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Virgilthetiger
11-19-2003, 21:26
does anyone know what the "cut-off" for marijuana use for a DEA support job is?

i.e. is three times more than three years ago too much.

thanks

Brindle
11-20-2003, 00:43
For 1811's (Agents) I only "heard" that the DEA's (as well as for other agencies) standards are the same as the FBI's (who openly share their drug standards). However, I have also heard that the DEA's stardards are a little different. In any case I suspect that the DEA's and FBI's are at least similar. Also, I would guess that it is the same for support, as well as agents. But I am only guessing. If you can not find specific information perhaps the FBI's policy will be some sort of an estimate.

To me it makes more sense to keep those standards confidential. I would not be surprise if you can not find the DEA's drug use stardards.

Zeus910
11-20-2003, 01:07
What would be the benefit of keeping an agency's allowable drug usage standards confidential?? They should list the limits, that way it cuts down the number of applications that are received from people that smoked dope 100 times

JHP
11-20-2003, 04:30
Simple, people will not tell the truth and distort their actually drug usage if they know the minimums and maximums. The BI will eventually get to the truth or at least bring up probing questions to the applicant.


JHP::bounce:

Brindle
11-20-2003, 04:49
Originally posted by Zeus910
What would be the benefit of keeping an agency's allowable drug usage standards confidential?? They should list the limits, that way it cuts down the number of applications that are received from people that smoked dope 100 times Yes, you definitely don't want people how have, for example, smoked dope 100 times applying. And just announcing that there is a "cut off" and that it is not a zero-tolerance policy, doing this elimination in the very beginning can help keep the blatant offenders from applying all while soliciting and obtaining a desired degree of candor and truthfulness.

But I guess that the FLE agencies also rely on the polygraph.

Virgilthetiger
11-20-2003, 08:58
I was just wondering if it would be worth my time to apply.

snowdog650
11-20-2003, 09:03
I was just wondering if it would be worth my time to apply.

If you have to ask this question because of previous drug use/abuse, you may want to think very hard about why you want to work for DEA. There are plenty of FLE agencies out there.

Just an opinion.

Good luck on your pursuits.

Virgilthetiger
11-20-2003, 09:29
Originally posted by snowdog650
If you have to ask this question because of previous drug use/abuse, you may want to think very hard about why you want to work for DEA. There are plenty of FLE agencies out there.



they are the only ones with open jobs on the opm website

dmclark
11-20-2003, 09:32
There are thousands of qualified people applying for each DEA S/A vacancy. If you're not motivated beyond "it's the only thing open" I would suggest you seek other employment. With that motivation, you won't make the panel interview let alone the entire time consuming process. DM

snowdog650
11-20-2003, 09:33
they are the only ones with open jobs on the opm website

Secret Service
DEA
FBI
ICE
Border Patrol
IRS
DHHS

... just to name a few. They don't all post on OPM ... you have to visit each agency's website.

Good luck.

Virgilthetiger
11-20-2003, 09:40
Maybe I wasn't clear in my original post. I'm looking for a support role, for example a forensic chemist job.



sorry for the confusion.


but I will check those websites

thanks!!!

snowdog650
11-20-2003, 09:48
Maybe I wasn't clear in my original post. I'm looking for a support role, for example a forensic chemist job.

I have only looked at FBI and Customs support positions, and I do know that these agencies have the same drug policy for those slots as they do for Special Agents. I would have to assume that DEA is the same way ... DEA folks, by nature, need to be a bit more passionate about the idea of drug use/abuse. There is no "experimentation" to them. It is essential, given their mission.

If you are a chemist and interested in forensic/investigative activities, don't forget about the CDC in Atlanta. Top notch and second to none. I know that FBI had a bunch of chemist openings about a week ago (a "bunch" meaning about 3-5) at the lab in Quantico. You may even want to try www.dhhs.gov and www.nih.gov as well. They have certain programs that focus on social/correctional/forensic research.

Good luck ...

snowdog650
11-20-2003, 09:49
Maybe I wasn't clear in my original post. I'm looking for a support role, for example a forensic chemist job.

Oops ... forgot a big one ...

visit www.cia.gov

They continually look for chemists and other folks with a scientific background.

Virgilthetiger
11-20-2003, 16:56
I also applied with the DIA for their science "pool" but I've gotten two rejections so far. I think they are looking for a BS plus military exp. I have more than that but no military.

SigGuy552
02-10-2004, 02:21
But I guess that the FLE agencies also rely on the polygraph.

Ahhh....the good ole polygraph. The most unreliable part of the background process. This is about as reliable as the weatherman. Do some good concrete research. Every single clinical psychologists has determined that the poly is BS but it sure makes a great interrogation tool for the unsuspecting. My psych teacher at UCSC did his thesis on the poly and other "truth" telling machines and found that there is no way a machine can determine with 100% accuracy whether or not an individual tells the truth. Depts know this and just use it to illicit confessions. I just hope none of them are taking it seriously.

dmclark
02-10-2004, 08:24
Well SigGuy, I know a very qualified DEA polygrapher who occasionally frequents this forum and she will give you a real run for your money on the "BS" of the polygraph.

I couldn't disagree with you more and the polygraph process has done more to weed out the "untruthfuls" than any other process in Fed LE hiring. The poly as an investigative tool cannot be beat and in the hiring process, is invaluable.

Virgilthetiger
02-10-2004, 10:02
please don't change the subject. rather start a seperate thread for your polygraph dicussion

Virgil

dmclark
02-10-2004, 10:40
Sorry Virgil, I thought your question on drug use limits was answered. Are you looking for something else here?

Virgilthetiger
02-10-2004, 11:02
Dm

I wasn't trying to be rude, I just though it would make sense to start a new thread for a new topic, so that it would make it easier for organizational/ searching methods

sorry for the misunderstanding.


Virgil

dmclark
02-10-2004, 11:41
No, I understand what you were asking....and it wasn't rude. I just wanted to inquire if you had gotten an answer to your question. If you had, I'd close it out. That's all! DM

Virgilthetiger
02-10-2004, 11:47
yes go ahead, thanks for asking


Virgil