Sherrif's Academy vs. CHP Academy

[MixOp]

What is the difference between Sheriff?s Academy and CHP Academy? What academy is the best?

I know that CHP Academy is a live-in training facility; therefore, many more tasks are associated with that kind of environment, such as room inspections, etc. From my research CHP cadets receive more hours of instructions than sheriff's recruits, but then CHP cadets spend more time in CVC than in PC.

I spoke to a Sheriff's deputy and he told me that Sheriff's department was the best, then I spoke to a CHP officer and he told me CHP was the best. I composed my personal opinion about who is the best. I completely agree with each law enforcement officer strongly believing that his/ her agency is the best. However, I think we are the best in what we were trained to do, e.g. CHP in CVC enforcement and Sheriff in PC enforcement. If I was a law enforcement officer, I would not say my agency is the best, I would say all law enforcement agencies are the best in what they do, otherwise they would not exist.

[Tiredmotor]

Having excellent insight into both I believe that a non live-in Academy is harder. At the live in you can remained focused on the task at hand. The other you have to go home to your "other" life. Makes it difficult to remain focused. As far as curriculum it is very similar....its a POST thing. I have the utmost respect for City cops / Deputies...there jobs are MUCH harder than a Chippies.

[TheForceCHP]

...there jobs are MUCH harder than a Chippies.

wouldn't that fall under the idea of it depends on who you ask... just saying that a comment like that is a very subjective one

[Tiredmotor]

It may...but like I said...I have good insight.

EDIT - it, of course, depends on the city...but generally speaking a city cop has more to do/to know. Just my opinion. I'm not slammin' Chippies...I am one.

['86 Samurai]

I would categorize it this way: the CHP is the expert technical specialist in a specific group of fields of law enforecment - local PDs and (sheriffs especially) are generalists.

It's like comparing apples and oranges. They're different enough that you can't call one better than another, yet they're both fuit and both taste good.

[Tiredmotor]

Kind of....there are several local PD guys I know who know a lot more than Chippes do in the field of Accident Investigation and even sometimes the VC! Heavens! They work in their traffic divisions. But you are correct, I wouldn't call one better than the other...I just said one worked harder. (In general)

I hate to hit everyone with a news flash here but the CHP isn't as great as some would have you believe. Our administration will blow that smoke up your a$$ all day but the fact is we are lagging, we complain about the little amount of work we do and wonder why we can't recruit to fill the MASSIVE exodus that we are experiencing.

['86 Samurai]

I hate to hit everyone with a news flash here but the CHP isn't as great as some would have you believe. Our administration will blow that smoke up your a$$ all day but the fact is we are lagging, we complain about the little amount of work we do and wonder why we can't recruit to fill the MASSIVE exodus that we are experiencing.I've been considering the CHP recently, and I must tell you, in the era of sky-high california housing prices, fifty three thousand a year isn't that easy to live on.

It strikes me that that's a big issue facing many prospective officers...the private sector is booming and if you've got any headsmarts at all 50k isn't that hard to pull these days. In the middle of Iowa, fifth thousand a year is great, when a house costs 150 - 200 to buy. When the mean house price is 450k in LA county, it's signficantly less money in purchasing power.

Of course this isn't to say that joining the CHP is something done for the money, obviously not. However, the money is a significant deciding factor when choosing among departments...and the CHP isn't as competitve as some locals.

[Tiredmotor]

Absolutely. I would settle for some good safety equipment/gun and a radio system that worked.

[Officer_Grady]

Absolutely. I would settle for some good safety equipment/gun and a radio system that worked.
I guess the rain gear is pretty good and the handgun was good when they came out with it in 92. Never had anything bad to say about LAPD or LASO. Everytime I see the jail bus picking up LA County warrants in the county I work, I always roll down the window and ask the deputy if he'd bring up some King Taco flautas and Al Pastor next time. Watch their back, as they watch ours, but I don't need to tell a tired motor that.

