Discouraged...

[MicahJames]

Alright,

Is it just me, or is it harder to look down the further on you go in this process?

Applying back in January, I have given every part of this process my full attention and every ounce of honesty in me. I constantly hear stories on here, and in my day to day life of applicants who are snuffed for reasons that, in my little opinion, are not worth dropping a quality candidate.

A good family friend who has been my mentor has told me the whole time, "your not a bad kid, be honest and do what they ask and your a shoe in". He's been in LE for 30 years, I have to trust his sound advice.

There are some minor discrepancies on my PHS that I submitted a week or so ago, things like, forgetting to disclose a citation which I mention and disclose at a later part in the App from 1999. And an issue where in my QAP I said I thought I was written up for a non PC image on my computer @ work (political), but in retrospect it was for punctuality. I have compiled these types of things on a list and will discuss them in my initial interview, I assume.

So, bringing you up to speed, I'm about 6 months into this and I'm staring straight down, worried that these discrepancies, or anything small will be a flick of the pinky that will throw me off the high beam. I have come a long way with this organization and still firmly believe it's the only way to go.

My battle here, is that; A) I would not want to spend another 6-12 months starting over and B) I have concerns about working for an agency who is so quick to boot and discourage a candidate who is potentially a hard working asset.

I have tried my hardest this whole time to be honest about everything in my life (there isn't much to disclose) It just seems like punishment for being human.

I sincerely hope all these people who get DQ'd for things that seem minor are really just exaggerating the innocence of their DQ.

Basically, I feel like I have put all my eggs in a weak wicker basket.

I'm not looking for a cheer up talk or sunshine up the rear. But, am I being paranoid!?!?

[redhead]

My battle here, is that; A) I would not want to spend another 6-12 months starting over and B) I have concerns about working for an agency who is so quick to boot and discourage a candidate who is potentially a hard working asset.

I have been in the "process" since I was 22. I am 29 now. I am still trying. Like RetCHP said, I will try till they tell me to stop trying.

If you think 6-12 months is a long time, try waiting 2 years after taking one hit of a joint and honestly not even getting high. Honesty held me back for 2 years. Did I do the right thing? Yes.

Try getting a 90 on the QAP and find out they are not taking 90's. Try again 9 months later and get a 95 to find out they are taking 90's.

This whole process will make you scratch your head.

If you have doubts, stop now. Everything this agency does, there is a reason. Sometimes it won't make ANY sense, but they have their reasons, and you either respect them, or leave them.

[MicahJames]

Understandably,

And yes, I can sympathize. When I was 18(ish) I got high and made it to the TOP 2 of 35 applicants for a PD job (non sworn) only to find out that the dirty reefer would hold me back 2-3 years. And like you, I waited. Watched myself and have kept my nose clean the whole time.

I think my frustration here, is juggling my "professional" job right now in the tech industry and waiting for what I want deep down with the CHP. Im throttling myself here, while trying to keep my eye on the CHP.

I don't think it best that you advise I stop now if I have ever had any doubts. I'm sure somewhere within your 7 year journey you have looked back and wondered.

I appreciate knowing that this is not an uncommon feeling. Perhaps I should be less optimistic about this being a 1-year process.

It's quite ironic, the way I hear so commonly how badly the CHP needs help. The way my last two ridealongs have been on a watch of 9 units when there is supposed to be 19. The billboards everywhere begging to join, and here most of us sit fidgeting in our places with out fingers crossed. Well, so be it, 1 year or 10, I will just try and get that stuck in my head.

Thanks redhead.

[redhead]

Threads like this one (http://www.chpforums.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=1258) help keep my eye on the goal.

[DESERT RAT]

It sounds like you forgot a few things on your PHS. Just make sure you explain the discrepancies to your BI. Now, as to the paranoid feeling, get used to it! It will be with you for the next 30 yrs of your LE career. From the first day of your hiring process, to the first day of the academy you can be rejected. From the first day of the academy, to the day you graduate, you can be fired or asked to resign. From your first day of Break in/ FTO till your Last day of Break in you can be rejected & fired/Resign. From your first day on your own till your 1yr anniversary you can still be rejected. Then from your first day off probation till the day you retire, you can screw up and be fired or asked to resign. The pink slip is always following you, the trick is to always be one step ahead of it!

