Are drug experimentation policies less strict for police cadets/aides than for actual cops?

Question

I've tried 3 drugs in my life ( one being pot) all in my last 2 years of high school/first year of college. It was stupid, and I regret it every day, but I was 18/19 and had just moved away to go to University and wanted to get a little wild/try new things as I'd been very serious and straight laced in high school, never even having gotten a detention. Now I'm a senior in college, about to graduate. I know some Police departments will DQ you for having tried coke/E period, as I could deff see why, but I was wondering if the standards for being a cadet were the same? I live in the CA Bay area, where most of the dept's will forgive some basic experimentation after a period of time usually 5-7 years. I was just going to wait the 5 years and try applying, but I HAVE to get LE job to graduate at my school, so I thought I might apply to be a cadet. However, I don't want to waste my time if they're just going to DQ me as it's only been 3 years. I deffinetly don't mind waiting 2-3 more years

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry too much about it. You weren't arrested, you abstain now, and you have only done it 3 times. There are many many people out there who are cops and other positions on authority who have touched drugs mor time you have.

If you want a good example of an addict going in to a high power job, look at the president. He was arrested for cocaine in the 70's and a DWI in the late 70's.

The past is the past, and your future looks bright!

Good luck.

Answer 2

Alright you realize that on any lie box or other questioner you must be truthful, that is good. I know a lot of departments that will hire you, like you said, after 5 years abstinence. Sorry I know little about CA but in my jurisdiction, a very large Midwestern city, you are to old for cadet who they only give a P test to and no drug background questions. As an aid, a civilian desk job for example, again no problem. For dispatch 2 years clear is enough.

Unlike the guy with the Marshall's office I'm saying go for it.  They can only say no, as of now most do not share their rejections, or the reason for rejection, with other departments.

Answer 3

I've worked in LE for over fifteen years, the last 5 of which, I have conducted pre-employment background screenings, and my best advice to you is suck it up and change your major, you will never be able to get a job at any reputable law enforcement agency with your "mistakes" on your record.  Any big city or state agency will never forgive cocaine or ecstacy usage, so you're about to graduate with a degree that you'll never be albe to apply, congratulations.