I've been there too Killoran, so I know how you feel, I really do. I desired a better life for myself -who doesn't by the way, but alcohol seemed to sabotage that desire more and more over the years, but not today. I was able to attain just that, a better life I mean, and sobriety paved the way for that somehow. For me it was simple, I had to sober up 'first' before I was able to accomplish anything of significance, whatever that may be. I wanted to write professionally for so long -which I have to some small degree, but it took some time though, it really did. The payoff was certainly worth my time and effort, and I feel the same should be said for any of us, I really do. It takes time to accomplish anything in life like it has in sobriety, but the pursuit is worthwhile, believe me it is. So I suggest you 'go for it' while you're still young, I really do. Beleieve you me, it's worth the effort, it really is. I have a good friend in sobriety who just happens to be a member of law enforcement as well, and he credits a lot of his success today to "AA" and so should you. Keep believing sir, because miracles do happen today and you're next in line, okay. I hope it turns out well for you, I really do. Welcome to "MIP".
-- Edited by Mr_David on Saturday 5th of May 2012 10:20:48 PM
Hi there,
I'm new here but I think perhaps I could find some answers here.
My work on myself and with others as really shifted my priorities. I have a had a long standing desire to become a police officer and I am thinking about going for it, I am starting serious physical training next week.
Here's my question and hopefully some of you can shed some knowledge on this. I haven't had a drink in 16 months and I'm very happy about that. I checked myself in to a rehab center about that long ago for help getting off prescription pain pills and I quickly figured out I wanted to stop drinking. I have been clean since and I have no, no, desire to go back. I am 33 and have a bachelors and a lot of experience in management. I had a few youthful indiscretions with drugs but almost all of that stopped in my early 20's. I want to go to the police academy and am very driven, but I can't afford to waste the time and money to do so if I'm going to get rejected because I tell them the truth. I think it gives me wonderful insight into real peoples problems and hopefully will give me an edge when it comes to helping them.
I will obviously not lie during my interview or even during lie detector screenings, but should I be truthful to the point where I bring up AA and my experiences shaping me or am I just going to get turned away.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi there, I'm new here but I think perhaps I could find some answers here. My work on myself and with others as really shifted my priorities. I have a had a long standing desire to become a police officer and I am thinking about going for it, I am starting serious physical training next week. Here's my question and hopefully some of you can shed some knowledge on this. I haven't had a drink in 16 months and I'm very happy about that. I checked myself in to a rehab center about that long ago for help getting off prescription pain pills and I quickly figured out I wanted to stop drinking. I have been clean since and I have no, no, desire to go back. I am 33 and have a bachelors and a lot of experience in management. I had a few youthful indiscretions with drugs but almost all of that stopped in my early 20's. I want to go to the police academy and am very driven, but I can't afford to waste the time and money to do so if I'm going to get rejected because I tell them the truth. I think it gives me wonderful insight into real peoples problems and hopefully will give me an edge when it comes to helping them. I will obviously not lie during my interview or even during lie detector screenings, but should I be truthful to the point where I bring up AA and my experiences shaping me or am I just going to get turned away. Any advice would be appreciated.
The truth shall set you free. It's hard to tell if it set's you free from being a good cop, in this case. Dr. Scott Peck, in "The Road Less Traveled" says (and I paraphrase), "Don't lie to others and be scrupulously honest with yourself."
Cops are notorious drinkers. A cop who's in recovery is a good thing. I'd say a lot depends on the personality of the organization as to how they view your sobriety. Ask around to the right people (whatever that means) and, if you find out you'd be a pariah, "would you want to work for an organization that views you that way?" Pray.
Thanks for some comments even from those not in law enforcement. I think the thing that scares me the most is the polygraph test you have to do. First they have you fill out a huge survey and then they pick 20 or so answers from it to ask you while on the lie detector. I know that just having smoked pot doesn't disqualify you, but a lie will. I kind of feel damned if I do and damned if I don't. If I disclose the entirety of my use and past it may very well DQ me, but if I skirt the issue with vague statements I may not disclose anything that would come up as a disqualified but if I test with "disception" then I fail. I would be a honest cop, but this is a tricky issue that might be unique to this occupation,
I know a lot of these professionals end up having a problem and getting help after they are hired, but for someone who has already gone down that road it seems like an unfair double standard. Of course I suppose a lot of these rules were written for the majority that apply who are in their early 20's so perhaps being older would help.
If there is anyone with experience with this I would love to hear, but all opinions welcomed.
-- Edited by Killoran on Sunday 6th of May 2012 04:39:54 PM
Noticed that a lot of folks avoided this topic, and I did too for a day or two. lol. There is no easy answer here. However, there are plenty of professionals (Doctors, Nurses) that must keep their anonymity in their work place. I don't see this being any different. If it were me, and I didn't have a police record involving prior drinking/drug use, I would Not be disclosing it. And if I felt like I had to say something, to make note of it, it would be on the order of something like W. Bush, Obama, or Clinton said "I had some exposure to that sort of thing in my youth." end of statement. If the last 3 and current President (highest office you can hold) got away with this kinda statement, so should you.
We have Police officers in AA here, so it doesn't seem to be a bar to the job. I am inclined to agree with Dean on this one. I had a similar experience at about 2 years. I was applying for an amazing job, my first real effort at a career, and I sought the advice of an older member in the same industry. For some reason I thought honesty meant full disclosure regardless of relavence. His advice- why tell them about a problem that isn't a problem? I was not an active alcoholic so my alcoholism had no bearing on whether I could do the job or not. So I didn't tell them. I got the job, much to my surprise! Later, when an opportunity arose to help someone on the staff, I disclosed my AA membership and my experience was welcomed. The guiding thing for me Is whether some useful purpose can be served by making that disclosure. I think maybe part of the reason I may have wanted to tell them, looking back, might have been to try and gain a little sympathy, but then again, maybe not.
I wonder if there is an Officers Union who may be able to advise on this. There are bound to be sober alcoholics on the force. Best of luck. I am sure it will work out fine.
God bless, Mike.
-- Edited by Fyne Spirit on Monday 7th of May 2012 12:21:42 AM
Kiloran, search for law enforcement in this forum. We had a Leo come in here looking for help a little while ago. I posted a couple of links to sites with phone numbers to special meetings for LEOs. You might call and speak to one of them for a answer.
Since you're applying for a LEO, I will assume there are no arrest of gaps in employment so why even bring it up? Me being in AA is nobody's business but my own. I would answer the question but add nothing extra.
You will be required to take a lie detector test and exam with a Psych, Dr. so you will have to be honest. GO for it and if rejected dont give up, you just may be interviewed by someone in the Program. Good Luck
__________________
The smallest of good deeds is greater than the best of intentions.
Anonymous
Good luck. I enjoyed going to interviews and never felt anxious or worried, strange I know :} I just used to say to myself,be myself,be honest in all the questions. They will either like me and me experience. They will want me within their team or offer it to someone they feel would be better for the job offer.
Once I had the offer of two jobs in one week, Now that was a crisis's and a tough choice to make :}
