Drug DQ

[DRH15]

Hi all,

I have a quick question, I have a friend that is applying for an Officer postion, not with the CHP, and he is 21 and he smoked marijuana once when he was 17 and is worried that will disqualify him for the position. My question is what would be the CHP's policy in this situation?

DRH15

[DESERT RAT]

Disclose, whatever you have done and let the CHP make the decision. If you hide it "You are gone"! Everybody makes mistakes! Tell the truth about your past and let the process work. If you are not meant to work for CHP, then so be it. If you are, congratulations. Just dont lie about your past!

[CaliforniaHighwayPatrol]

CHP Cadets do not lie, cheat or steal, nor do they tolerate those who do. Remember that.

[dw]

As I've said before, relax and be honest. Everything is considered in terms of severity and recency.

[Exp.Lt.]

what would be deemed severe? or fairly recent? I've herd that most agencies, for minor drug use like pot is about three years or something.

[uoplax13]

I'm not sure about other agencies, but like everyone on here says...recency and severity. Severity probably meaning the difference between smoking pot a couple times or being a crackhead.....common sense kind of thing there....I would guess. Recency is not something I've seen most agencies put out there. It's a department policy, so the only way to really know would be to talk to a recruiter and/or apply and see what happens. I was DQ'd last cycle for the recency part of it- it's sucks, but it's policy....man it really sucks.....everything, even the interview went great, until the end when we were going through that part of my paperwork.....anyway, brought it on myself...live and learn, etc.....

[redhead]

I was DQ'd last cycle for the recency part of it- it's sucks, but it's policy....man it really sucks.....everything, even the interview went great, until the end when we were going through that part of my paperwork.....anyway, brought it on myself...live and learn, etc.....Likewise, I was DQ'd back in 2000. And then I had to wait. And then the freeze. And to think, I have only touched pot 5 times.
My fault.
My actions caused this.

In the same breath, it really taught me a lot about who I am and actions and the reactions and the responsibility of it all.

[uoplax13]

yea, that whole mentality that it's college, it won't matter didn't work out so well.....:smile:....I've heard patience is a virtue, so i guess this is some good practice.

[Your Mentor]

Did your friend inhale? If not, he should be okay. You can be president of the US and try pot as long as you don't inhale. Oh, and if you shoot heroin, just wait until your most recent track marks heal up. ;)

All kidding aside, honesty in everything. The truth stands on its own. By the way, I know at least one peace officer in the state who admitted dropping acid back in the early 70's. He was so honest and the department he applied to wanted him so badly they changed their zero tolerance rule just so they could hire him. He's been happily serving Butte County ever since.

[Officer_Grady]

mentor, how do you have a conversation with someone and get them to admit trying acid? Nice interrogation.

[dw]

what would be deemed severe? or fairly recent? I've herd that most agencies, for minor drug use like pot is about three years or something.

Specific dates and/or guidelines will not be discussed here. Just be honest and let us make the decision.

[redhead]

Specific dates and/or guidelines will not be discussed here. Just be honest and let us make the decision.Just following up what DW stated, this is from the chp.ca.gov website.
f you have any concerns regarding whether you may have an issue in your background which may lead to disqualification, it is highly recommended that you contact the CHP Applicant Investigation Unit for assistance PRIOR TO beginning the selection process. While our investigators cannot divulge the CHP's specific disqualification criteria, through a candid dialogue with you they can provide guidance and assistance in helping you evaluate your personal characteristics as they relate to the CHP's automatic disqualification criteria. The Cadet Hiring Unit can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) at (916) 375-2180.


From first hand experince, they can be very helpful. Check it out.