Can I Become A Police Officer?

[Ave]

Hello Chris, and thanks for taking the time to look over my questions.I want to become a police officer more than anything.It's all i think about,but i feel that my past will complicate thing.I have done drugs in my past. i havent done any drugs in like 6 years,and i have no desire to ever do them again.I was charged with assault two years ago, but was reduced to a dissorderly conduct because the other guy atacked me first.Will all of this be a problem for me when i go thru the hiring prosses? im willing to do what ever it takes to become a police officer, so any advice will greatly be appriciated. Thank you.

[Cilombo]

Hi Ryan,

Each department sets its own standards for past drug use. Rule of thumb for many is that you can not have had any drug use for 5-7 years. Some departments will not consider you if you tried or used certain drugs like LSD or Heroin. If you have concerns about your past drug use being a disqualifier you should check with the departments recruiting or HR department. They will generally tell you if it is or not, since they do not want to waste your time and theirs if your going to be disqualified.

Your misdemeanor arrest will not DQ you you.

If your drug use was recreational(5-10 times over more than a year) and it was not "hard drugs" like I mentioned above, you should be OK. If it was more than that, call the department you are interested in applying too.

Hope that helps. Be well.. and good luck!