Expert: Dick Rogers - 8/17/2007

Question
QUESTION: I recently failed the background exam for CHP and I was wondering if I were to apply for another agency, are their records of that exam against me or do I start off fresh?

ANSWER: Jonathan, I am not sure regarding this but I didn't want to just sign you off...it would seem that a background investigation would be fresh with each agency but I can't tell you this with certainty.  It certainly wouldn't hurt to try.   It would be revealing if you could determine what it was that went against you.  Maybe you can find this out by questioning the agency you applied to.  Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: As embarrassing as it is, I'll tell you what the strikes were, I tried meth one time when I was 15 and that was 5 years ago, it wasn't enough to have any effect on me and I never came close to the stuff again, I have no tickets and I've never been in trouble with the law, do you think that this agency came down too hard on me?

Answer
Well, not knowing what the background people were told, based on what you said, I would say yes...at 15 years of age, we are undulating globs of protoplasm going this way and that.  Having experimented once is nothing to shout about...not dealing with that stuff again IS something to hold out for applause.  I would point this out in your next interview...remember, some agencies pool the whole process in making a determination, so don't give up...give it your best and I wish you luck.