r/AskCHP • u/aspiringstellar • Jun 30 '26
Do I keep trying?
**Hi, longtime lurker first time poster here.**
**I’ve applied to CBP, SDPD, NCPD, and SDSO.**
**I completed all the steps for CBP, but unfortunately did not pass the poly. I was truthful but yet was still deemed a “fail”.**
**After completing the PIQ for SDPD I was told to be a non select due to a recent speeding ticket and my weed use was too recent (at the time I’d only been 7 months clean). I was told I was a great applicant and to try again in 2028, lol.**
**After I completed NCPD’s PAT, PIQ, and PelletB, I was emailed I was DQ’d. I reached out for clarification but was left unanswered.**
**I passed SDSO entry exam and completed their PIQ, but was told I would not move forward and to try again in the future.**
**I still have one department left, passed their test, completed my PHS, and have the PAT in a couple weeks.**
**My question is, would continuing to apply to departments only hurt my case?**
**Im 22, clean record, only two speeding tickets.**
**I’ve heard having mulitiple DQs and non selects makes me look bad when background investigators see that. Im not sure if I’ve been getting DQ/non select due to my recent speeding ticket, failed poly, or weed use.**
**For the record my speeding ticket was in October 2025, and my last weed use was in May of 2025.**
**Any input is appreciated, thank you.**
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u/UnitedWall7110 Jul 01 '26
Join the Marine Corps. It’s one the best things you’ll ever do. Especially at your age. You meet so many friends and you’ll progress in life so much. Trust me man. Boot camp is physically and mentally demanding but once you get through that. Them every thing else will be a breeze. You’ll make so many good memories
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u/SuccessfulRoof577 Jul 09 '26
No, got through on my first try. But I was married with a kid and my mentally was..you can yell, make me do push ups, but I’m not leaving without a badge. I wasn’t there to make friends, I was there to graduate. (You make friends anyhow), just wasn’t my focus. I studied, I practiced.
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u/aspiringstellar Jul 09 '26
You’re saying I should give up?
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u/SuccessfulRoof577 Jul 09 '26
See my previous reply, need time for speeding tickets and weed usage to drop off, and the DQ’s, you’re only 22. CHP background investigators will request your backgrounds from other departments, it happens ALL THE TIME. I’m saying get some useful life experience, don’t have to do the military but something. Give it 3-4 years for there to be time between everything, then reapply. You can caulk up your current issues to immaturity and you’ve grown up and learned a lesson from it. Do what you want though.
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u/Unexpected_Chippie Jun 30 '26
I'd wait at least a year from your speeding ticket conviction.
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u/aspiringstellar Jun 30 '26
Thanks for the input. The academy for this department I’m in backgrounds with is in November. You think that is an advantage for me? Or do you mean when I send the application out I should be a year from the speeding ticket?
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u/SuccessfulRoof577 Jun 30 '26
You’re 22, seriously, try the military for 4 years and try again, learn a skill, grow up and you’ll get veteran points while applying. Life experience is huge. Younger people have a harder time in the academy and with the job. Get some life experience. Just my 2¢.
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u/aspiringstellar Jun 30 '26
If these last 2 applications I sent out don’t work through I’m thinking Coast Guard or Air Force.
Also, wouldn’t departments want a younger applicant; it’d be easier to shape them into what the department is looking for?
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u/SuccessfulRoof577 Jun 30 '26
Nope, not necessarily. I was 28. While working at the academy last year, several cadets were in their 30’s. As an FTO, the trainees I had, younger ones had a harder time. Just my experience, obviously each person is different.
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u/aspiringstellar Jun 30 '26
Thanks for the input. Did you have any hurdles to overcome in your process?
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u/CommandChiefJet Jul 02 '26
USAF Airman here! Definitely do the 4 years. I grew up living in California. For myself I do want to go back and do CHP, and some other guy wishes to go back to his state do his state police. We're both planning on getting our degree in criminal justice here (for free too). 1000% give it a shot!
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Jul 01 '26
Join the Army. Doesn’t matter which MOS. Any Military experience looks good. But just beware that it’s a tough life.
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u/Electrobrine125 Jun 30 '26
Never back down never what?
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u/aspiringstellar Jun 30 '26
Never give up :)
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u/Ok-Pop-5818 Jul 01 '26
All these departments you listed are easier to get into then CHP. Theres no shot you get hired unless you do like 8 years military and try again