Will prior drug use keep a person from becoming a police officer?

Question

Even if they tryed it over 10 years ago.

Answer 1

IF IT WAS MARIJUANA ITS OK BUT OTHER THAN THAT YOU CANNOT BE A COP NOT I CALIFORNIA AND YOU CANNOT LIE YOU WILL TAKE A LIE DECECTER  TEST SO GOOD LUCK.

Answer 2

yes if you tell them

Answer 3

Every agency has drug standards that they use to screen out candidates. Some agency's use the "date of last use" or some use the "amount" used, and some use a combination of the two. There are some agency's that have a "Zero-tolerance" for any drug usage at all. But they are few and far in-between. Most agency's are realistic about their drug usage standards, and will be forgiving for most soft drugs such as Marijuana, as long as it wasn't used "recently". Again, every agency determines what "recently" means to them. Some agency's are willing to list their drug usage standards, such as the State of California, while others will not disclose. It is best to contact your agency of choice and ask them about their standards, before bothering to start the hiring process. My best advise to you is to be honest in your self-admitted drug usage. If you get caught up in a lie, or if there is a discrepancy between your P.H.S. and the poly, psych, medical then you will be disqualified. Honesty and Integrity should be your goal.

Answer 4

Yes and no.  It depends on what drugs were used, how long ago and how often.  If you smoked pot 3 times 8 years ago you'll be fine.  If you smoked pot once last month you have to let a few years go by.  

Most agencies disqualify for any use of a psychedelic drug anytime during your life.  

Answer 5

I don't see why it would! A candidate for our president has admitted to pot and cocaine use and he might, unfortunately, be elected !

Answer 6

most departments recognize that the majority of people have tried or experimented with drugs, and will allow candidates to be hired as long as they have not done any in a certain amount of time. i know some departments require it to be six months, while others require it to be a year. the best thing to do is to contact the department of you choice and to ask for their human resources unit, they will be able to help you. you dont need to give any personal information to the human resources people, so feel free to ask anything you wish.

goodluck!  

Answer 7

as long as you didn't like it and didn't inhale you will be alright.

Answer 8

were you convicted of it? if so then it might. if you just did drugs then no. it wouldn't matter. as long as there is no record of you doing it. good luck. don't pull me over when you do become a cop:)

Answer 9

Yes it will keep you from becoming a police officer. If you were a cop and you had some difficult times in your personal life you may be more tempted to resort to your old habits of drug use to alleviate your pain and anguish.  

Answer 10

No not in L.A., but it does depend on the city you are applying for they may have that listed in the requirements.  As long as you were not convicted of any crimes it is possible for you to become an officer.  When they ask you, be honest because they will do a background check.  That means they will talk to neighbors, friends, family and coworkers.  If you lie about it your out.