I am really interested in Testing for the San Diego Sheriffs Dept. The problems is...

Question

I experimented off and on with drugs for 2 years. Im 26 and am a wife and mother. That was in my past; and a big mistake. Can I still be hired? I also heard that the amount of time to have no drug use was 7 years. Is this true to?

Answer 1

Are you prepared to answer a lie detector which will ask you if you have ever using illegal substances, etc?  They will most likely give you one.

Answer 2

You should probably consider a different line of work.  I believe it is no marijuana use for 3 years and no use of any other drugs for 7 years.  Drug use involving LSD, Ecstacy, Heroin etc... are probably going to be disqualifying.  You could always apply and lie, but you might get caught on the polygraph (bogus) machine.

Answer 3

It could disqualify you, but apply anyway just in case they do ask about it. Maybe they have guidelines but also listen to the situation behind the drug use to see if it's a character issue or a circumstance issue.