

Maybe I'm overanalyzing this, but you claimed you did it because times where tight and this "clouded (your) thinking substantially."

You won't make alot of money in LE and if you can be easily coerced to do things, illegal things at that, when times are tight that could be a serious issue.

[pac201]

Maybe I'm overanalyzing this, but you claimed you did it because times where tight and this "clouded (your) thinking substantially."

You won't make alot of money in LE and if you can be easily coerced to do things, illegal things at that, when times are tight that could be a serious issue.

Thanks for saying that before I did. I think it would be a "major" issue as well. Automatic? Maybe not, but certainly a serious (hate to use major again) issue to be addressed.

[retdetsgt]

[mcsap]

Clouded judgment ? You knew what you were doing and knew it was wrong.

Columbian Drug Cartel membership material ? Not even close.

It is something you will have to disclose but it may not be a career killer. I say apply and see what happens.