[snowdog]

Alright,

Is it just me, or is it harder to look down the further on you go in this process?

Applying back in January, I have given every part of this process my full attention and every ounce of honesty in me. I constantly hear stories on here, and in my day to day life of applicants who are snuffed for reasons that, in my little opinion, are
There are some minor discrepancies on my PHS that I submitted a week or so ago, things like, forgetting to disclose a citation which I mention and disclose at a later part in the App from 1999. And an issue where in my QAP I said I thought I was written up for a non PC image on my computer @ work (political), but in retrospect it was for punctuality. I have compiled these types of things on a list and will discuss them in my initial interview, I assume.

So, bringing you up to speed, I'm about 6 months into this and I'm staring straight down, worried that these discrepancies, or anything small will be a flick of the pinky that will throw me off the high beam. I have come a long way with this organization and still firmly believe it's the only way to go.

My battle here, is that; A) I would not want to spend another 6-12 months starting over and B) I have concerns about working for an agency who is so quick to boot and discourage a candidate who is potentially a hard working asset.

I have tried my hardest this whole time to be honest about everything in my life (there isn't much to disclose) It just seems like punishment for being human.

I sincerely hope all these people who get DQ'd for things that seem minor are really just exaggerating the innocence of their DQ.

Basically, I feel like I have put all my eggs in a weak wicker basket.

I'm not looking for a cheer up talk or sunshine up the rear. But, am I being paranoid!?!?


Is it just me, or is it harder to look down the further on you go in this process?

Applying back in January, I have given every part of this process my full attention and every ounce of honesty in me. I constantly hear stories on here, and in my day to day life of applicants who are snuffed for reasons that, in my little opinion, are not worth dropping a quality candidate.

FYI Micah, It's been my experience that most of the time an appllicant is DQ'd, they dwell on the small things that led to the DQ and forget to mention the real issues, the big ones. If I had a nickel for each time an officer, Sgt., Lt., even Chief has called me in asking why their son/daughter/neice/nephew/family friend was DQ'd, I'd have at least a dollar. Then they get even angrier when I tell them that the information is confidential. I ask them to tell me what they heard, then tell them that they should go back and ask the person again. If I were you, I would look at the reasons others here say they have been DQ'd and take it with a grain of salt. There is probably much more to it.

A good family friend who has been my mentor has told me the whole time, "your not a bad kid, be honest and do what they ask and your a shoe in". He's been in LE for 30 years, I have to trust his sound advice.

But does he have experience in backgrounds, and does he know absolutely everything that your background investigator knows?

There are some minor discrepancies on my PHS that I submitted a week or so ago, things like, forgetting to disclose a citation which I mention and disclose at a later part in the App from 1999. And an issue where in my QAP I said I thought I was written up for a non PC image on my computer @ work (political), but in retrospect it was for punctuality. I have compiled these types of things on a list and will discuss them in my initial interview, I assume.

Advice I give to all applicants as they begin this journey: Do your own background investigation before you have your QAP. Review your current and old personnel files, review copies of applications with us and other agencies, know your driving history like the back of your hand, go to DMV and spend the money to get a complete history of your driving record, contact your current and former insurance carriers to find what they have on record (they often keep better records than DMV), pull up a copy of your credit history (WWW.annualcreditreport.com is free), if you are prior military get copies of your service records, review all of your tenant files from your current and former residences, find your ex-spouse and tell them what you are doing (don't tell me you can't find them because I guarantee you that I will). These are all the things we are going to do. Don't let us be suprised by anything we find. And certainly don't let us find anything that you didn't tell during your QAP. Remember, your score is based solely on what you disclosed during your QAP. Is it a fair score if your left things out, but disclosed them at a later interview? Is it fair to the applicant who did disclose everything, and it's exactly the same as you, and they got DQ'd at the QAP?

So, bringing you up to speed, I'm about 6 months into this and I'm staring straight down, worried that these discrepancies, or anything small will be a flick of the pinky that will throw me off the high beam. I have come a long way with this organization and still firmly believe it's the only way to go.

