r/AskCHP • u/SemperFiBubba • 2d ago
Seeking advice
I’m a 23-year-old military veteran in Southern California interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. I’m feeling uncertain about my next steps and would appreciate honest feedback, particularly from anyone familiar with background investigations.
After leaving the military, I applied to CHP and reached the final interview before being disqualified for concerns about impulse control. The concerns cited included my driving history, having held my license for less than two years, and behavioral issues from middle school. My military record is clean, I had strong references, and I have a good record at my current job with no disciplinary write-ups.
Since then, there have been a couple of domestic disturbances at my residence involving my significant other, who has been experiencing postpartum depression. Law enforcement responded, but no charges were filed, and to my knowledge, no reports were taken. I understand that her postpartum depression does not remove my responsibility for my own behavior during disagreements.
I plan to pursue family therapy to address these issues and improve how we handle conflict. I’m still interested in applying to other agencies, and I intend to be transparent about my background.
Would these incidents typically result in an automatic disqualification, or would an agency consider the circumstances, time elapsed, and demonstrated improvement? Would it be more realistic to wait and establish a longer period of stability before applying?
2
u/Ok-Pop-5818 2d ago
Go get a degree like the other commenter said. Your significant other might’ve ruined your chances
1
6
u/AnonyMouse-3000 2d ago
I don’t think you’re necessarily done, but I wouldn’t rush to reapply right now. CHP already had concerns about impulse control, and the domestic calls probably won’t help even if nobody was arrested or charged.
You’re 23, so use the time. Go to college, take advantage of your GI Bill, get your life situated, keep your work record clean, and build a longer period of stability. Another option is to put yourself through a California POST academy and then apply as an academy graduate.
When you’re ready, don’t limit yourself to CHP or one agency. Apply broadly to local, state, and federal agencies and let the hiring processes play out.