steroid use?

[VECTOR334]

Hi all,

I've read a lot about marijuana use etc... on these threads but never anything about steroids obviously the amount you used etc.. would apply but if you took one form of steroid once in your life while still in high school would you be automatically disqualified from any special agent position?

Thanks,

Vector334

[Fletch]

I don't have an exact answer based on all of the agencies' policies, but I believe that since steroids are a contolled substance and the possession or sale of them is a felony, you would probably be disqualified in the process.

[ssween2]

This topic has been addressed many times before. Do a search in the Drug forum for steroids. Also keep in mind that each time you took the steroid counts it counts as a use. So even if you only did 1 cycle for 8 weeks, and took it twice a week you just committed 16 felonies. I think you are going to have a hard time with steroid use as it is classified by many as a "hard" drug. I see that you are an Army Ranger, hopefully that with some solid experince and education can get you over that hurdle. Once again search the drug forum.

[stein810]

i have used them and have gotten dq'd from a few departments without inteviewing for them........ on the same token i have gotten quite a few apps accepted. i think i may have screwed myself either way on it...... i have never used any other drugs. maybe if i have used mari i would be better off. who knows.




Originally posted by VECTOR334
Hi all,

I've read a lot about marijuana use etc... on these threads but never anything about steroids obviously the amount you used etc.. would apply but if you took one form of steroid once in your life while still in high school would you be automatically disqualified from any special agent position?

Thanks,

Vector334

[Minotaur]

"Also keep in mind that each time you took the steroid counts it counts as a use. So even if you only did 1 cycle for 8 weeks, and took it twice a week you just committed 16 felonies."

This is absolutely untrue under the federal ASCA and New York law. 21 USC 844 makes simple possesion a misdemeanor. The penalty imposed under the sentencing guidelines (USSG) is based upon dosage units, not use. Fifty tablets or ten milliliters are one doasge unit. Based upon the number of dosage units one can determine the applicable penalty under federal law. Subtract 2 points for accepatnce of responsibity as well.

Under New York law, anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are, contrary to federal law, categorized as schedule II controlled substances. Nonetheless, the simple possession case is a misdemeanor under 220.03 of the NYS Penal Law. In the case of the typical first time offender the offer by the People will be to reduce the charge to a discon (a violation), pursuant to NYS PL 240.27 (7) with a conditional discharge. A condition of the discharge may be drug counseling.

"I think you are going to have a hard time with steroid use as it is classified by many as a "hard" drug."

I'm not certain who you are referring to in terms of this classification. Since the ASCA went into effect in 1991, AAS have been non-narcotic, schedule III controlled substances. But I agree with you, the perception by some agencies may be highly unfavorable. I've seen affidavits in support of search warrants and investigative reports wherein the anabolics are so incorrectly referred to as narcotics and "dope."

Best regards,

Minotaur

[ssween2]

Minotaur,
A former co-worker went on an interview for the FBI and admitted to drug use. That is word for word what the interviewing agent told him regarding his drug usage. I was surprised also but he's not one to lie or stretch the truth. He was DQ'd on the spot despite his impressive resume and education. This was at 26 Federal Plaza about 8 months ago. Im going by what the agent told him, if im wrong that so be it.

Take a look at the ATF's view on steroids:
a. An applicant for a position that carries a weapon may not have illegally used any Schedule I through Schedule V controlled substance during his/her lifetime. (Schedules I through V as defined in the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C., Section 812, include but are not limited to, cocaine, crack, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), amphetamines, methamphetamines, heroin, and anabolic steroids.) Although Schedule I includes marijuana, ATF’s drug policy on marijuana usage is set forth separately in subparagraph 5.b.

If that doesn't seem like its looked at as a hard drug then I don't know what is!

[stein810]

anabolic steroids shouldnt even be in the same sentence with the other hard drugs...... just my opinion

[ssween2]

Stein I agree with you 100%, im just pointing out the way that many LE agencies view it. By the way hows things with the florida process? Any news yet?

[stein810]

i hear ya sween. have gotten quite a few acceptance letters and also some dq letters.....i am just being upfront on my apps. id rather get rejected through mail then travel down there for nothin. i am looking at a few so's and still fhp.. hope it all pans out.



Originally posted by ssween2
Stein I agree with you 100%, im just pointing out the way that many LE agencies view it. By the way hows things with the florida process? Any news yet?

[Minotaur]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ssween2
[B]Minotaur,
A former co-worker went on an interview for the FBI and admitted to drug use. That is word for word what the interviewing agent told him regarding his drug usage. I was surprised also but he's not one to lie or stretch the truth. He was DQ'd on the spot despite his impressive resume and education. This was at 26 Federal Plaza about 8 months ago. Im going by what the agent told him, if im wrong that so be it.

The fact of the matter is that if the agent wasn't using that as a psychological ploy to extract an admission, she is completely ignorant of the law. I have met many DEA agents who don't know HCG from HGH, or GHB from 1,4 butanediol. Again, please refer to 21 USC 844.

Take a look at the ATF's view on steroids:
a. An applicant for a position that carries a weapon may not have illegally used any Schedule I through Schedule V controlled substance during his/her lifetime. (Schedules I through V as defined in the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C., Section 812, include but are not limited to, cocaine, crack, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), amphetamines, methamphetamines, heroin, and anabolic steroids.) Although Schedule I includes marijuana, ATF’s drug policy on marijuana usage is set forth separately in subparagraph 5.b.

If that doesn't seem like its looked at as a hard drug then I don't know what is!

I believe the operative words are "illegal use" of the drugs in schedules I through V. There are many drugs in schedules I through V which have a medical use and which may be legally used if prescribed by a physicain to treat a verifiable, legitimate medical condition.

What I'm referring to is a legal defintion of "hard drug." There is no such definition in 21 USC 802. However, I agree with you that AAS are in schedule III right along with narcotics such as codeine, hydrocodone and barbiturates. I also agree with Stein that the classification of AAS should be reconsidered. The users of anabolics are typically motivated, goal oriented people seeking to perform better. By the way, Granny's Valium, that she takes on those nights when the aches and pains won't allow her to get to sleep, is also a controlled substance. Won't she be mortified to find out that she's a hard drug user!?!

On an unrelated note, good luck in your new career with the Customs Service.

Best reagrds,

Minotaur

[Minotaur]

There are many drugs in schedules I through V which have a medical use and which may be legally used if prescribed by a physicain to treat a verifiable, legitimate medical condition.

There is a typo above. It should read schedules II through V. Schedule I have no medical use.


Best reagrds,

Minotaur

[Ranger Dude]

Originally posted by stein810
anabolic steroids shouldnt even be in the same sentence with the other hard drugs...... just my opinion

MY OPINION ALSO!

AMEN to that Bro!

Ranger

[ATF SAC]

Some of you feel different from the law, which you have a right to do-just not a right to act on. Note please the words "illegal use". I have been treated with a steroid under doctor's supervision, didn't count at all against me nor would it against an applicant. Whatever anybody feels, our policy applies the standards of the law which seems reasonable for a law enforcement agency. You got scrip, you are probably ok unless the underlying condition for which you have the scrip is a medical dq.