passed the written but now really interested in local PD

[THEDARKKNIGHT]

i am suspose to take my physical june 12 and psych on the 13th. if i really decide to go to local PD before those dates, do i call the recruitment office? what do i tell them i want to do?

[Mac]

If you haven't been assigned to a background investigator yet, just don't show up. If they're doing your background, call the BI and tell them you're no longer interested in the CHP so they can close your case and switch their attention to an active applicant.

[WannaBeaChippie]

DARKKNIGHT, did you get your letter for the PT test on June 10th...the reason I ask is because...the PT test...is on June 10th Next Saturday. I mean that is if you live in the BAY AREA.:confused:: seems like some of your dates might have gotten mixed up..the psych written is on the 11th...and the QAP is on the 12..well they start that week.

[THEDARKKNIGHT]

yea i got my letter yesterday. it is on june 10 and 11th.

ok, so i dont have to call, just not show up for the physical test? no negative feelings towards me will happen?

i actualy have a ride along with SJPD june 10th.

[Tiredmotor]

You need to make a decision. Period. Once your decision is made then it is common courtesy to let the other party(ies) know your intentions.

[WannaBeaChippie]

Just dont show up...you dont have a BI yet...

[DESERT RAT]

Hey DarkKnight, you can schedule a ride-along with a PD anytime. It takes 3months or so to go to the next PAT. Just a thought: What if you dont care for your ride-along with SJPD? When I went on my first ride-along(PD) the Officer was a bummer (bad attitude) and a slug! Im not saying SJPD are slugs, Im just saying you should keep your options open by doing both at the same time. Also schedule yourself for a CHP ride-along. This will allow you to see how SJPD does business, and how we do business. However, you will have to make a choice in the near future. If you have the ability to call someone at CHP and let them know you will not be able to make it, I would suggest you make the call. Don't wanna burn any bridges.....

[THEDARKKNIGHT]

i have gone on a ride along with CHP.

one of my main reasons why i dont want to go to CHP is because of the live in academy and the fact that i could be possibly sent anywhere in the state.

[HD1]

i have gone on a ride along with CHP.

one of my main reasons why i dont want to go to CHP is because of the live in academy and the fact that i could be possibly sent anywhere in the state.


save everyone the trouble and go PD......

[THEDARKKNIGHT]

HD1, you sound kinda upset by my reason? i thought it was a valid reason and only one of my reasons

[undertow999]

HD1, you sound kinda upset by my reason? i thought it was a valid reason and only one of my reasons

I am not going to say you are making a bad decision, but here are a couple things you may want to think about:

1. Sure, the academy is live in, but I don?t see what the big problem with this is. I have a friend who is going through the academy at a local sheriff academy, and he has told me numerous times how he wished his academy was live in. He thinks it would keep people more focused and goal oriented while in the academy. Also, living with all of your class mates will give you a chance and to build relationships that will continue for years. Sure you may get sent somewhere foreign to you, but more likely then not, one of your class mates will be there with you.
2. Being sent anywhere in the state may sound like a bad thing at first, but the reality is that you only have to be there for a year before you can put in for a transfer. I think the fact that you can go anywhere in the state is an awesome advantage. You can work anywhere, and develop your life and career in a location you want. If you go with a local PD or Sheriff, you will be stuck in those areas unless you lateral transfer.

I am not trying to change your mind, but the same thoughts you have went through my mind when I was deciding which agency to apply for. Of course, I could go on and on about the many other reason why I chose the CHP over every other agency but I wont. You?re in the process right now; don?t make any decision before thinking it through.

Just my 2cents, you take it for what it?s worth. Keep in mind, I don?t know your reasoning, I am just giving my opinion. I am not challenging your decisions, just trying to show the other side of the picture. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[THEDARKKNIGHT]

oh yes i have thought it through. the live in and being sent away was only one reason. i am very interested in both the CHP and SJPD. im just 51% SJ and 49% chp. i think i may just go to the PAT on saturday and reschedule my ride along. its a hard choice. i have friends who are chp and local pd. both say they would never do the other.

[Sheriff]

oh yes i have thought it through. the live in and being sent away was only one reason. i am very interested in both the CHP and SJPD. im just 51% SJ and 49% chp. i think i may just go to the PAT on saturday and reschedule my ride along. its a hard choice. i have friends who are chp and local pd. both say they would never do the other.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket :smile:

[pupdog]

If you are not going to participate in testing this quarter that you are already scheduled for, DEFINITLY call somebody with CHP and tell them. Because if things change down the road (and we know they do!), you will have to explain to the QAP WHY they should hire you when you didn't have the courtesy to call them before. A call only takes a minute. Are yo a good enough salesman to afford that minute?

I'll PM you the other part.

[THEDARKKNIGHT]

since i haven't decided yet which one i want to go into. i am going to reschedule the ride along and take the PAT.

[MicahJames]

since i haven't decided yet which one i want to go into. i am going to reschedule the ride along and take the PAT.

If you need the name of a couple good SJPD officers to ride with, let me know.

