Hello everyone

[jimcabtv]

I am 19 and I want to work for the government someday. I have been searching on google and reading these forums and a lot of the information is too general.

If I wanted to head in the path of becoming a special agent for the fbi,cia, or another agency, what would be the best path for me. I would like to carry a gun and do investigative work and I am open to trying new things.

Would becoming a cop first be my best option?...I'm not joining the military but I would like to be a cop.

Im thinking of this option - bachelors degree in criminal justice, becoming a cop, then trying to apply for the other agencies.

Also, before I start heading in that direction I want to ask if smoking marijuana maybe 40 times ( It has been 3 years since I quit cold turkey) would prevent me from joining the fbi, cia, or another agency because I do not want to be a police officer my whole life, I definitely want to join a higher agency and I don't want to get stuck as an officer because the other agencies wont higher me for my past MJ use. Also, I was charged with misdemeanor theft, but I took a theft diversion class and I was told it was taken off my record. Thye told me it would still be present in only government background checks...Have I already ruined my chances or do I have a chance in the next 15 years to get a nice resume that would make that stuff not important?

[Kimble]

Also, before I start heading in that direction I want to ask if smoking marijuana maybe 40 times ( It has been 3 years since I quit cold turkey) would prevent me from joining the fbi, cia, or another agency

Yes. FBI has some of the most liberal drug policies in federal law enforcement, and the maximum amount of times they allow for MJ usage is 15, regardless of how long ago it was. Here's their drug policy: https://www.fbijobs.com/52.asp

I'd advise looking into another field, as federal law enforcement is likely shut to you (sorry).

[Kimble]

...becoming a special agent for the fbi,cia, or another agency

FWIW, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is an intelligence agency, not a law enforcement agency. As such, they do not have criminal investigators/special agents like FBI, ATF, ICE and other law enforcement agencies. The CIA does have an Office of Inspector General, though I've been told that their investigators serve more as general investigators (1810) rather than criminal investigators (1811).

[Nole795]

Jim,

Your chances are very slim getting on due to your past. I would suggest looking into an alternate career.

Oh and ditto everything that ROS said about the CIA.

[DeltaV]

Also, before I start heading in that direction I want to ask if smoking marijuana maybe 40 times ( It has been 3 years since I quit cold turkey) would prevent me from joining the fbi, cia, or another agency because I do not want to be a police officer my whole life,

Forget the feds, you will be hard pressed to find a decent local police department or sheriff's office to hire you with your past drug use. Definitely don't major in criminal justice in college.

[jimcabtv]

Smoking weed was a horrible decision...

If I was a police officer for like 10 years and then applied for the fbi would I then have a chance? ( no drugs of course)

[Nole795]

Smoking weed was a horrible decision...

If I was a police officer for like 10 years and then applied for the fbi would I then have a chance? ( no drugs of course)

The chances of you getting hired as a police officer are slim as well. If I were in your shoes, I would look into another career. Why play russian roulette with your career? Get a career in an occupation that will not require such a thorough background check such as law enforcement.

[Kimble]

If I was a police officer for like 10 years and then applied for the fbi would I then have a chance? ( no drugs of course)

Unless the FBI changes their current hiring policy regarding drugs, it doesn't matter how long ago it was or what you've done in the mean time. If you're outside what they accept, you're outside, period.

Sorry, but as has been suggested, I'd suggest looking to other job fields that will meet your career goals.

[Valor55]

Smoking weed was a horrible decision...

If I was a police officer for like 10 years and then applied for the fbi would I then have a chance? ( no drugs of course)

What makes you think any police departments will hire you with that background?

[Motorolanut]

This post is a joke right??, I agree go sales and marketing....All jokes aside you will probably make more money:D

[Kimble]

This post is a joke right??, I agree go sales and marketing....All jokes aside you will probably make more money:D

I don't see the need to be an a$$ about this. I'm sure the original poster is less than satisfied that his past decisions will cost him a career in LE. Why mock him for it?

No one is perfect, and yes, some make better decisions than others early on in life (and thus have more opportunities for success in certain fields than others), but so long as this person has matured and moved on, why not give him the honest truth about his chances, wish him the best in another field, and leave it at that?

[Chip]

1.2.tree.

[Chip]

im still here ROS

[Switchback]

im still here ROS

This is a warning.
Keep it up and it will be short lived.

Your posts serve no other purpose than to antagonize another member.

[Motorolanut]

:D 1000 apologies jimcabtv, What I meant is sometimes these forums get little children and wierdos just messing with the members for laughes. Anyhow Yes give the locals a shot, plus there is a lot of LE support posistions that are just as important as the first line officer. Good Luck in your Quest!!