Drug History

[Mordecai]

Hello-I am writing to find out whether I should forget about being a Police Officer.  When I was younger, I used drugs recreationally(not just pot). I've graduated with a Bachelors degree in business.  I have not done drugs in 7 years.  I would love to be cop, but I don't know if this past drug use will DQ me.  Any help/suggestions is appreciated.

[hewlett]

Jon,    I can't tell you whether you should forget about your goal.  There are no national hiring standards for police officer thus department #A could overlook applicants with recreational usage while department #B could immediately reject you.  There is no way that you will know until you try.  I can tell you that you should be absolutely honest when they ask you how often and how much because it will all come out on the polygraph exam and background investigation.