Hey everybody. So I am 19, currently a sophomore with a Criminal Justice degree at the University of Maryland (ranked #1 in Criminal Justice/Criminology programs in the US). I have a good GPA (3.25), four former employers that can give solid testimony to my employment, I was a two sport captain in high school, I'm physically fit, and I feel that I am an all-around honorable person with good morals and a clear conscience.

My main concern is my past use of marijuana/underage drinking. I smoked a lot from the ages of 16-19 (end of this past summer), like probably hundreds of times. I realized that my actions will have a clear affect on my chances of finding a job in LE after college, that is why I decided to quit smoking two months ago. I realize this isnt a long time, but upon staying clean in college I will have not used drugs for three years upon graduation.

Also, I am in college and do partake in underage drinking quite often, as do most people. How serious of an effect will this have during the application process? I feel like everybody does it (although that doesnt excuse me for committing an illegal act).

I feel that I could prove to be an effective and efficient police officer based on my moral disposition, my physical fitness, and a strong drive to be successful. BUT, will my mistakes of smoking marijuana and underage drinking completely disqualify me?

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Thank You!

You likely won't get hired by any decent police department for at least three years because of the weed. The underage drinking won't be that big of a deal but I wouldn't do that anymore either.

You could still get a job with some departments eventually.

My department would not hire you.

You still have a chance. Quit smoking. Quit drinking until you're 21. Good luck

Talk with officers and maybe even the chief of the university police force. See if you can get a job with them as an assistant or intern.

Stay away from the weed, and you could get hired in a few years.

You might be able to get hired by some small department somewhere or by department where you have some connections. Aside from that, I don't think you'll be able to get hired very easily. Might as well try though

Yes, you might as well try, but for a big police department you could be competing with hundreds of others.