Marijuana Use and a Future as a Police Officer: Navigating Employment Barriers

Introduction

The road to becoming a police officer is a rigorous one, filled with stringent requirements and thorough background checks. One potential barrier that many individuals face is a history of drug use, particularly marijuana. But can the occasional pot use while in one's teens significantly impact one's future in law enforcement?

The Relevance of Marijuana Use in Law Enforcement

While it may come as a surprise, the use of marijuana carries serious consequences for aspiring police officers. Not only does it present a history of drug usage, but it also showcases a defiance of the law, which is a crucial aspect in the selection process for those in law enforcement.

As a civil service commissioner in a large city in Kansas, I interviewed numerous candidates referred by the Police Chief and Fire Chief. Our task was to thoroughly evaluate each individual, and certain red flags, including a history of marijuana use, were often disqualifying factors. Many other key disqualifiers included:

Sexual crimes of any kind Domestic violence, even a misdemeanor can pose a significant barrier to carrying a firearm (One notable exception was a fireman with a domestic violence arrest—when both parties were minors and the relationship persisted) Heavy drug use (e.g., heroine, crack) Bad credit (though not as disqualifying, it can be a significant barrier) Dishonorable discharge from the military Marijuana use, while rarely a deal-breaker given that most individuals had quit in their teens and passing a polygraph test ensured honesty

Exceptions and Flexibility

However, not all is black and white. Despite the stringent criteria, some individuals who smoked marijuana have still managed to secure jobs as police officers. I have personal knowledge of officers who smoked pot and candidly disclosed this during the application and interview process. These officers successfully navigated the hurdles and were able to join the force.

The reasons for these exceptions are multifaceted. Firstly, the pool of individuals with no drug history, especially marijuana use, has dwindled, making it challenging for departments to remain fully staffed. Additionally, the police force recognizes the falsity of exaggerated claims about the dangers of marijuana, acknowledging that the propaganda around it has been a form of “Reefer Madness”, serving no factual basis.

Departmental Hiring Policies

It's important to note that hiring policies can vary significantly between different departments. Some agencies have clear disqualifiers for marijuana use, while others require that an individual abstain from use for a specific period before applying. Therefore, a candidate's eligibility for a police officer role depends largely on the specific department's hiring protocol.

For example, some departments may:

Consider marijuana use as a significant disqualifier Allow or require a certain period (e.g., one to five years) of abstinence before applying Require a clean record for a certain period (e.g., the last five years)

Conclusion

In summary, the use of marijuana in one's teenage years can pose a significant barrier to entering a career as a police officer. However, individual circumstances and departmental policies play a crucial role in determining the final decision. As such, aspiring officers must thoroughly research the hiring requirements of their desired department to better understand the processes involved in becoming a law enforcement professional.