quote:

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Originally posted by 87:
i think he means not white

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quote:

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Originally posted by slidewayz94:
Being a regular white boy won't exclude you from getting hired with CHP.

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That's very true, it won't. The problem is that 10,000 people who applied were exactly like me so the recruiter said they had to hire a lot of female and minority officers. Maybe this time around it will be different, but the recruiter told me I was at a disadvantage for now.
 

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Posted by Jmir018 (Member # 1414) on :
 
i'm sorry, but if you like law enforcment why apply for a traffic enforcer position for 30 years? why not apply to a police dpt and have the oportunity to turn into detective or something else after only 5 years.
You don't have that opportunity with the chp...
 

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Posted by Juiced-03 (Member # 2245) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Jmir018:
i'm sorry, but if you like law enforcment why apply for a traffic enforcer position for 30 years? why not apply to a police dpt and have the oportunity to turn into detective or something else after only 5 years.
You don't have that opportunity with the chp...

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I think for most people, CHP is a calling rather than something they just want to do. You deal with a lot more than just traffic, though that is the bulk of your career. I would rather do that than deal with domestic violence calls all day long.

And you can still move up in the rank in CHP. They also provide the security for the governor.

[ January 03, 2006, 01:19 PM: Message edited by: Juiced-03 ]
 

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Posted by Jmir018 (Member # 1414) on :
 
i see your point
 

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Posted by Juiced-03 (Member # 2245) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Jmir018:
i see your point

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Although, I'd take a job from ANY law enforcement agency at this point lol
 

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Posted by NO MA'AM (Member # 729) on :
 
I will also be taking the tests in Feb. I heard they are hiring a ton of people. I gues Iam a minority, so lucky for me. I have a B.A does that help in the hiring process? Does it help to know CHP's so you can put them down as references or do they not let you do that?
 

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Posted by Juiced-03 (Member # 2245) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by NO MA'AM:
I will also be taking the tests in Feb. I heard they are hiring a ton of people. I gues Iam a minority, so lucky for me. I have a B.A does that help in the hiring process? Does it help to know CHP's so you can put them down as references or do they not let you do that?

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Having the degree is going to put you so far ahead of most people who applied. If you have a clean background, I'd say you're as good as in. Get one of those CHP study books. They really help with the oral board questions. Best of luck to you!
 

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Posted by Quick 88LX (Member # 1950) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by DOPE 50:
I was told that CHP's get paid less then City or town cops is this true?What are the pros and cons of being a town cop or a chp?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Juiced-03:
If it's what you truly want, get a degree and join the military. Veterans points will help a lot. Otherwise, you will probably not have enough points to be considered. It's probably one of the most competitive law enforcement positions in the state.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Joooestang66:
A degree is key. I went through it last year, the first testing cycle they had since the hiring freeze. They used a different format then. It went written test, QAP, physical and mental tests. Now it goes written, physical, mental, then QAP. I got an 87 on my QAP, I also don't have my degree. I failed a math proficiency test twice so I have to take another math class. Having a degree helps out alot, being ex-military helps out even more. Ex-military canidates get an extra 10 pts automatically onto thier score. I'll try again in the fall.

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Yeah, 10 points just for the military experience. The recruiter told me the only people who advanced to the background process had to have at least 95 points on the QAP.
 

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Posted by sharkattack (Member # 645) on :
 
FOCK CHP! Great agency, sure but every rainy day you bounce from one crash to another. If there is one thing I hate more than taking a crash it's taking more than one. Multiple victims, multiple suspects, multiple vehicles, multiple witnesses, measurements, diagrams, Facts, Scene, Vehicles and Involved Party, Injuries, Physical Evidence, Statements, Opinions and Conclusions, Recommendations, etc. . . Screw that mess!

CHP isn't all speeding tickets, DUI's, and pursuits. No way.
 

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Posted by Jmir018 (Member # 1414) on :
 
does anyone know how picky chp is when it comes down to driving records? some other agencies make a huge deal out of even small tickets, but some bigger ones will let you get away with just about anything but a hit and run and dui.
 

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Posted by NO MA'AM (Member # 729) on :
 
Whats the deal with the background tests. How extensive are they and what should I be fearfull of? I heard the whole process takes about a year. I hope they dont trip too bad on tickets because I have a few.
 

