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Salutations, LEOs and good people of Calguns. The question I have, I am sure is one often repeated. Why, why was I not invited to move forward in the application process? I'll provide any personal details that may hopefully allow for some insight. Today was the fourth time in a row that I hit a brick wall during the process (It is my understanding that the terminology, disqualified or non-selected, are two different circumstances; if that is not the case, please explain). But today marks the fourth attempt, and it seems that there is a hint that I am missing; stop applying. The first and second attempts (2013 and 2015) saw my non-selection with the SDPD. The third attempt and non-selection (2016) was with Escondido PD. Today (4/7/2016) was the fourth with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. The email said "disqualified" though. Again, not positive what the differences are exactly (if any), so I am seeking clarification in this as well.
I'll try to keep the story as brief as possible from here on out. Each and every application gets filled out just the same. The process runs smoothly up until the PIQ. Keeping my integrity intact, this is also filled out the exact same every time. It is always filled out to the absolute best of my knowledge and ability. I would rather not gain employment for being honest than to get hired because of dishonesty; lying, omitting information, bending the truth, etc. Here are the details in the PIQ that I disclose that I assume get me the results I have been receiving; marijuana usage, alcohol consumption, and misdemeanors (I'll provide ages). The marijuana usage occurred over the period of two years up until I was 20 (I'm currently 29). It was pretty infrequent, guessing about every month or every other month. I was arrested for possession at the age of 20 (hence the quitting), and to this day I avoid it like the plague. However, the big however, upon discharge (2011) from the military through the med boards, and returning home...there was one usage at my welcome home party. I relay that it was an honest mistake, and severely out of character. I had no direction of where I was going in life after getting out. I figured that one hit wouldn't kill me, and I instantly regretted it. That wasn't me or what I was about. I think it is that lapse in morals that the B.I.s look at. Second, is alcohol usage. It has not really been a problem in my life whatsoever. I have no DUIs, no misconduct involving alcohol (except for an "Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by Minor" charge at the age of 20). But the thing is, I drink routinely. Again, I don't cause any problems, and I'm responsible enough to hand off my keys or call Uber/Lyft. Lastly, the arrests and misdemeanor charges. These all occurred before joining the Marine Corps at the age of 23. Retail theft (17), Possession of Cannabis (20), Criminal Trespassing (20), and Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by Minor (20, same incident as the trespassing). Now, I know that on paper, I probably look like a scumbag. That's not the case though. I was hardheaded in my adolescence and early, early adulthood. I didn't really get a sense of direction or purpose until military service. I would have stayed in had I not been discharged (Honorably) through the med boards. I received no disciplinary action during service, and I was strictly by the book.
I totally understand that during these processes, they are looking for the best of candidates. And I understand that there are plenty of people who look better than myself on paper. The PIQ doesn't really give me an opportunity to show the true growth and progression I have experienced. Each attempt and failure is disheartening, but it does not deter me from trying again. Right now though, since this is the same day as the recent attempt, I find myself asking, "am I wasting time, my own time as well as the law enforcement agencies' for which I apply?" Again, I am simply seeking clarity on whether or not I should keep at it. I have zero intention of altering any future responses in the PIQ, that could and would never sit right with me. Should I continue? This is truly what I want. I have a sense of duty for which I seek fulfillment, and I know this field is for me if given the opportunity. I'm moving to Georgia to transfer schools in August to complete my bachelor's degree, but I'll still be shooting apps over to Southern California. If you require any additional information, I am open to anything. I will not hesitate to provide extra details.
Safe travels to you all,
R.S.
I'll try to keep the story as brief as possible from here on out. Each and every application gets filled out just the same. The process runs smoothly up until the PIQ. Keeping my integrity intact, this is also filled out the exact same every time. It is always filled out to the absolute best of my knowledge and ability. I would rather not gain employment for being honest than to get hired because of dishonesty; lying, omitting information, bending the truth, etc. Here are the details in the PIQ that I disclose that I assume get me the results I have been receiving; marijuana usage, alcohol consumption, and misdemeanors (I'll provide ages). The marijuana usage occurred over the period of two years up until I was 20 (I'm currently 29). It was pretty infrequent, guessing about every month or every other month. I was arrested for possession at the age of 20 (hence the quitting), and to this day I avoid it like the plague. However, the big however, upon discharge (2011) from the military through the med boards, and returning home...there was one usage at my welcome home party. I relay that it was an honest mistake, and severely out of character. I had no direction of where I was going in life after getting out. I figured that one hit wouldn't kill me, and I instantly regretted it. That wasn't me or what I was about. I think it is that lapse in morals that the B.I.s look at. Second, is alcohol usage. It has not really been a problem in my life whatsoever. I have no DUIs, no misconduct involving alcohol (except for an "Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by Minor" charge at the age of 20). But the thing is, I drink routinely. Again, I don't cause any problems, and I'm responsible enough to hand off my keys or call Uber/Lyft. Lastly, the arrests and misdemeanor charges. These all occurred before joining the Marine Corps at the age of 23. Retail theft (17), Possession of Cannabis (20), Criminal Trespassing (20), and Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by Minor (20, same incident as the trespassing). Now, I know that on paper, I probably look like a scumbag. That's not the case though. I was hardheaded in my adolescence and early, early adulthood. I didn't really get a sense of direction or purpose until military service. I would have stayed in had I not been discharged (Honorably) through the med boards. I received no disciplinary action during service, and I was strictly by the book.
I totally understand that during these processes, they are looking for the best of candidates. And I understand that there are plenty of people who look better than myself on paper. The PIQ doesn't really give me an opportunity to show the true growth and progression I have experienced. Each attempt and failure is disheartening, but it does not deter me from trying again. Right now though, since this is the same day as the recent attempt, I find myself asking, "am I wasting time, my own time as well as the law enforcement agencies' for which I apply?" Again, I am simply seeking clarity on whether or not I should keep at it. I have zero intention of altering any future responses in the PIQ, that could and would never sit right with me. Should I continue? This is truly what I want. I have a sense of duty for which I seek fulfillment, and I know this field is for me if given the opportunity. I'm moving to Georgia to transfer schools in August to complete my bachelor's degree, but I'll still be shooting apps over to Southern California. If you require any additional information, I am open to anything. I will not hesitate to provide extra details.
Safe travels to you all,
R.S.
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