I am striving to be a homicide detective. I have my associates degree and want to pursue my bachelors in criminal justice. I have one problem though. I was addicted to roxys after i was in a car accident and was prescribed them through my dr. i ended up getting addicted to them and couldn't get off them for about 3 years. i've been clean now for two years. I also smoked alot of marijuana. when i say alot i mean i had been smoking for at least 10 years since i was 15. i'm 28 now and i want to get my life together and become a homicide dectective. i know i'm smart enough and capable but i'm afraid my past would come out to haunt me if i tried to apply. what should i do? am i wasting my time pining for this dream? that's all i talk about and i would be so heartbroken if i couldn't do it.

Your chances would probably be slim to none anytime soon. Stay clean and finish your degree. Due your past use of drugs, you would be disqualified by some departments, but in time, a number of years, you could still get hired by some departments. Becoming a homicide detective is usually not easy. You usually have to be a good police officer, and there is often much competition.

thanks for being honest. maybe by age 40 i can do something. i really want to one day become a homicide detective. i love watching that homicide program on A&E it makes me want to do it more and more. i love problem solving. thanks again for the honest opinion. i wish i could change my past, but all i can do is look towards the future with my eye on the prize.

My department would not hire you due to your past drug use. It would be considered too extensive.