What are my chances?

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Hi-

Great site, by the way. Very valuable information.

I live in the Chicago suburbs, and I have a great interest in becoming a police officer.  I currently work as a computer network administrator for a Chicago non-profit org.  While I don't have any prior law enforcement or military work experience, I feel that I have some great qualities that would surely be beneficial to my local police department and community.  I am a 27 year old male with no criminal record, but will admit that I have smoked marijuana a few times during my college and high school years.  I have a great work record (6 years with current employer), and feel very confident that they would give me glowing reviews.  I am in above average physical condition, and have no health issues to speak of.  I meet all preliminary requirements for my local PD (age, college creds, etc.), but don't have any idea if I would be anything they would be looking for.  Maybe I'm just looking for words of confidence, but will the fact that my previous work experience hasn't been LE or military-related rule me out?    

thanks!

-Brian

[Charlie]

Brian--Thanks for your compliments about the board. I think a lot of try and provide the best advice and information we can that will be (hopefully) beneficial to all concerned. ;D

Based on your post, I don't see any serious problems but your past illegal drug use could be an issue. Most LE agencies are aware of the fact that a high percentage of otherwise excellent candidates have likely "experimented" illegal drugs in the past. Usually the key issues which are looked at:

* WHAT type of drug(s) has the applicant previously used?

* HOW MANY TIMES has the applicant used the drug(s)?

* WHEN was the LAST TIME the drug(s) were used?

Most likely, marijuana is one of the most common drugs an applicant has experimented with. To my knowledge, most PD's usually go with some kind of "last time used" policy. I have heard of some departments stating that an applicant cannot have last used marijuanna anywhere from 1 to 5 years. AND, the definition of what "experimentation" means, or any varied similar description meaning the same thing, also varies.

Perhaps the best thing you can do is contact the recruiter at the PD you have interest in and find out their specific policy concerning this issue.

Otherwise, even though you have no prior LE or military experience, this certainly does not cut you out of the picture. Military or LE experience is often a desired plus for an applicant but a lot of people who get into the profession don't have this type of prior experience.

Overall, I don't see anything of major concern that you mentioned other than the drug-related issues you've mentioned. Departments can be "forgiving" for some types of drug use such as marijuana. However, keep in mind that some types of "hard" drug use can, even if used only once, be a disqualifying factor.

You don't know until you ask about it. Contact th recruiter by phone or something and ask anonymously. Find out. Then, maybe you can apply and see if it is what you really want to do. 8)

Charlie

[JimCMR]

Brian;

As Charlie said, you probably will not have a problem.

I'd suggest that you sign on to the Board as a regular member, then you can send and receive private messages.

I am a former Commissioner from the Chicago suburbs, and am still active in the Commissioners Association, and most likely can give you some information regarding the process.

JimCMR

[BRW]

Ok, I'm an official member now.

Thanks for the great information.

JimCMR, in the interests of privacy, I'll send you a private message with questions that are a little more specific concerning the process.

thanks everyone!

-Brian