DRUG USE NOT ALWAYS DISQUALIFIER

Anyone who has used LSD cannot become a cop because of the potential
for flashbacks. But the distinction has become less clear when it
comes to other drugs.

Decades ago, someone who had even experimented with marijuana
automatically would be disqualified. Now, agencies are accepting
people who have used some illicit drugs because, recruiters say,
practically everybody has.

"Drug usage is more frequent with the younger generation," said Colton
police Detective Richard Garcia, a background investigator.

Clancy Faria, president of the Peace Officers Research Association of
California in Sacramento, agreed.

"I, personally, have seen over the past 20 years that drug standards
have been lowered," he said.

Background investigators look at how frequently the applicants used
drugs, how long it has been since they last used them and whether the
person is honest about narcotics use.

Generally, people interested in becoming police officers must be U.S.
citizens, 21 or older, with a driver license and a high school diploma
or GED, and no felony arrests. Candidates have to pass written, oral
and physical fitness tests.

Background investigators also look at candidates' values system, their
communication skills and their credit history.

Departments decide whether to accept someone on a case-by-case basis,
Garcia said. Lying will exclude applicants, he said.

Anyone interested in becoming a police officer can contact the agency
and ask to speak to a recruiter, police said.