What would you do if a friend of yours was being investigated for a background check...say to get on the department as a cop or to fill a position in the military? Let's suppose, back in the day, you two used to hit up the pipe and experiment with all sorts of drugs; not to mention you know this guy had a history of breaking the law that was never documented. Now, would you sell out your friend and be truthful or would you lie and pass him off as a saint?

I don't know where I get these questions, but it is entertaining to read some of your thoughts. Be truthful.

I would probably vouch for the person if over the last 5 or 10 years they had matured and stayed away from drugs or criminal activity...Not one to hold a person's past against them if they have learned from it and moved on...But at best I would try and just tell them I didn't remember this person doing anything of this nature and steer clear of telling them absolutely no way

If they still slipped up even rarely I would likely inform them of his past

Thanks for the response, Easy. How about this; the guy owes you money. Now, what do you do? J/K.

is this you ACFM? and are you running from the law??lmao J/K:busterbun

I would treat the situation like being on the witness stand in court - Understand the question, and answer as specifically as possible. I would not lie, but if asked something vague like "Is this person honest?" I would not feel the need to bring up a stolen candy bar from 20 years ago.

is this you ACFM? and are you running from the law??lmao J/K:busterbun

No, I'm a good boy. Sometimes, I just think of stupid scenarios or questions for no reason at all. I've had too much time to ponder lately.

This is a tough one because I know of many cops who shouldn't be on the force ... they are jerks to their wives and families and behind closed doors, but their buddies cover for them ( or don't realize that they are such jerks).

If it was way in the past, I wouldn't mention it.. or say "I don't really recall but based on recent behavior and current events, he/she would fit well in your establishment" or something equally meaningless and not incriminating.

or I could say "I don't remember because I was too wasted - man could he party!" .. ha,ha..

Depends on how well I knew the person I think and if they would serve the position well based on current events.

Alot of factors would have to taken into account... but as long as this friend has never decieved me, none of them would matter as long as I could favoribly answer this 1 question:

Would he do it for me?

For a federal government clearance, I think they only look at your last ten years. If one EVER used illegal drugs, they are required to disclose that information - but if it was adolescent experimentation, outside of a ten year window, it shouldn't prevent that person from getting the security clearance.

If a past drug user conceals the info and is found out, automatic denial. I used to have a link for a .gov site that briefed clearance denial and appeal cases, interesting stuff! I'll post if I can find it.

I've been used as a business reference by dozens of contacts and never been asked about past drug use or other personal behavior - just work performance.
~J

Fascinating stuff: 2002 Industrial Security Clearance Decisions (http://www.dod.gov/dodgc/doha/industrial/2002.html)
...what a nerd I am!

If you read enough of them, it becomes obvious that HONESTY is a lot more important that youthful transgressions.

I don't have any experience with "hitting up the pipe" or breaking the law with an old friend :D so I can't really answer the original question. But I would have to tell the whole truth, if I was asked about someone I knew... especially if it was a military or fed position.

I was once called by State Dept for a former co-worker. Nice guy, highly intelligent and educated, but emotionally/mentally the guy was off. I didn't come right out and call him crazy, but the interviewer understood that I felt the guy had issues. He was a good friend, but it wouldn't have been safe for him or good for the country for him to be working in that environment.