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Posted by Jmir018 (Member # 1414) on :
 
i'm more than sure that a dui will get you eliminated .. i have a reckless driving.. that's still acceptable in some cities(sf and sj), but some trip about it.. i wonder if the chp would eliminate someone based on that..
does anyone know?
 

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Posted by Juiced-03 (Member # 2245) on :
 
I wouldn't be too worried about the driving record. If you have other things going for you like military experience, schooling, etc. then they will be able to look past some of your flaws. I have talked to many recruiters and they all told me they look at the whole picture, not just one aspect of your background. Of course they don't want someone with multiple at fault accidents, but I think you can get away with 2 points. The criminal background has to be clean for sure though. You can call a recruiter and tell them your situation and they will tell you straight up if you qualify. That's the best way to know for sure!
 

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Posted by Fostang (Member # 3752) on :
 
The background process is very extensive.

I am going through it right now.

Be fearful of whatever you did way back into junior high. How many times you got suspended and for what etc etc.

Tickets all kinds and how long ago. They will talk to your neighbors, friends, and family.

I knew this was what I wanted to do since young therefore I strived to keep my nose clean.
 

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Posted by DennisG (Member # 163) on :
 
CHP is average as far as the payscale goes. Any Bay Area department you work for you can make 6 figures with OT. Base salary there are many Bay Area agencies that make quite a bit more than CHP (So. Bay especially). Some of the higher paid in the South Bay area are Santa Clara PD and Sunnyvale DPS.
 

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Posted by graylx (Member # 3919) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Fostang:
The background process is very extensive.

I am going through it right now.

Be fearful of whatever you did way back into junior high. How many times you got suspended and for what etc etc.

Tickets all kinds and how long ago. They will talk to your neighbors, friends, and family.

I knew this was what I wanted to do since young therefore I strived to keep my nose clean.

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I would generally agree. Some departments are more thorough than others, however. I went on ride-alongs with two different agencies here over Christmas Break from the Academy. One local department will make a special effort to make personal contact with all friends, neighbors, relatives, and roommates. I spoke with a couple of deputies at another department, and they stated that the background for a couple of recent candidates took approximately one week. (I was surprised at that...but one of the deputies was a new hire who just went through the process and the other deputy had 16 years experience.)

Overall, CHP is a good department. Kinda tough to get on and a rigorous academy. However, CHP officers have a good retirement package. I believe it is something like 3% at 50.
 

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Posted by 5OHS5OH (Member # 4665) on :
 
Well, you could be a ramp-rat, or you could be a cop, you decide.

Crash, DUI, hit and run, fatal yadadadada or
dope, search warrants, child molesters, and staying out of your car as much as possible.

And for the background, it doesn't matter what you've done, it matters how honest you are about it. If they find out about it and you didn't tell them beforehand, you are gone.

And nearly everyone has 3% @ 50, or they will by the time you retire. And 110k with MUCHO overtime is good. But you can make more working less at plenty of places.
 

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Posted by 94GT5.0 (Member # 6130) on :
 
F*c* cops they all suck you know what........ This is what i do when i CHP >
 

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Posted by Joooestang66 (Member # 2828) on :
 
I'm gonna take another shot at the CHP this fall after my arm is all healed. I know a few people on here have gone through POST, any thoughts on that? About how long does it take?
 

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Posted by charged04 (Member # 1078) on :
 
Kinda on subject, I got a great quote from the Sac PD recruiter/VIPS coordinator this morning during my informal interview/livescans to work as a volunteer and get credit @ Sac City for it...

While he's looking over my past drug usage (I was totally honest, even about selling my sister a joint for $10 when i was in high school, and my "attempt" at inhaling nitrous oxide from a whipped cream bottle once):

Recruiter: "Well, I see you did LSD 3 times in high school"
Me: "Yes, to the best of my recollection"
Recruiter: "Well, don't you feel stupid now?"
Me: *slides under table*

Haha, I can't hide my past...I screwed up, and all I can be is honest. If my past usage eliminates me from being able to work/volunteer there, then I have no one to blame but myself. I guess if my background doesn't clear, I'll just try to volunteer for Sac SO who have lighter standards on LSD usage (I think it is 5 times - Sac PD is 2 times, but use is listed as an "Adult", so the recruiter said I might get by b/c i used it in high school), but Sac SO has less available hours for volunteering - they only allow volunteering from 9-5 M-F and 8-12 on Saturdays. I haven't smoked dope in 5 years, and I did LSD 3x and a bit of pot in high school. Stupid shit, but how would I know 10 years ago that I would like to become a LEO? I wish I could go back in time and kick the shit out of myself and my old pothead friends right now...

