Is there any chance?

[roostesr474]

I know that most of the 1811 positions do not tolerate much drug use in one's history, even if it was a long time ago. Are there any agencies that are more tolerable than others when it comes to this issue?
Yes, I experimented more than I should have when I was fifteen, but I'm twenty five now and have a BS in Police admin, Spanish, and I'm finishing my MS in Criminal Justice.
I know that I do not have any experience yet which makes me less competitive, but will I ever have a chance at going federal (1811) in any agencies or am I out of luck?

roostesr474

[RutgersGrad]

Yes, I experimented more than I should have when I was fifteen,



In my humble opinion any experimentation with drugs is too much, especially at age 15. I'm sure having a master degree would help but I think everything depends on exactly what drugs you took and how much of it.

[UncleSugar]

People make mistakes and then must live with the consequences. That said, apply to any agency you are interested in and hope that you haven't exceeded their threshold. If you don't ask the question the answer is automatically no.

Just my 2 cents. YMMV.

[foobarrett]

For most agencies that I'm applying with, 10-14 times smoking marijuana and little or NO experience with other drugs (in your lifetime) is considered the threshold. I know every agency is different, so I don't want to see a flood of posts disagreeing with me.

There's two ways to look at it:
- You screwed up, now live with the consequences.
or
- It was a long time ago, you're a different person now.

I think the hiring practices of most federal agencies reflect a compromise between both these points.

A masters degree WONT help... your prior drug usage will either disqualify you or you will be within acceptable parameters and move on to the next stage.

Don't bother applying to agencies if you know that you are going to be disqualified on account of your prior drug use. Each agency has their hiring policies clearly outlined, and you can view them on their website.

Don't get down about it, just do some research and think practically.

Good luck!

-Barrett

[CaptRidley]

Well wait one. Depending on the drug, you could be automatically DQed (I want to say LSD is one of those drugs)

Regardless if you are DQed or not, and again each agency has their own time frame, and I want to say 5 - 7 years. You can call up the agency and ask for further guidance or simply apply and find out that way what the time frame is. Don't lie about it s yu will get tripped up during the poly.

As always remember that there will be a healthy pool to choose from that will never have done any drugs, but hopefully your advanced degree will put you back on a level playing field with everyone else, but don't automatically count on that to happen as well.

Out here!!!
Mike-D

[LA Express]

Originally posted by CaptRidley
Don't lie about it s yu will get tripped up during the poly.

Ummm...since not every agency conducts a polygraph, my advice would be: 1) don't lie regardless of whether or not you see yourself getting caught; 2) re-read foobarrett's post as his advice is solid. Good luck.

[CaptRidley]

Originally posted by LA Express
Ummm...since not every agency conducts a polygraph, my advice would be: 1) don't lie regardless of whether or not you see yourself getting caught; 2) re-read foobarrett's post as his advice is solid. Good luck.

Oh without a doubt do not lie period. I should have been more clear. Don't sugar coat it either. IE., say you smoked MJ five times a day for a month straight, and only list that you tried MJ five times.

This regardless if the agency has a poly during the application phase or not, as you never know if you may be required to take a poly during your BI or not. It has not happened in a long time, but it can happen.

Out here!!!
Mike-D