Any DQ is not as simple as the flick of a pinky. There are guidelines that must be followed and justified at both the Division and HQ levels.

My battle here, is that; A) I would not want to spend another 6-12 months starting over and B) I have concerns about working for an agency who is so quick to boot and discourage a candidate who is potentially a hard working asset.

Would you feel better about working for an agency that looks the other way and gives the same opportunity to the applicant who didn't provide full disclosure as the applicant who did? Being a hard worker and being thorough are two different issues.

I have tried my hardest this whole time to be honest about everything in my life (there isn't much to disclose) It just seems like punishment for being human.

I sincerely hope all these people who get DQ'd for things that seem minor are really just exaggerating the innocence of their DQ.

Basically, I feel like I have put all my eggs in a weak wicker basket.

I'm not looking for a cheer up talk or sunshine up the rear. But, am I being paranoid!?!?
[/quote]
I'm going strictly off memory here, so I may be wrong. I think you previously posted somewhere that you scored and 80, thought you were out of it, but have been let back in since we invited 80's to continue. Consider yourself very fortunate at this point. It may or may not turn out as you want. If it does, great. If not, you now know what to do to come right back and put yourself in a better position.
Good Luck!

[MicahJames]

snowdog-

thank you very very very much. Spelled out like that I completely understand and do consider myself very fortunate to be where I am. If things do not turn out I already know I will be back to do it all over again with new wisdom from whatever experience held me up. If things do work out then I will consider myself that much more fortunate and be that much mroe greatful.

I really, sincerely, appreciate everyone that offers us feedback. Trust me, everyones words of advice has and will continue to stick with me through this entire process, no matter how long that ends up being. Thank you.

[makakona]

my husband did everything with his background investigator over the phone, only flying out for the actual tests. he did whatever they call the final "anything else you want to tell us before you sign" over the phone. after he said he was clear and signed away, his bi pulled up a ticket my husband hadn't disclosed. it was truly a mistake and he had no recollection at all about it, but it was still something he should have included. he obviously didn't get dq'ed and continued through just fine. when i head some of the dq stories, it's pretty obvious that there are other issues. watching the entire process from the outside, i have immense respect for the department in how they handle applicants and it gives me great comfort to know there are truly quality people being given the opportunity to eventually handle such great and grave duties. i don't see how anyone who is not personally jaded could argue that the process is unfair.

[WannaBeaChippie]

I was DQ'd less than two weeks ago...its a hard thing to swallow. I didn't lie about anything, I've never used drugs.. But, when you sit down at your initial interview, and you have to explain yourself, sometimes you're wishing...hmmm why did I do that? Most of the hiring process depends on recency, the frequency and what you've learned. Definitely what you've fixed...they look for patterns...do you have 3 citations in one year, along with car accidents? Or 8 collections agencies from 3 years ago, unpaid? Have you been fired, or quit unexpectedly, if so why?

When you explain it all...and the BI is doing more listening then asking..sometime the common sense kicks in and you already know your answer. I have credit problems...and I've done nothing to fix it. Poor decision making on my part, the sad part is...the debt is not hard to fix, I can fix it in 6 months. If you get DQ'd it just depends on what its for..don't worry be positive, I'm going to reapply next year in the last quarter, and hopefully in 2008, I can be talking some excellent news, and if not, I'll do it again.

Thats how serious you have to be...I knew that when I turned in my application last march that I wasn't ready, but I tried and made it as far as I could. I'm only 23, I've been trying to do this since I was 22. It takes time, but its all worth it if you make the commitment, give your life 100% and the CHP will give you 110%. On your PHS if you forgot something tell the BI before they have to ask, don't be afraid to admit your mistakes...at some point you're going to have to. Best of luck to you MicahJames, I'm sure things will workout fine if not, there's plenty of future ahead of you..;)

[MicahJames]

Thanks you guys,

Thanks Chippie.

Im learning to accept that this could be a trial run and I might likely have to do this all over again next year. Its fine by me, worth it. Every ridealong I go on just cements my decision. Espcially after getting to pick the Chips brain for 8 hours :D

Anyway, thanks for everyones feedback and advice. Nothing feels better then the truth.

