Is this the wrong motivation?

[Welpe]

As I've been going through prepartions for the application process, I have been taking a self-inventory of my goals and career ambitions. One of the big things has been determining what my motivation is for becoming an LEO and more specifically, a CHP officer.

I drove from the Bay Area back to the Central Coast via 101 today. While it is a nice drive, there always seems to be a number of people who drive like total morons. You know the typical things like excessive speed, weaving in and out of heavy traffic, trucks with horse trailers passing you while you are doing 75 in a 70. :shock: While I tend to keep very calm, even when somebody is tailgating me or cuts me off, I really dislike bad and dangerously aggressive drivers. I'd say it is a definite pet peeve of mine.

My actual question is this: Is it a bad thing that one of the main reasons I want to work for the CHP is that I dislike blatant traffic violators and that as a CHP officer, I could actually do something about them? I have other reasons of course, such as an honest desire to serve the public and to make a contribution towards the CHP's goal of reducing traffic fatalities and injuries. I just want to make sure my focus is in the right place and that I'm working towards this career for the right reasons.

Sorry this is a bit long winded.

Thanks!

[Nellie]

I don't think people have to fit one specific mold of why they want to be a CHP officer. I believe a variety of motivations, if well-intended, gives a little breadth to any organization.

[Your Mentor]

Welpe,
I imagine everyone starts with those reasons. Just remember that the authority you assume is something to steward, not wield. You will only be able to affect those violations you witness and those who observe you take action. No matter what, those blatant violations will ALWAYS be there. We like to look at it as job security. Right now, however, you see those violations and feel powerless to do anything. It feels satisfying to think you might be able to do so some day. Know this, you will continue to see those violations when you're off-duty. You can't take action other than calling it in. I know people who have flashed their badge and stopped someone in their POV only to get a complaint later. It's not worth it. At first it is more frustrating than the position you're in now because you get used to driver's reactions to that black and white. Then you're off and people don't get out of your way when they're going below the speed limit. Anyway, the violations will NEVER stop as long as there are cars and highways. We make a difference collectively and that is all.

I think the most important reason is a true desire to be a public servant and a real belief in public safety. We look at everything from a safety standpoint because we see the results when safety breaks down. But you still see people standing in the traffic lane, changing tires right on the fog line when there's plenty of room on the shoulder, kids bouncing around in the back unrestrained while mom or dad are doing 75 mph, and the list goes on. There are certainly a lot of oblivious people with driver's licenses and cars, but I think people, generally speaking, don't ever look outside of their own lives; period. Being considerate fell out of vogue back in the 1940's.

[Welpe]

I imagine everyone starts with those reasons. Just remember that the authority you assume is something to steward, not wield.
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I know people who have flashed their badge and stopped someone in their POV only to get a complaint later. It's not worth it.

You make some great points there YM. I would like to think that I would understand the limitations and responsibilities of my job. Of course that is easy to say when I am not actually on the job. I just hope my mindset will stay the same in that regard.

Anyway, the violations will NEVER stop as long as there are cars and highways. We make a difference collectively and that is all.

Another great point.

I think the most important reason is a true desire to be a public servant and a real belief in public safety.

In the end, I believe that is my main motivation for wanting to become a law enforcement officer. As I learned more about what the job entailed, I discovered other reasons that helped reinforce why. As I said in my original post, I just want to make sure my head is in the right place, especially as I'm looking at putting in an application very soon.

Being considerate fell out of vogue back in the 1940's.

No agrument here!

Thanks again for the great advice.