Can I still be a police officer?

okchico

During the process of becoming a police officer life experience is a large consideration and things done in the 5 plus years ago won't be held against you much to get into an academy. Doing your best in the academy after going through your oral boards is important. I'd have to say it really will depend on your arrest record and the kind of drugs you did. Many adult police officers have become police officers after admitting to taking drugs, being arrested for violations, misdemeanors. Usually a felony is the only absolute "no" to becoming a police officer. If your past ten years have been fruitful and positive I wouldn't worry too much about it and if they let you into the academy then you are being given a chance to become a police officer and agencies / potential employers will take that into consideration. You don't know if you don't try so go for it!!! Good Luck.

Polete Brasil

Just tell them the truth, like you did here. As long as you donÂ´t lie, I donÂ´t think they expect you to have a perfect past. ItÂ´s not like youÂ´re running for President...

Wise_Nik

Yes, I knew many cops back when I lived in Vegas that used to do drugs. In fact, you could have a better chance because you had a drug life before and now come out against it. For instance, if they tell you to go tell some high schoolers about drugs you have some personal experience over the cop who heard what this drug does.

Cat

The best advice is to be honest when it comes to the background personal statement you will need to fill out an when they do your background checks. Some drugs could count against you, it just depends on which ones you used and how frequently.

I am not in police work currently but have applied for law enforcement jobs, so my advice only comes from my own experience.

Good luck!

Coconuts

yes you actualy have a better shot of passing then i do because i have never done drugs at all. the funny thing is if you tell them you have never done drugs they think you are lying

hisChamp

Yes you can. They even accept applicants with a misdeamor on their record. So head on.

(...one more Mom whose gonna have a badge and gun..
glad mine was an administrative secretary.)

Tones

eh give it a shot mom.

Fleur de Lis

Yes. I have a friend who is RCMP. They ask about EVERY detail of your life. She has done many things in her past.

Mike

The police realize that no one is perfect and we all have made some minor transgressions as a youth. The deciding factors will be how long ago you did it, how often you did it and how honest you are about it. If they catch you in a lie, that will be worse than whatever it is you're lying about.

Dolly J

As long as you have not been convicted of any felonies. you have a good chance. its also better to honest. not sure if they give polographs, maybe things have changed.they will definitely do a background check and psych eval. good luck to you.

Michael R

If you are completely honest then yes you have a shot, it all depends on the depertment and their policies they have.

non_apologetic_american

Sure, and most easily if you are also a minority.

The Prince

Well, depends on the drug, but if you live in California, your screwed. Sorry. You can still give it a shot though. Small possibility if you don't lie about it in your polygraph test.