[HD1]

Try living in a "controlled environment" where you wake up as early as you are allowed, then you take a shower if you want to call it that, then off to PT where may I add the PT staff is doing EVERYTHING they ask of you, then you might be able to get a meal...if you are lucky or "fast enough", then off to class where demand will be on you not to only learn the "Post" requirements....but all the CHP stuff too....double the work load....then off to bed...again as late as allowed 'cause don't forget about boots, room, etc.etc.etc. CHP academy is By FAR harder than any PD/SO academy out there.....HANDS DOWN! I don't care if you are book smart the PT will kill you, I don'd care if you are fit the books will kill you, and if your both...STAND BY TO STAND BY! As for the competition between PD/SO vs CHP, I seem to think we do the best with what we have, sure every Dept. wants better everything. But as far as A.I. I get called a lot from PD just for VC questions. PD take a crash then get the luxury of handing it off to invetigators, not us no way we take it all the way , whether you have the time or not you catch it you clean it...20002 or not find out what happened??? Fatals we take to completion....Applicants....if your looking for $$$ go to a PD/SO cause were not paid the most...but of your doing it for the Pride and Professionalism....inquire within!

[Tiredmotor]

Hmmm....try living in a controlled environment....let's see...did that at our Academy and as qualifed Submariner for several years. 62 days without seeing the sun. Not sleeping for 96 plus hours because you're preparing for an ORSE after a 6 month westpac. Running drills at test depth and stationing the casualty watch for 48 STRAIGHT HOURS. Our best OT/Cozeep Whore couldn't do that.

So as you can see it is all in the beholder. And you are wrong about the other academies...they do all those things and more and then have to come home to their whining mates and kids. Stop with the Elitist attitude, it doesn't fly.

I see that you are bleeding blue and gold...thats good. Wait till the department stuffs one into you.

OBTW - let me know when you take that 273.5 on the freeway...you catch it, you clean it.

[Mac]

In the middle of Iowa, fifth thousand a year is great, when a house costs 150 - 200 to buy. When the mean house price is 450k in LA county, it's signficantly less money in purchasing power.
But also keep in mind that the chances of you getting paid $50K a year by a PD in the middle of Iowa are slim to none. Check around, you'll probably see what I mean.

[WinnieI05]

CHP academy much harder in my opinion. This based on watching SAC PD un-load and suit -up out of their car trunks while our class ran by them (finishing up a 3 mile run, sometimes farther of course) in the parking lot. Also, I'll never forget watching the cart of gatorade (maybe it was water, not sure) roll to the gym in preparation for the PD session of PT. Never saw their session of PT, can't say how intense it was nor would I venture to guess. From speaking with them in the breezeway, they all seem like great folks and I'm sure they do their job very well. I agree with Tiredmotor on one point. Although I missed my family, I was glad to be able to focus on the task at hand. I have to be honest, I am little jealous of the pay issue and the equipment issue here in CA. I wouldn't trade being a Chippie for the world, but it sure would be nice to catch up with some of these higher paid agencies. Every time I see a decked out PD car, I can't believe some of the gear I see. I'm getting of topic...

My two cents,

WinnieI05

[HD1]

Hmmm....try living in a controlled environment....let's see...did that at our Academy and as qualifed Submariner for several years. 62 days without seeing the sun. Not sleeping for 96 plus hours because you're preparing for an ORSE after a 6 month westpac. Running drills at test depth and stationing the casualty watch for 48 STRAIGHT HOURS. Our best OT/Cozeep Whore couldn't do that.

So as you can see it is all in the beholder. And you are wrong about the other academies...they do all those things and more and then have to come home to their whining mates and kids. Stop with the Elitist attitude, it doesn't fly.

I see that you are bleeding blue and gold...thats good. Wait till the department stuffs one into you.

OBTW - let me know when you take that 273.5 on the freeway...you catch it, you clean it.

Your Submariner experience is absolutley awesome! I was referring to the SO/PD adademy training. Im sure you had many cadets with military experience in your CTC, im sure most of them told you just how hard it really was....Im just saying taking the academy as a whole; no family, no time off, tests for tests, My personal opinion it's hard. Then after you think you have it made.....break in is 45 days not 1 year, so im sure you've seen your share of learn it or leave attitude to the new Officers. Why not lower our standards and let em all in.....because we are DIFFERENT than other dept's......I have friends that left the CHP academy, not by their own free will, and are now at PD Academy. They say the STRESS level is ZERO. Just do your work and go home. He even forgot his duty belt on the first day of training...just bring it tomorrow.....You remember when someone forgot their tie, coat jacket, or (you fill in the blank) on pick up day....they were marked...

