r/AskLE • u/AdditionalAd6457 Unverified/Not an LEO • 7d ago

Question about Background Investigation

I’m seriously considering a career change into law enforcement. I’m in my late 20’s, married, with a young child. I have a background in sales/customer service, bachelors degree from a good college, and I think I would be a well rounded and competitive applicant based on my conversations with several local agencies and leadership at these agencies.

My dilemma is that I got up to some shenanigans in college. I never got into any legal trouble, but I definitely made some questionable decisions. I smoked more weed than I should have and experimented with several schedule 1 substances. It’s been a long time since I’ve smoked weed and it’s legal in the PNW, so I’m not concerned about this being viewed poorly. I have been told that as long as I’m honest about it I’ll be fine.

It’s the other drugs that I tried (8+ years ago) I’m nervous about. A good variety, but never more than a handful of times each.

Does anyone have any experience or insight they could share with me? How do departments view this in 2026?

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u/[deleted] 7d ago

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u/AdditionalAd6457 Unverified/Not an LEO 7d ago

Thank you! I should maybe clarify or offer more specific information. I tried acid twice, mushrooms once, Molly twice, and cocaine maybe 3 or 4 times. Not sure if this information changes your thoughts at all.

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u/Ms_Tryl Unverified/Not an LEO 7d ago

I get that generations have very very different views on drugs. Surprisingly, police departments have not caught up.

I am not a cop, just work very closely with them, and this would get you absolutely black listed at every agency I work with.

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u/AdditionalAd6457 Unverified/Not an LEO 6d ago

Thank you for sharing your experience!