FORM SF-86 Questions

[quixotal]

I only skimmed this a bit...but here's my problem with the "how many times" drug question....I used mj a few times in college. Every time I poly someplace I get hinky about the "how many times" part. I don't remember. Flat out. But that answer seems to really bug the crap out of whomever I am dealing with. Logically (from my experiences interviewing suspects) a basic interview could determine if I am attempting to hedge or just can't freaking remember. I've had some go the extra 1/10 mile (yes, much much less than going the extra mile) and some (*cough*Feebs*cough*) badger me like I'm some 15 year old punk. I don't remember because it wasn't enough to really remember, and I never felt a need to remember. I have a basic guess, and I stick with that number, but am I sure? No idea...could be one more time, or one less (and they say...could it be 2 more times?...and I ask...well, then does that put me over some magical limit you've established?)...

Anyhow, my take...go with what people are telling you here. Be honest. And if you made a mistake in your previous background forms...and you can articulate it, freaking CORRECT it...THAT is being honest. If they can't hang with your honesty, then you don't want to work for those folks anyhow. It took a couple applications to realize that about a few places.

17 times? 7 times? whatever it is, it speaks to your judgment and maturity. The more time between the last one those and the place you are currently applying, the better. The more mature and professional decisions and experience you gain along the way, the better. The folks that puff up and say "well, I never have that problem, my number is 0" are playing to their own judgment of you, doesn't matter. Funny story, a buddy of mine works for a local PD. I was interviewed during his hiring process years ago, and he almost didn't get hired...because he had NEVER tried alcohol. They flat out didn't believe him. I backed him up, because he never has...but the BI thought he was lying because he was so defensive about it. So you can never tell.

[Citicop]

For the record, I was not judging the OP; I was just pointing out that the situation he finds himself in is largely due to his past choice to use an illegal drug.

I don't think that using marijuana 7 ( or 17) times should be a permanant DQ given enough time and good decision making in the meantime.

Maybe you don't think that was a point worth making, quixotal, but I do.

-Citicop.

[quixotal]

No, you're right. Its a good point. I just rarely see the counter point from a fellow LEO perspective.

[UpOnBase2]

Very good post. Common sense and good judgement will get you far in life...if you think you might want to be a cop then don't use any illegal drugs.

For the record, I was not judging the OP; I was just pointing out that the situation he finds himself in is largely due to his past choice to use an illegal drug.

I don't think that using marijuana 7 ( or 17) times should be a permanant DQ given enough time and good decision making in the meantime.

Maybe you don't think that was a point worth making, quixotal, but I do.

-Citicop.