The Washington State Patrol is having trouble finding qualified recruits and big one reason is prescription drug use.
WSP says the problem is that most people who interview do not understand that taking someone else’s prescription drugs, or giving out their own prescription drugs to others, are both felonies. Candidates may have only done it only once in their lives, but that might be enough to disqualify them. The disqualification is not automatic, however. WSP says there can be exceptions based on the circumstances.
Because of the lack of quality recruits, WSP is training eight district recruiters who will go to various parts of the state. That way, potential recruits don’t have to drive all the way to Olympia.
“Tough economic times. That’s part of it. People have work schedules, they have kids. Let’s look at gas prices. It’s a lot for somebody from Spokane right now to drive over here for one step of a several-step testing process,” said Trooper Pete Stock.
More information on the testing process can be found at the WSP website
Story compiled by KING 5's Travis Pittman
