I Will Get In

[JamiLea]

Just stopping by to say hello. I'm new to the forums. I'm not a hopeful or a potential, I just am. A career in law enforcement has always been my passion. I'm 24 years old and express a serious interest in helping people, investigation, forensics, criminology, etc.

Haven't figured out whether or not I want to work on a state or federal level, but I will in due time.

I live in Key West, FL. Hope everyone is well.


Word of advice: There is no passion without pain. A passion is not a dream, it is something that you make a reality. It is something that you spend your whole life working towards, bettering yourself and a learning experience, a daily reprieve. No one can convince you otherwise.

Best Wishes,
Jami

[pafindr]

Welcome to RP

[Ispbear]

Welcome to RP !

[JamiLea]

Thanks for the welcome.

So far, I've just realized that my "dumb kid" past will probably DQ me from ever being an LEO (only used drugs recreationally a handful of times), but I'm going to try anyways. I am very ashamed of it, but I learned so much so I don't regret the way it happened.

I plan to get a degree in criminology and try going that route.


It's a shame that something like that would get me DQ'd but I understand why totally and completely. No one is perfect but I knew then making those choices could affect my future so there is no excuse!

Anyways, hey!

[mcsap]

Thanks for the welcome.

So far, I've just realized that my "dumb kid" past will probably DQ me from ever being an LEO (only used drugs recreationally a handful of times), but I'm going to try anyways. I am very ashamed of it, but I learned so much so I don't regret the way it happened.

I plan to get a degree in criminology and try going that route.


It's a shame that something like that would get me DQ'd but I understand why totally and completely. No one is perfect but I knew then making those choices could affect my future so there is no excuse!

Anyways, hey!

If your drug use past includes hard drugs....a degree in criminology will very likely be a waste of money.

[JamiLea]

Even if it was 1 experiment?

[Switchback]

There is usually no room for "experimentation" with hard drugs. Who knows, there are departments out there that have looked the other way for less, but it will be challenging to get hired (to say the least).

[JamiLea]

I will work really hard. They will see that past is past and that is not in my future. If I am meant to be in this profession, then God will see to it that I am blessed to have the privilege.

I will move to wherever I can get in, create a rapport and go from there. I don't believe accomplishing something that is a passion of mine is a "waste of money"

Especially just because I was a young, SOMEWHAT rebellious kid. And everyone they contact in my past will tell them how clear headed and stable I really am.

[Switchback]

The thing is (especially considering your past drug use), you may want to consider another major in college. You know that a CJ major is no better than any other major, right? I'd consider studying something that would make a good backup for you. It does not mean you are any less passionate or determined to become an LE. It only demonstrates a little forethought.

FWIW, I AM a federal criminal investigator and my degree is completely unrelated to LE. In fact, I started in another field and just "stumbled" into my job. Despite the fact of how I found myself here, no one would ever contest the passion I have for my job.

...just a little something to consider.

[DeltaV]

You can have two PhDs, a law degree, and speak seven languages, but if you have used a hard drug ONE time in your entire life, none of that will mean anything because you will not get hired by 99.9% of the agencies out there. The agencies that will hire someone with hard drug use do so because they pay so poorly and have such bad reputations that they can't afford to be picky with who they hire and will take just about anyone. You can forget about ANY federal or state agency (especially in Florida) hiring someone with hard drug use in their past.

That's just the way it is. Things like prior hard drug use (committing a felony) aren't things that are overlooked because you really want the job. If a career in law enforcement has "always been your passion," you should have made better decisions with that in mind.

[JamiLea]

The thing is (especially considering your past drug use), you may want to consider another major in college. You know that a CJ major is no better than any other major, right? I'd consider studying something that would make a good backup for you. It does not mean you are any less passionate or determined to become an LE. It only demonstrates a little forethought.

FWIW, I AM a federal criminal investigator and my degree is completely unrelated to LE. In fact, I started in another field and just "stumbled" into my job. Despite the fact of how I found myself here, no one would ever contest the passion I have for my job.

...just a little something to consider.

What degree did you get? How did you just "stumble" into it?

You have me curious!

[JamiLea]

About a week ago, the police were at my place 7 times because of a domestic dispute with one of my roommates who was drunk and on drugs. One of the police sergeants gave me his cell phone number in case I needed any advice. I was the one doing the baby sitting as always. The guy tried to commit suicide in my kitchen. I saved him. When asked if I would like the police to take him to jail, I replied "No sir, but I would like for you to help him get the help that he needs, he is young, he is making stupid mistakes and I don't think jail time would do him any good. It's obvious that he is sick and needs mental help, sobriety, etc."

Last night, I called the police sergeant. I told him about my career aspirations and how I've used drugs recreationally in my past. I asked if that would affect my chances because there is an ad in the local paper that they are accepting applicants for detention deputy trainee academy. He said "As long as it wasn't like 2 weeks ago and as long as you are completely honest about your past, it most likely will not affect your chances."

Then he proceeded to tell me that one of their own officers just took his own life and it was a very good friend of his.

What do I make of all that?

[Wanabe]

I have talked to several officers both retired and on the job about drug use for a friend of mine who was applying at a very popular local agency. They told me since it was over 10 years ago as long as he is honest it should NOT be a issue. Since he has military and 10 years without any issues. I am not taking this as fact, just saying what i was told by others who are on or nearby the department he is applying for.

At first I told him he had no shot, after hearing this i told him he should try. Worst that can happen is he doesnt get hired.

I guess thats what you should go by. Dont give up, you may never be hired but atleast you tried.

As for the degree take mine and everyone elses advice do not get a CJ related degree. I just received mine and I regret not doing something else.

good luck!

[mcsap]

About a week ago, the police were at my place 7 times because of a domestic dispute with one of my roommates who was drunk and on drugs.

Choosing to have roommates that abuse alcohol and illegal drugs is not a great way to introduce yourself into the world of LE

One of the police sergeants gave me his cell phone number in case I needed any advice. I was the one doing the baby sitting as always. The guy tried to commit suicide in my kitchen. I saved him. When asked if I would like the police to take him to jail, I replied "No sir, but I would like for you to help him get the help that he needs, he is young, he is making stupid mistakes and I don't think jail time would do him any good. It's obvious that he is sick and needs mental help, sobriety, etc."


Although your wishes are altruistic...the police dont run rehabs. And a lot of people wont go unless they HAVE TO. And one of the best ways to get someone to go who doesn't want to is to have them court ordered by a judge as part of sentencing. I cannot make someone go to rehab no more than you can. but I can arrest them and get them into jail where they can ask for help from the court or just be ordered into it.

Last night, I called the police sergeant. I told him about my career aspirations and how I've used drugs recreationally in my past. I asked if that would affect my chances because there is an ad in the local paper that they are accepting applicants for detention deputy trainee academy. He said "As long as it wasn't like 2 weeks ago and as long as you are completely honest about your past, it most likely will not affect your chances."

I truly find this hard to believe. Not that you were told this but that they would simply accept your hard drug useage because you were honest about it.

Then he proceeded to tell me that one of their own officers just took his own life and it was a very good friend of his.

Sorry to hear that.

What do I make of all that?

You'll make of it whatever you want to I guess.