Military mistake...please help??

[JD]

Hello,
I am considering applying with a Police Dept.  My concern is that I made a very stupid mistake while in the military and used cocaine on one occasion and happened to get caught.  I was demoted and quickly promoted back to my previous rank.  The details of my demotion are sealed in my military record (not sure if they would have access to them). This occurred about 17 years ago.
 
Is this something I have to include in the applications? I will not lie about it but would not volunteer this info if not necessary.  
What are my chances of getting through this single mistake?    
Should I speak with a recruiter?  
 
 
Thank you very much!!!

Edited to remove personal detail at poster's request -- AntiPolygraph.org Administrator

[Sergeant1107]

If you don't include it you will always be wondering if it will become known and, if so, what will happen to you.

Some agencies will disqualify an applicant for a single use of cocaine, some will not.  If your only usage was 17 years ago I can't imagine it would be a problem for the majority of agencies.

It looks much worse for an applicant to have information like this dragged out of them when they are far along in the application process than it does for the admission to be made up front.