[ January 04, 2006, 08:33 PM: Message edited by: charged04 ]
 

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Posted by Joooestang66 (Member # 2828) on :
 
During my CHP QAP I told them I smoked weed three times in highschool, to that day it was like 4 years in the past. Then they asked me.... How frequently, did I enjoy it, does any of my family smoke, do any of my friends, do I have access to it, whats my opinion on it, if I were to go to a party and it was present what would I do? Went on for 5 or so min. on it.
 

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Posted by 98Snake (Member # 183) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Joooestang66:
During my CHP QAP I told them I smoked weed three times in highschool, to that day it was like 4 years in the past. Then they asked me.... How frequently, did I enjoy it, does any of my family smoke, do any of my friends, do I have access to it, whats my opinion on it, if I were to go to a party and it was present what would I do? Went on for 5 or so min. on it.

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That's the typical reponse/routine questioning you will get from a GOOD background investigator. Not only for drug usage, but from EVERY ASPECT of your life that they feel needs to be addressed. Be prepared to have your life dissected from when you were young to the present.

For instance: why you decided to withdraw from certain classes in school; why you decided to receive "F's" instead of withdraw from school; why you have x-amount of debt, why you were suspended in 6th grade. More importantly, what you learned from your negative experiences and/or mistakes.

My recommendations for anyone wishing to get in law enforcement or firefighting:

-Get a degree, doesn't matter what it's in, just finish something. Of course Criminal/Administration of Justice is the preferred degree for law enforcement, but departments nowadays are looking for a variety of backgrounds with a variety of skills. There are plenty officers and new hires without degrees, but a degree will put you further ahead of those with the same qualifications. FYI a chief of a BIG city in the South Bay majored in English.

-Military is a big plus, but don't sign up for the Navy and try to join the SEALs just because you think a PD will hire you down the road. Do it because it's truly what you want. You can get on a department with other accomplishments.

-Work Experience: Get a job, keep it for a substantial amount of time, perform well, do what you are asked, be professional with EVERYONE. And NO, you can't tell customers to "get the F*(& out of your store" , don't ask me how I know .

-Being a minority also helps, but if you are caucasian, learning a second language will get you almost the same type of "points".

-Make sure your interactions with law enforcement personnel from here on out is only positive. Don't put yourself in situations that will jeopardize your career. A department is taking a chance by hiring you ... do you think they want to take that chance if what you do in your free time could potentially cost them millions of dollars in liability down the road?

-Credit: pay all of your bills on time. Try to limit your amount of unsecured debt. Spend/save your money responsibly, it reflects on your maturity.

-Know who you are, what you have done to prepare yourself for that career, what your good AND BAD qualities are.

Getting hired and sent through an academy is possible but definately tough. If you are having trouble finding a job and LE work is something you really want to do, put yourself through, you will get hired twice as fast. However, it is 6 months without a paycheck. A lot of debt with credit cards could be ok in their eyes if you used it to support yourself while putting yourself through an academy . But not buying blowers, wheels, exhausts for your car if you can't get hired or don't have the funds.

Take everything I said with a grain of salt. It's just my humble opinion, it may or may not make sense to anyone.

Good Luck!

[ January 04, 2006, 10:40 PM: Message edited by: 98Snake ]
 

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Posted by 9Roush8 (Member # 2472) on :
 
My instructor tells us... "The more baggage you have the tougher it is to get hired." Obviously any negative contact with LE such as getting arrested for domestic violence, dui, major drug use, etc will usually disqualify you. However, my instructor told us that if you do have baggage apply at the smaller departments, or departments that are not as sought after.... For example, stockton, modesto, are tough to get into because they pay good, so they get many applicants, basically as long as you haven't done anything major, you have a good chance. A degree helps, but will not be a determining factor in getting hired. Just because your book smart doesn't mean your street smart... a degree will make you a more rounded person though... goodluck.
 