[PeckerHead]

One thing that I haven't seen anyone mention is your initial interview. In your initial interview you are asked to review your PHS. If there is something you forgot to put down on your PHS that is the time to add it. So, don't stress over forgetting to add something, you'll have a couple of opportunities to do that.

[pupdog]

Hang in there. I found a ticket I never even knew I had to begin with AFTER my initial. I contacted my BI right away! Right now I'm fretting over every little detail from psych, because he pointed out here & there where I said one thing back then but didn't mention it that day. Completly spaced on little minor details, but certainly not trying to hide things (but how does he know that??). So braincramps that afternoon might DQ me. I'm chillin' by remembering what Dipmo said awhile back about being ready for the thin envelope. I've chosen to be done with being discouraged about the process. Save the stress for the acadely, because they'll be plenty!

[flickster]

Hang in there. I found a ticket I never even knew I had to begin with AFTER my initial. I contacted my BI right away! Right now I'm fretting over every little detail from psych, because he pointed out here & there where I said one thing back then but didn't mention it that day. Completly spaced on little minor details, but certainly not trying to hide things (but how does he know that??). So braincramps that afternoon might DQ me. I'm chillin' by remembering what Dipmo said awhile back about being ready for the thin envelope. I've chosen to be done with being discouraged about the process. Save the stress for the acadely, because they'll be plenty!

I know how you feel Pupdog. My psych did the same thing to me. I walked out feeling DQed... Still waiting for my final letter... thin or thick... remain to be seen... I have been waiting for it for 2 weeks now. Hopefully I will find out soon.

[dw]

I completely agree with all of snowdog's points. I will reiterate that in my experience, the DQ story related to friends, family, and co-workers is rarely the full story. I believe often applicant's don't [want to] fully understand or accept the reasons for disqualification.

[Mac]

....and B) I have concerns about working for an agency who is so quick to boot and discourage a candidate who is potentially a hard working asset....
Many of us who have successfully completed the hiring process over the years would have even GREATER concerns about working for an agency who hired people who were less than honest during their background investigation. Enough 'bad apples' somehow manage to sneak through the process as it is - no need to make it any easier. The percentage is so small that it's almost microscopic, but it only takes one knucklehead to do a LOT of damage and soil the reputation of a lot of truly good people.

C'mon - BI's don't disqualify people "at the flick of a pinky". As Snowdog said, there are multiple levels of review. A BI does not have the autonomy to DQ anybody he/she pleases at his/her whim. I'm sure that every one of us who went through BI's ended up having to make at least a few changes on their paperwork here and there through the process. There's a big difference between forgetting something and conveniently "mis-remembering" or omitting it.

I agree with DW and Snowdog that most applicants who publicly gripe about being DQ'ed are less than forthright about the real reasons behind it. Some 'fess up, take their medicine and push onward - and my hat is off to them. As a cop you learn that there are always at least two sides to a story - it's about impossible to determine the truth from only hearing one side, and you can bet your bottom dollar that you will NEVER see BI's posting publicly about who they've DQ'ed and why - so one side is all you'll ever see.

[dw]

Let me add that there seems to be a misnomer that as long as you're honest, you will not be disqualified. Dishonesty is only one of many reasons an applicant may be disqualified -- it just happens to be one of the most common. In evaluating your life history, background investigators are considering honesty, integrity, courtesy, good judgment, and drug use to name a few. Honesty is the only policy, but it does not assure you a spot in the academy.

...and to those who take this to mean they should not be honest about their past, I assure you that many have tried that route and failed. Nothing will hurt you long-term more than dishonesty.

[Mac]

...and to those who take this to mean they should not be honest about their past, I assure you that many have tried that route and failed. Nothing will hurt you long-term more than dishonesty.
As a sidebar to that, many have been fired from the Department for lying about things they wouldn't have gotten fired for if they'd simply 'fessed up and took their medicine like they shoulda. If anybody thinks that this Department only pays lip service to the honesty thing, you're sadly and gravely mistaken. It's a critical issue and core value through every step of your career, from hiring until the day you retire.