Drug Use

[armond]

Mr. Stanley

My name is Josh. I am 23 years old and have been wanting to become a Police Officer as long as I can remember.  I have applied at Police Department in Texas. I want your honest opion, when I was younger I smoked marijuana and experimented with hard drugs.  As a retired Police Captain do think that this may effect me being hired.  I dont have anything over a speeding ticket on my record.  I was very honest on my application, what chances do you think I have?   Thank You,  Joshua

[adelphos]

Josh:

Thank you for your question.  First of all, you did the right thing by being honest on your application.  Most candidates for Law Enforcement today have experimented with drugs in their past.  Your case is not unusual.  In fact, it would be unusual to find candidates who never experinented.  

You sound like a good candidate to me.  Just be sure you emphasize that it was in your past, and that you now live a drug-free, sober life.  Be sure to emphasize your positive achievements, such as your education, physical fitness, community service, etc.  

Good Luck!