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Posted by t top freak (Member # 6269) on :
 
you pretty much need a degree for any "good" job out there now.
 

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Posted by 98Snake (Member # 183) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 9Roush8:
My instructor tells us... "The more baggage you have the tougher it is to get hired." Obviously any negative contact with LE such as getting arrested for domestic violence, dui, major drug use, etc will usually disqualify you. However, my instructor told us that if you do have baggage apply at the smaller departments, or departments that are not as sought after.... For example, stockton, modesto, are tough to get into because they pay good, so they get many applicants, basically as long as you haven't done anything major, you have a good chance. A degree helps, but will not be a determining factor in getting hired. Just because your book smart doesn't mean your street smart... a degree will make you a more rounded person though... goodluck.

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I certainly agree, to an extent. You definately need to be book smart, at least during the academy in order to learn all the material. How well you learn the material will determine how well you can apply it in your field training. That in turn will prove that you can do the job, and possibly determine how well you do in your career.
 

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Posted by sharkattack (Member # 645) on :
 
As an officer here who is involved in the hiring process let me give my input.

A lot of good advise here but certainly not the bible on how to get hired. Many agencies do things differently. I'll tell you what I look for.

Command presence/ Confidence. Are you timid? Right off that bat I size you up at the begining of the oral interview. Do you look like a push over or do you look like a guy I don't want to mess with. When I shake your hand do you go limp wristed, soft grip? Or do you grip like a bear?

The biggest and most important quality in the oral is by far common sense. Do you have it or not. We ask a lot of questions and they are standardized. How well do you respond to hypothetical situations. I have guys and gals come through with masters degrees who don't have an ounce of common sense. Dead serious, I bet if you gave some of these people a round peg and a square hole they would believe it would still fit. On the opposite side, the joe blow with the GED would come in and smack you silly for even trying to test his common sense. Education is great but if you don't have the smarts to back it up, move on.

Military service always gets my goat. I give these people a little more attention but not necessarily more preference. I'm biased for having served myself. Still need the common sense.

History. Lots of that. How is your credit history? How responsible are you? I have always had great credit. Never bounced a check and never ran up a lot of debt. Never missed a payment. Never gone to collections. I think my credit score is about 780. When the kid comes in at 21-24 and says he has a bankruptcy with several collections and repos. Forget it, your done.

Driving record? DUI's, suspensions, tickets. With all things being =, I am going to take the guy without. Comes down to responsibilty again. A DUI from 5 years ago may not DQ you but it is how you conducted yourself since.

Drug history? Ok, you smoked pot a couple of times in HS. No real biggy. But if you did every other drug known to man and only just recently quit. Good bye. I automaticly DQ guys for bad drug history. Coke, LSD, Meth, Heroin, X, all that shit. You may get by with a little pot but it had better have been from a few years ago at least.

Police contacts? Ever been arrested? What for? Arrests are not good but depending on what it was for and when, you could slide through.

Work history? Ever been fired or let go? Not the most scruntinzed aspect but if there is a pattern, then the applicant has issues.

Again all things being =, I am going to hire the guy/gal with the best overall package. I don't care what color, race, religion, gender, sexual preference you have. It is not about filling slots with sub catagories. A lot of departments are hurting for bodies. Many people are applying but the quality of applicants is lacking. Of the last 50 I interviewed, I maybe passed 12 and I bet 10 of those don't get through their background.

Education is nice, military service is nice, but in this job, common sense is what will take you the furthest. I myself, I don't have a degree. Wish I did but I went a diffent path. I don't work at CHP so I don't know what they look for. State agencies have different requirements.

There are many people who get into this job, get through all the testing, hiring, training, then hit the street and realize this job isn't for them. Usually after their 1st fight Can't be afraid to scrap with the bad guys. If you don't have common sense, thats exactly what your going to do more often than not

Law enforcement is a good job sure. Would I rather be doing something else? Absolutely. I don't love this job like I did when I started. It was fun for about 5 minutes then it just became work. When I get to work, I just can't wait to get home. I like being busy at work cause it helps the day go by faster but at the same time I hate dealing with certain types of calls and service. Juveniles are the absolute worst!
 

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