How do the applicant reviewers/interviewers judge past drug use (cannabis)?

NEXT!!!!

How do you think a POLICE application process will judge it???!!!

I guess it depends on how far in the "past" it is, how much, how regularly etc,etc.
But if I had to answer your question with one word, it'd be HARSHLY. I can remember getting 20 questions about the speeding ticket I got when I was 17!!

Hey bluelight,

What do you mean by past cannabis use. If you have been arrested or cautioned by the police? If so i suggest you take some steps to show the interviewer that you have changed. For example undergo drug therapy and after that volunteer at a rehab facility or volunteer at a drug education program at schools. This is all in the hope that you can show the interviewer that you have changed. However even with all of this they will take a very dim view, and unless you are an exceptional candidate you will be declined entry.

However if you have not come to police attention for cannabis use and it's in your past, don't mention it if asked

Regards

Horse wrote:Hey bluelight,

What do you mean by past cannabis use. If you have been arrested or cautioned by the police? If so i suggest you take some steps to show the interviewer that you have changed. For example undergo drug therapy and after that volunteer at a rehab facility or volunteer at a drug education program at schools. This is all in the hope that you can show the interviewer that you have changed. However even with all of this they will take a very dim view, and unless you are an exceptional candidate you will be declined entry.

However if you have not come to police attention for cannabis use and it's in your past, don't mention it if asked

Regards

As in never been caught with it by police, yes. I looked at some forums for US police and they seem to always say it depends on how much you used it, but I just wanted to see how it is like in New Zealand.

The American police also said that interviewers/further application would ask about your complete criminal history -- including undetected crimes.

Another question, I know in other countries they employ a lie detector to test applicants, does this happen in New Zealand?

In the interview when they ask you about drugs they ask you to be completely honest. And it is generally the best policy. If you had a few joints when you were young and stupid they generally won't mind. And If you say you haven't done any drugs they will also question you extensively (in my case).
They also ask if any of your friends, family, acquaintances, flatmates or past boyfriend/ girlfriends have been involved with drugs or have any criminal offences. Keep this in mind when you answer. Remember they are the Police and can do some extensive background checking.

In NZ, the lie detector is usually a community constable who is also probably a senior constable.

I can't believe I'm hering everyone above saying you'll get shot down for it, or not to tell them!! Disappointing. We are after all the Police. Integrity is a BIG part of this job. I'd be leaning strongly towards KY's reply: Tell them. It would be a crap way to find out you are a crap liar if they dig deeper or start getting hunches that you're not being up front.

Be honest. An interviewer knows, that you know, you are putting your application on the line by telling them the truth...whereas if you lie, you might never find out if you got caught out or not. You just get the letter in the post saying you've been declined with no reason given.

Front up. Tell them you did it 10 years ago when you were 18-20 or whatever, and you were hanging with the wrong crowd. Tell them you stopped when you got bored of it and never went back...

Or whatever the circumstamces are.

I didnt want any dishonest cops on my team..... But over to you.

Be straight up at the start, try to BS or fib and it will come back to bite you in the arse.

Maybe not at the college, maybe not for a few years, but as sure as eggs are eggs, it'll get you in the end.

Be honest. You can always (well, possibly) recover from it and work your way back into their good graces.
But get caught in a lie and you'll be out on your hiney.