so i m sorry that you guys have to read this kind of a post again. I m pretty sure its been covered a thousand times but i m going to post it because i m wondering if its worth it.


i m a senior in high school and i m 17. so far my drug usage goes as far as marijuana from 20-30 times, ecsstasy once, and 2 lines of cocaine while intoxicated. If i stay clean from now through graduation of college with sufficient grades (3.5-4.0) Would i be able to get in to a police department? I m talking about the bigger PDs. As in New York, LA, or Chicago.... I would like to become a detective. I have proved myself through grades but my drug backround does not seem good enough. Let me know so that i could determine if its worth staying sober and clean throughout college. Thank You.

cavhan7,

The disqualification for drug usage is completely dependant on the policies of the agency, therefore, it varies from agency to agency.   

Some agencies have begun to be a bit more lax on the past drug usuage information of candidates, due in large part to the high usage of drug experimentation among young people during the last 10 years.   Unless you plan on working in Arizona or for the DEA or FBI, the Marijuana usage more than likely will not disqualify you, nor will the cocaine, some departments, however, are very picky about the use of ecstasy.

Your best bet is to stay the HELL away from any more drugs, go to school and get your degree.  At 17 you are quite young and may find out at 23 that you really don't want to be a cop anyway, but if you feel you still do, then at least 5 years of being clean is an excellent way to start applying.

As far as if it is worth it to stay clean and sober through college, even if you don't plan on becoming a cop in the future, an arrest for possesion or DWI can also greatly affect your chances of getting hired in the private sector.