How much booze is too much

[gn38]

I recently turned 21, and have been invited to go out with friends and family to resturants, sporting events, and other social events were alcohol is being served. On several occasions, I have had one or two drinks during the course of the evening and then went home. (I am 6'6" 240 lbs) I am not drinking irresponsibly, or becoming intoxicated. Is having 3 or 4 beers in a weeks time something that a potential hiring LE agency would frown about. If it something that they would be concerned with, I could easily opt for another non-alcholic beverage. I have a year and a half before I am finished with college, and do not want to make any mistakes that may set me back in the hiring process.

What are your experiences, or what do you think? Any input would be great!!

[mcsap]

3 or 4 beers in a week is not excessive.

With the newer .08 BAC levels for DUI and your interest in becoming a LEO, I would be VERY careful. One DUI will ruin everything.

[EXCOP2000]

After about 3 yrs. in patrol in the inner city you will need 2-3 drinks every so often to unwind...sad to say...but seriously many cops do turn to alcohol to help cope with/relieve stress. If you become an LEO be aware of this and don't let it get out of hand (easier said than done). I never really let it, but I know I did like to enjoy a few "adult beverages" on my off days. I learned about alcohol consumption the hard way in college and the USMC before I got into LE, so by that time I had matured alot and had seen what it could do to people's lives. It sounds like you are a moderate drinker so I would say that you will probably be just fine. Remember moderation and also have a designated driver or call a cab...a DUI is to be avoided no matter what.

[CO.Dep]

Play it safe and don't drink at all when you are driving. One agency asked me if I have ever drove after consuming only one drink.

[gn38]

I never drive if I intend on having even 1 drink. Thanks for the input guys.

[K9 Police]

After about 3 yrs. in patrol in the inner city you will need 2-3 drinks every so often to unwind

I know cops who work inner city and don't ever drink.

There are departments that I know of that would raise a red flag if they were told that you drank 3-4 times every week. Not necessarily that you would be disqualified, but I know from other applicants that they were questioned in-depth about the drinking. So be prepared to explain yourself if they start dwelling into your drinking.

Once in this profession, it is easy to let the drinking get out of a hand; so be careful!

K9

[Zendik]

Well I hate drunks and had a big stupid drunk at the pad last night... If you start acting like an idiot then that should be enough to tell you you had to much... But, if you know you will act stupid when you are drunk and continue to get drunk then you should be committed to the looney factory because you are to stupid for society in the first place.
Sorry but I hate drunk idiots.

[EXCOP2000]

K-9...that was tongue in cheek comment, that is why I put "but seriously" after it. It's the old "I need a stiff drink" after a hard day at work. It doesn't mean you literally drink after every shift, of course not every officer or person drinks alcohol and more power to them if that is their choice. Abuse of alcohol can cause a lot of problems for people in their lives but 3-4 beers on your off day to me is not any type of "problem" or would raise red flags. If you did that 3-4 TIMES a week then you probably do have a problem.

[K9 Police]

OK

I was just making the point that there are cops that don't drink regardless where they work, and that there are cops that are alcoholics even in one man departments.

K9

[mcsap]

There are guys in my dept who tend to out to the local bars after working 3-11. I have told them there are two easy reasons to lose your LEO job, drinking and women. Some of these guys in my opinon are living a little risky. I myself do not drink nor do smoke. The only time you will ever see me in a bar is when I am on duty answering a call.

[Stump]

gn, let me start by saying, You are one freakin' HUGE guy!!!!
Secondly, from what you describe, that is social drinking. I think they are a little more concerned about the people who need alcohol to function, who can't say no, drink alone... one of the tests I had to take for my job was an alcohol questionaire.

[sgtbear111]

If alcohol is used to "cope", becomes a primary reason for going somwhere or doing something, or if it replaces a missing part of your life, and is used that way on a regular basis, you may be looking at a problem. I speak from experience.