Case by case on LSD usage?

[Aspire2BLE]

Hello everyone, I am a 30 year oldmale, aspiring to make a carrer change to law enforcement. I have a situation that has been ligering over my head. I was recently a very qualified candidate for a Police Officer position, but was DQ'd for prior LSD usage. To explain, about 9-10 years ago, an aquaintance of mine gave me "a hit" of acid. I was told to put it under my tounge. I did not ahve any experience with hard drugs, and after he told me what to expect from the drug, I got uncomfortable. I excused myself to the restroom to discard of it. I had the hit in my mouth for about 3 minutes or so. I never experienced any effects of any kind. I consider myself lucky to have taken it out when I did.

My question: Is this considered hard drug use to the law enforcement community? Is this something that will DQ me reguardless of how long it was in my mouth? Since it has been about 10 years ago, and I would agree to be polygraphed about the facts surrounding that incident, will I stand a chance?

I have had past MJ experiences, guestimating around 10 times in the past 12 years, the last time about 3 years ago. I have never purchased, sold, bought, or possessed any drugs of any kind ever. It has only been draws that were passed around.

I have since, started a family, and grown up alot. (I don't even smoke ciggarettes of drink much alcahol any more). I am in my junior year at my local university, majoring in Criminal Justice ( >3.0 GPA) I am really interested in investigations, does that make a difference as to past drug use? I am very upset about what I am hearing about LSD. I am being punished for "LSD USGAE" even though I theoreticaly never used it, I took it out way before it could provide any effects.

Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

[Tampa_#63]

The experimentation with LSD could have been the main reason for the DQ. The fact that you did not injest the LSD may have no bearing on what that particular agency's policy is. Normally, a majority of LE agencies will automatically DQ for any LSD use. You'll just have to check with different dept's and see what their policies are. Secondly, in my opinion I think you will also have a major problem with the MJ use, even though it's been 3 years since you last used. I believe dept's will not be very forgiving of your MJ use because of your age. The fact that you were 27 years old and still used MJ shows a definite lack of maturity. You are not a teenager anymore, and I think this will cause red flags to go up, because at that age you should really have known better. I don't think 3 years is enough to erase this.

I am by no means an expert, this is just my opinion. the only way you can really find out is by contacting the dept's you are interested in. But don't be surprised when the DQ's come in. I believe dept's will have a much harder time forgiving someone of MJ usage when done at the older ages, than younger ones. Good luck.

[dmclark]

Do a search on LSD and you'll find alot of responses, especially from me. Most LE departments will DQ you on ANY hallucinogenic drug use. It's not a matter of changing your life around, it's a matter of perceived liability for most PDs. The potential for litigation surrounding your performance on the street is too great to offer you a position. Also, as personal records are more readily available to defense lawyers, your judgement and perception would certainly be scrutinized against this LSD usage.

There are some PDs that will allow LSD usage and for the most part, the responses have been West Coast (surprise!) organizations. Honestly, it's not going to be easy to overcome.

After your search, let me know if you need anything else and good luck!

[Aspire2BLE]

Would I be limited it abtaining a position as a police officer, deputy, etc. Will there be other opportunities within the criminal justice field that I could obtain with a Bachelors Degree? I would even be interested in investigative support like crime scene investigator or forensics. I am just trying to research my options. Is there any advice you can give me to overcome these obstacles in my past. I am not that paerson any more, far from it. Is there anything I may be able to do in order to redeam myself? Thank you.

[dmclark]

It would depend on the LE organization and their particular thresholds for drug use. Some have lesser thresholds for non-sworn positions in forensics or other support functions. Your seeking a degree will not hurt you and you have time to consider your options.

Check in some of the employment areas you are interested and find out the drug use policies. And keep trying! Good luck!

[996s]

Sorry to say your one time act may ruin a career for you in LE. Times are changing though. They seem to be changing the rules on drug use. I would say get the degree, and keep trying.

[slappy]

And the more time you put between yourself and this crap will only help you. Believe me, I know. Just keep calling around, lay out your skeletons and see what happens. There are a lot of departments out there that will actually talk to you without blindly dq-ing you over this stuff. You may get the chance to impress. You certainly won't get that chance if you don't try. Good luck!

An afterthought about the LSD thing: Saying about how you took it out before you felt any effects is not gonna help. You know, Clinton didn't inhale. Yeah right. That's what some departments might be thinking on you, so just list the one time and move on. Denying the rest is just gonna make you look like you aren't owning up to the fact that you tried it. Their jobs are to be skeptical and you ain't gonna sell 'em otherwise. Just my opinion.

[ppb2]

I completely agree with Slappy's "afterthought" on the LSD issue. I am no LE (yet) but I think that rings of excuse making, even if it is the truth.