Can you be a respected police officer in the CA bay area if…?
PLEASE take the time to read: I have always wanted to either be a CHP or a police officer. However, I have a checkered past. I have done a lot in my life (early/mid 20’s) that I am not happy about, made the wrong choices that I live with every day; mainly drugs, hanging around with losers and hurting some people that were close to me during this phase. Nothing ever violent. My concern is my drug history. I have NO record on file for doing anything wrong other than a DUI 12 yrs ago. I am an ethical and just person (I can’t even stand it when I see someone litter). I have determined I am ready for a commitment like this and I want to make a difference. I’ve seen a lot however… I have a friend that died about a year and a half ago because of marijuana. He was a card holder, grew plants (it was determined by SFPD he was within his legal rights for this) and someone broke into his house and shot him and his girlfriend. They still don’t know who did it. I want to make a difference. I know what drugs can do to people and how it changes lives and the community. My checkered past was 8+ yrs ago but around the time my friend passed away I smoked marijuana (1.5 yrs ago). I’m not happy about it but it is what it is. Since then my view on marijuana has changed and it’s a growing problem. I’ve never been a “pothead” but I am concerned about that disqualifying me. I think my experiences, knowledge, passion; street smarts and my story of completely turning myself around could make a significant difference to a community… I can make an impact on the war on drugs. I have frequently volunteered for non profit orgs like SafePlace and Social Advocates for Youth and I have a huge support base/friends including some in law enforcement and other individuals that are making a huge impact on youth our community and communities all over the world. I have two beautiful teenage daughters. I’ve been a single dad for 5 yrs and they have lived with me. I have a corporate background in management, great credit, great refs and I am 35 yrs old. I am also back in school to get my remaining credits before l apply with a local police dept. I’m fit, I’m passionate about good health and nutrition (which I think needs to be improved on all levels for police officers because I see way too many that are overweight) and I want to make a difference. Would I be given a chance to prove I could become a good cop? Or am I disqualified? Please respond especially if you are from the bay area. I know some dept’s have different rules but I really want to work for San Jose PD.
If you are fit and currently clean (can pass drug test) and have no felony convictions, most agencies will consider you. What you did before that you did not get caught at does not count.
I know a guy who grew up in a whore house in San Francisco (literally-his mom was professional hooker) ran with gangs, stole cars, the works. As busted a few times but never got convicted and went on to turn his life around. He was a respected Campbell CA cop for years and is now a Federal Marshal.
Stop obsessing on drugs and drug policies and go down and apply. Don’t go into a defensive rant during the interview or the psychological evaluation. Just talk about public service.
Don’t lie of course. If they ask you if you have ever used drugs, just say that all the kids you grew up with tried pot and so you did too. Didn’t like it, didn’t like what it did to others, haven’t used any in X years. No interest. Stop there.