Does ecstasy DQ me from all LE?

[sushibug]

I was a stupid high school kid who thought ecstasy was a harmless club drug. I did some small research on it and thought it was not harmful so I ended up taking it in high school. Am I disqualified from all forms of LE? I assume state and federal LE is definitely out but would being a police officer or joining a millitary service be out of the question as well?

After reading the ecstasy thread a few pages back I just wanted to comment that some kids were raised up in different environments. Depression and uncaring parents encouraged my stupidity, something I now regret deeply.

[UncleSugar]

Agency standards vary, so it will always depend on the particular agency you are applying to, whether local, state, or fed. So don't count yourself out of the process (at any level) until you check with the agency you are interested in applying to.

Now, I know this is going to sound harsh, but there is a reason I'm going to say it: Regardless of your depression, uncaring parents, or thinking it was harmless, you knew it was wrong, but did it anyway, so don't make excuses. It's good that you regret it, but making excuses will not play well with anyone you interview with for an LE job.

[sushibug]

when i was depressed as a teenager, i told myself that i wouldnt live to see the age of 21. i was pretty much a wreck. well i am 21 now and i haven't touched drugs since 17. although my marijuana and ecstacy use was minor, i wish i could give my testicles to undo history. (if i gave a limb i probably wouldn't be all that great a LEO.) but anyway, i haven't been happier with my life. i'm engaged and working on my bachelors in criminal justice. although i know my chances of success in the LE field has been dramatically lowered, i have decided to keep going forth with wanting to become a LEO for my career choice.

[nwohsy]

The answer to this question will vary from department to department. A large urban department might not look that harshly if they are desparate for people. You need to put as much distance between the immaturity of your past and your future. Go to college get a 4 year degree, then another 4 in the military branch of your choosing. A degree and military service will show that you are no longer the dumb high school kid who used drugs as a crutch. You will show perspective law enforcement agencies that you are able to set goals and complete objectives. You will have the respect of service to your country which will be irrefutable. There is no reason for any department to consider someone who experimented with hard drugs, because for every application like yours there are 10 with a clean drug past. I'm not judging you, but it is what it is. Don't get discouraged, you just need a little more weight on the other side of that scale of justice. Just my humble opinion.

[spb10059]

I did some small research on it and thought it was not harmful so I ended up taking it in high school.

Where did you do your research, High Times magazine?

Seriously, I think you may have to put alot of years between you and the drug use. Each agency will vary in their policy. Stay clean, do a little better research on agencies drug policies, and find out what you may be eligible for. Good luck.

[dmclark]

I was recently very surprised by the linkage to the PA State Police recruiting site, which indicated that they would consider applicants with no X use for three years.

That's CONSIDER. It doesn't mean you'll make the Best Qualified group.

Again, most LE organizations do not allow hallucinogenic drug use, period. DM

[mummer43]

I'd be willing to bet that no gets hired by PSP if they admit to using ecstacy 3, 5 or maybe even 10 years ago. But their standards are what they are, so anyone who falls in that group doesn't know until they apply and find out.