Thanks for that advice and encouragement.  I'm going to talk to the recruiters about my past and see how things go.  Either way I'm proud of who I am today.  I'm married, own my own house and getting ready to start my family.  I've overcome my past and helping others is in my nature.  A job in LE or a FD would be ideal but if not I'm 2 semesters away from my Bachelors.  I understand their reasoning but hopefully I can sell myself and show them who I am.   

Does anyone know if the standards are different between LE and Fire Departments?

Trap, 

There are  few problems that I can see arising for you in your quest for a LE job.   

First, your drug usage was not confined to "experimentation" or just your youth.  They will not look favorably on an adult using drugs.

Second, I really hope none of this drug use was during the time that you were in the military.  Believe me when I write that if they found out you used drugs while employed as a soldier they will NEVER hire you.   

Third, you exhibited a pattern of drug usage over an extended period of time.  While you may have indeed kicked drugs for good, in the minds of the hiring authorities there is still a BIG risk that you could revert and begin using again.  Especially consindering how easily cops come upon drugs out in the field.

I don't mean to shoot down your dreams but it seems very unlikely that you would be hired.  Perhaps if you waited another 5 years and applied for a federal job in which their only concern was drug use within the last 10 years then you might have a chance.

However, both Kina and Trap are right it never hurts to ask.

Trap,

As Kona said, every department is different re: past drug use, so I would'nt give up just yet.  If you used only marijuana, you should be okay since it has been 5 years since your last use.  If you used harder drugs, such as cocaine etc., you will probably have more of a problem, especially if you used regularly.  Before you apply for a department you need to find out the department's policy.  There is no reason to apply if your prior drug use is automatically disqualifying.  Whatever you do don't lie.  If you are caught in a lie you will never get a law enforcement job.  Good luck.

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Trap,

Every police dept is slightly different when it comes to past drug usage policy.  You really need to talk to someone from the recruiting office at the specific department where you are interested in seeking employment.  What do you have to lose by asking?

Good luck.

Kona

I just recently left the military and I am looking around at potential police and fire departments and in every process there is a polygraph.  I am wondering if I should even bother because during my teenage years up until about 21 I was involved off and on with drugs.  Ive been totally, and I'm being honest, clean for the past 5 years.  I enjoy helping others and public service and its a dream of mine to give back to the community.  I know whats it like to be a troubled youth and I know I have the experience, knowledge and compassion to make a difference.   

So should I even bother or will my past hurt my chances?