Requirements are changing to join the New Orleans Police Department.
The New Orleans Advocate is reporting the Civil Service Commission has relaxed the department’s drug policy. Applicants no longer have to declare a life that’s been free of past illegal drug use.
The change coincides with a shift adopted by the FBI about seven years ago.
Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas says the rule change reflects that some otherwise qualified applicants may have used some illegal drugs in the past.
Candidates to join the force will still undergo a voice stress test to determine if they’re telling the truth.
There are now fewer than 1,150 officers on the force. That’s about 425 under the goal set by Serpas and Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
