Quick Background Packet Question

[BruinsFan88]

Hello,
I have recently passed a written/physical test for a police department and now have to fill out a preliminary background packet.
One section asks about taking pharmaceutical drugs not prescribed to you.
When I was 17 I had my wisdom teeth removed and was prescribed Vicodin for the pain by my doctor. My mother, who is a licensed nurse, thought the dosage was a little high and could make me sick. Instead of giving me my Vicodin pills she gave me some lower dosage Vicodin pills prescribed to my father after one of his surgeries not too long before. I have never abused prescription or OTC drugs and have never taken either when not needed.

My question is on the part of the background packet that asks: "Have you ever used, possessed, or sold pharmaceutical drugs not prescribed to you" should I answer yes because I took someone else's prescription or should I be safe in saying no because I was prescribed Vicodin.
I am not going to lie in anyway whatsoever, I am just wanting to hear your opinions before I check yes when there is really no need to.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
BruinsFan

[capnc423]

Oh crap now that you've mentioned it, I have taken my sisters allergy pills before because mine ran out. Sorry to hi jack this thread.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Hello,
I have recently passed a written/physical test for a police department and now have to fill out a preliminary background packet.
One section asks about taking pharmaceutical drugs not prescribed to you.
When I was 17 I had my wisdom teeth removed and was prescribed Vicodin for the pain by my doctor. My mother, who is a licensed nurse, thought the dosage was a little high and could make me sick. Instead of giving me my Vicodin pills she gave me some lower dosage Vicodin pills prescribed to my father after one of his surgeries not too long before. I have never abused prescription or OTC drugs and have never taken either when not needed.

My question is on the part of the background packet that asks: "Have you ever used, possessed, or sold pharmaceutical drugs not prescribed to you" should I answer yes because I took someone else's prescription or should I be safe in saying no because I was prescribed Vicodin.
I am not going to lie in anyway whatsoever, I am just wanting to hear your opinions before I check yes when there is really no need to.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
BruinsFan

What do you think you should answer?

[kevf1986]

I'm not an LEO but I will offer you this advice. I asked my uncle who has been an LEO for 30 years about your situation. Police departments conduct backgrounds to determine candidates of the most honesty, integrity, and most importantly, common sense. Think about what you asked and then the facts. Were you ever in posession, sold, or used non prescribed pharmaceutical drugs? Same medication or not, if you took meds that were from a bottle with someone else's name and doctor on it then you know the answer to your question. My uncle said that this is a very mediocre situation to worry about. The concerns are usually if you have consistent behaviors either possessing or using non-prescribed pharmaceuticals or drugs. Taking a smaller dosage of a similar or same medication you were prescribed yourself is a NON-issue-background detective may just wish to validate the script authorizations if it even goes that far. Realistically, we both know the right thing to do would have been to contact your physician and request the dosage or milograms to be reduced instead of your nurse mother doing it from home, but, I think a background investigator will look at this situation just like the guy who admits to stealing because he left the bank with one of their pens after filling out a deposit slip. I think you get the picture. Fill out the packet honestly and exactly. Put everything-during the polygraph it will be examined and if you change or add details at this point it may cause concern about the truthfullness or consistency of your character. Good luck, and if thats the only thing in your background your worried about you should do just fine.

[greg72982]

Being a Bruins fan is an auto DQ.

[TheDonna]

I am, no means and officer BUT I find honesty is key when it comes to things like this. When in doubt, tell them.

I told them some pretty silly things that I had gotten in trouble for at work and none of them affected my being accepted into the academy but I'm also a very honest person and I don't have anything in my past that I would ever feel uncomfortable talking about in that situation.


If you really feel the need to ask officers if something is worth mentioning, it probably is.

Just my 2cents

[cablexman]

I would personally put it down if the situation applied to me, and you can explain the circumstances. You just don't want to be accused of hiding anything