Disqualified

[Jacqueline]

Hi board,
I got my rejection letter recently. At this point I'm kind of frustrated with the recruiting department. I called to see if there was anything that would keep disqualifying me if I were to apply again and was told no and to send a letter asking for my file to be reinstated and I did that. When I called back to set up a ride along, the officer checked my file and said the letter wasn't there. I emailed a letter asking to be reinstated to this same officer and he personally took my file to his superiors to offical reinstatement. They agreed they would do it but said that I'd likely get the same result because I admitted to smoking weed in '99 (for a total of 4 or 5 times in my life) and they like to see three years pass. That was a big blow to me since the Sgt. had told me I would have made it in to two out of the last four academies. This Sgt. has since been put back on the street and removed from the recruiting office and even though I'm discouraged, I still want this so I'll use the next year or so to get in to better shape and get my run time down. I expected that I might have to apply more than once, but I didn't expect them to make it so difficult!! Ok, I'm done gripping. Thanks for all the great advice and wish me better luck next year!

Jacqueline

[Charlie]

Jacqueline--Your situation is not surprising. It sounds like to me all you have to do is wait for a little more time to pass concerning your past drug usage with this particular agency you've applied with. This sort of issue varies from one department to the next in terms of HOW MUCH time must lapse concerning your last date of usage concerning marijuana. Policies vary. But I also think that a lot of departments these days are realistically aware of the fact that a high percentage of otherwise excellent candidates have "experimented" with drugs. So, I would say you're not cut out of the running for future possible future hiring.

As for the Sergeant you mention. Sounds like to me he might have said some things he probably shouldn't have. Not to say he said anything "bad" but my gut feeling is he, against better judgment, should likely not have said some of the things he did concerning your application. These days, potential employers have to be very cautious about what they say or how they say it. We live in a very litigious society these days.

My suggestion is, if you really want it, apply again in the future. But obviously, that is a decision you must ponder and decide on your own.

Good luck.

Charlie

[Jacqueline]

Hi,
Charlie, I completely agree with you about the Sgts. lack of discretion. I was frustrated with the way the situation was handled but it has not deterred me from wanting to pursue a career in law enforcement. I have in fact, since then, joined a female officer for a ride-along with the same department and it only served solidify my decision to apply again. My three years "drug free" will be up in November so I plan to apply again this time next year and see how it goes then. Since I only used weed maybe 4 or 5 times my entire life, I'm hoping it's not going to be an issue then. The first time around, I passed my tests with flying colors (kicked booty, as one officer described my scores) and even earned the recommendation of my background investigator so again, I am only encouraged. Thanks for your input, as always.

Jacqueline

[cpl_mike]

Jac-Have "we" spoken to each other before on this site?I been away for awhile( work schedule being what it is) I'm sorry you were D.Q'ed but that weed thing was a tad bit disappointing to hear about from you (You still get points for your honesty in my book as well as for the  SR. guys on this site like Jim and Charlie)Still, as a back up try and apply around in your area- also check with each agencies policy and attitude toward that "reefer" thing occurrence(I joke you not, but some agencies actually have a time period for applicants)by all means , reapply and good luck....

[Jacqueline]

Cpl. Mike
We have "spoken" before on this site. You once gave me a burning response to a question I've posted before about past drug use. I was told by two different officers (one in recruiting and one patrol officer that I spoke with) that the wait after drug use is three years. As I posted earlier, that time will be up in November. Along with the drug issue, they were skeptical about my work history. When I relocated after my separation, I gave up a full time and a part time job. Since I couldn't find full time work right away, I worked two part time jobs until I found a job in my field. So, I've had quite a few jobs in my past...though my work record prior to and since my divorce has been without tarnish. He said ( the recruiting officer) that time would also be on my side by reapplying next year.
There is one other department I've been looking in to but at this time I know I can't make the required run for the testing so I'll continue to work on my suitability and try, try again!!

[[e-mail]]

Jac- I want to first of all apologize if I sound "harsh" on you, 'cause I'm not. I've been in law enforcement for 12 years and I can still remember what it was like in the pursuit of this career, including a few times being turned down.Check into whether your local agencies have incentive programs for female applicants( here LAPD has the C.P.A. program which helps you get in shape as well as trains you on information needed to successfully pass in applying and passing the  academy).I'm writing you from a PC at work; tonight we had a drive- by shooting which may turn to a 187 inv. in one of our neighborhood patrol areas.I was surprised at how many of our probationary officers were "shocked" by the incident-many are still quite naive to the reality of this job.reason why I bring up this incident(which as soon as it warms up more will happen regularly) is because the job is hard-hard to obtain,hard to maintain, and sometimes hard to let go.It sounds like you are developing that "toughness" needed to compete and succeed in your efforts to become an officer-if you need some side bar advice,look up my email and give me a buzz- keep on trying,I hope to hear success from you soon.

[[e-mail]]

Jac- I want to first of all apologize if I sound "harsh" on you, 'cause I'm not. I've been in law enforcement for 12 years and I can still remember what it was like in the pursuit of this career, including a few times being turned down.Check into whether your local agencies have incentive programs for female applicants( here LAPD has the C.P.A. program which helps you get in shape as well as trains you on information needed to successfully pass in applying and passing the  academy).I'm writing you from a PC at work; tonight we had a drive- by shooting which may turn to a 187 inv. in one of our neighborhood patrol areas.I was surprised at how many of our probationary officers were "shocked" by the incident-many are still quite naive to the reality of this job.reason why I bring up this incident(which as soon as it warms up more will happen regularly) is because the job is hard-hard to obtain,hard to maintain, and sometimes hard to let go.It sounds like you are developing that "toughness" needed to compete and succeed in your efforts to become an officer-if you need some side bar advice,look up my email and give me a buzz- keep on trying,I hope to hear success from you soon.