Am I disqualified for law enforcement jobs?

Question

I am currently in the marines i get out in january. I am applying for a police officer position with my local PD, in cali. I am 26 now, from when I was 16 to about 20 I did a lot of methanphetamines (never with a needle), and smoked KJ, and i did acid once when i was 18. I smoked pot until i came into the marine corps at 22. I also have shoplifted a few times between 18 and 19. I am wondering if this will disqualify me on the background check to become a police officer. I no longer use any kinds of drugs whatsoever and havent in 4 years.

Answer 1

A lot of law enforcement agencies have no problem with that.  They want someone who has seen the other side.

Your military experience will help.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Why don't you ask them?  If the answer isn't what you want to hear, stay in the Corp!  Life as a Marine can't be fun, but chasing idiots in California can't be much better!  Thanks for serving, it sounds like you've straightened yourself out!  Good Luck!  Sempre Fi!

Answer 3

I can say with 99.9% certainty that your meth and acid usage will automatically disqualify you from any police profession.  Not the same story with pot, though.  Most agencies have a tolerance limit for marijuana.  They usually refer to it as "experimental" usage.  IE- 10 times or less.  Also, it's only been 4 years since you say you last used.  You should get that number up to around 7 years or more, but it makes no difference, since you used "hard" drugs- the acid in particular, since you could have a "flashback" at any time in the future.  Agencies don't want officers who could start tweaking at any moment due to an acid flashback.

Answer 4

Well.... It won't help much!

But being a Marine is a big plus and hopefully you've learned something about self control, pride and honor.

Those three characteristics will help the most.

Answer 5

Yes...

Answer 6

No necessarily.

Tell the truth and quit doing dope.