I've done ridealongs with both CHP and SJPD and they are very very different IMO. If you are born and raised south bay then SJPD might be your ticket. You already have all the familiarity of the area and the streets, etc etc. That just might be your nitche.

I was born and raised SJ but I'm an adventurer and I love new places, so maybe thats why I won't mind a live in academy far from home and maybe having to live in a different area.

Don't let anyone make you feel bad man, everyone has their own thing. And it's good we do because if everyone wanted to be the cream of the crop, who would do Sherrif's work. HAHA, im just kidding. But seriously, good luck finding your spot. Your probably young like me and have the world in front of ya. God speed.

[DESERT RAT]

DARKKNIGHT: If you are worried about getting assigned to somewhere besides bay area, dont be! The last 3 classes have sent Officers to San Jose and Bay area. If I remember correctly at least 4 went from my class to San Jose, approx 15 went to bay area/San Jose.

[THEDARKKNIGHT]

yea im 22. im just torn between the two. local and chp. i gotta think about this for a while.

[undertow999]

yea im 22. im just torn between the two. local and chp. i gotta think about this for a while.

The good thing is they are not asking you to commit either way right now huh :smile: . Just take your time, this is a decision that will change your entire life. Probablly the best way to see the difference between the two departments is to go on a ride along with each, then you can get a good feel for each job. At least you are seriously considering your options. Just take your time, the hiring process isnt the fastest thing in the world :smile:

[MicahJames]

yea im 22. im just torn between the two. local and chp. i gotta think about this for a while.


Me too. What HS did you grad from? Live Oak here.

[THEDARKKNIGHT]

san mateo high

[pupdog]

Live Oak, YES!!! All hail the mighty acorn! Go nuts!

[MicahJames]

HAHA, i had a feeling you would comment on this thread.

There is nothing about our highschool to be proud of and you KNOW it ;)

[PeckerHead]

Sounds to me like you really don't know what you want. So you came here looking to others for advice. While it is true we would like to have as many good, qualified applicants as possible, the simple fact is so would every other law enforcement agency in this state! If you want to go to SJPD then do it! There's always someone else that'll fill your spot at the CHP. It really doesn't matter if you don't show up for the PAT. Gee whiz, many before you haven't shown up and we didn't hunt them down. It's all part of doing business. If your heart is not into joining the CHP then don't let anyone talk you into doing something you really don't want to do. If you did, you'd probably be like the others that quit the Academy during the first week. They really weren't sure what they wanted either. Remember, regardless of what agency you ultimatley choose, they will be glad to have you, but don't partially commit to several agencies at the same time. It's not fair to the agency that is spending thousands of dollars on you during the application / background process or the other applicant who really does want a career with that agency, but is being held up by someone who isn't really sure it's for them. That's my two cents worth and a little extra thrown in for good measure.:neutral:

[THEDARKKNIGHT]

Sounds to me like you really don't know what you want. So you came here looking to others for advice. While it is true we would like to have as many good, qualified applicants as possible, the simple fact is so would every other law enforcement agency in this state! If you want to go to SJPD then do it! There's always someone else that'll fill your spot at the CHP. It really doesn't matter if you don't show up for the PAT. Gee whiz, many before you haven't shown up and we didn't hunt them down. It's all part of doing business. If your heart is not into joining the CHP then don't let anyone talk you into doing something you really don't want to do. If you did, you'd probably be like the others that quit the Academy during the first week. They really weren't sure what they wanted either. Remember, regardless of what agency you ultimatley choose, they will be glad to have you, but don't partially commit to several agencies at the same time. It's not fair to the agency that is spending thousands of dollars on you during the application / background process or the other applicant who really does want a career with that agency, but is being held up by someone who isn't really sure it's for them. That's my two cents worth and a little extra thrown in for good measure.:neutral:

see, now thats good advice. thanks

[(Deleted)]

THEDARKKNIGHT

You're a young kid. You've got a few years left to make a decision. Obviously you can be a cop at 22 as the application will allow you to. You might even be the most mature guy ever. But a few years of living life will add some maturity to you that will make you an even better officer. So go out and get some life experience. Live somewhere else. Try a few jobs out. If in a couple years you are still are into the cop thing, then put the app back in. If there's one thing that is certain, it's the need for police officers. It will always be there. And in talking with officers from other agencies, every agency is hurting for bodies, CHP included. My first app with the CHP was in 94. I was your age. I passed the written but not high enough for the competition that existed then (it was just opening up from a freeze). So, I went across the country, worked a job I hated, came back to CA, worked some odd jobs, then some really great paying jobs. But I still wanted the CHP, so I applied and got on the road in 03. My process took me nine years. Maybe yours will too. Who knows. Life is the adventure. Don't stress out about it too much. Policework isn't going to disappear anytime soon.

[THEDARKKNIGHT]

thanks shootin_beams

[johnnyd]

Shootin Beams, was it worth the wait? If so, why? Any comments on why the officer ranks are hurting? Thanks.