[Tiredmotor]

IMO....it is in the eye of the beholder. I thought that my significant others Academy was harder than ours. I lived vicariously through hers but really through mine. It all depends. I just don't think that ours is the hardest. Not the easiest...not the hardest.

[HwyChaser]

OBTW - let me know when you take that 273.5 on the freeway...you catch it, you clean it.

It does happen, I have taken one, my wife (also CHP) has taken one and a know a few other that have. Rare, but can and does happen. But you should know that....

[Tiredmotor]

I do know that...thanks for your input. We had a double 187 on our part of the freeway...is the CHP prepared to take that? Did we take that? Do we have the tools to take that? Of course not....but we complain when we take when of their Officers 11-81's. Does that seem like right? A fair trade? My point was that city cops take 11-8X's and fatals and 187's and 273.5's and etc, and etc. We complain about taking three crashes a day.

So you have a 273.5 under your belt and an EPO...how many years do you have on? And your wife? Did you complain when you took it?

[Darth Choke]

Tiredmotor....

go to sleep.

[Tiredmotor]

Someone posts a different opinion of your opinion and your response is....go to sleep. Thats funny.

[HwyChaser]

I think he was referring to you name Tiredmotor. I don?t know, I thought it was funny.

Oh BTW Tiredmotor, I?m still on first phase and my wife retires in August.....:biggrin:

A live-in academy is more difficult to most folks. They have you more than just 8 1/2 hours a day, plus you don?t get to see your children at the end of the day. If you are 21 yoa, have no children, not paying a mortgage on a house that?s 350 miles away, don?t mind being told to stay in your 10? X 12? dorm room and stare at the wall all night, a live-in academy may not be that bad.

I guess its personal preference, but I would rather see my kids every night.

[Tiredmotor]

I disagree....I still think that a non live-in Academy is more difficult. But thats OK to have different opinions. The original post was how they differ, I weighed in with my opinion (having first hand knowledge of both) and some people are disagreeing. Thats OK too. I just think its funny how some people think the CHP Academy is the best darn thing since sliced bread. Personally, I didn't think that the academy was that hard...study...PT...study. Do what are told, put in 110% and EVERYONE could make it. Again just my opinion.

[23109]

I Personally, I didn't think that the academy was that hard...study...PT...study. Do what are told, put in 110% and EVERYONE could make it. Again just my opinion.

Do that at any academy and everyone could make it too. :razz:

[HD1]

I disagree....I still think that a non live-in Academy is more difficult. But thats OK to have different opinions. The original post was how they differ, I weighed in with my opinion (having first hand knowledge of both) and some people are disagreeing. Thats OK too. I just think its funny how some people think the CHP Academy is the best darn thing since sliced bread. Personally, I didn't think that the academy was that hard...study...PT...study. Do what are told, put in 110% and EVERYONE could make it. Again just my opinion.



Not adding MORE fuel to the fire......but for the CHP academy.......you have to make it first....only 1/100.....1/100......

stay safe.............................

[dw]

OBTW - let me know when you take that 273.5 on the freeway...you catch it, you clean it.

It does happen, I have taken one, my wife (also CHP) has taken one and a know a few other that have. Rare, but can and does happen. But you should know that....



I've taken at least three personally.

[dw]

I do know that...thanks for your input. We had a double 187 on our part of the freeway...is the CHP prepared to take that? Did we take that? Do we have the tools to take that? Of course not....but we complain when we take when of their Officers 11-81's. Does that seem like right? A fair trade? My point was that city cops take 11-8X's and fatals and 187's and 273.5's and etc, and etc. We complain about taking three crashes a day.

So you have a 273.5 under your belt and an EPO...how many years do you have on? And your wife? Did you complain when you took it?

After a lengthy discussion one day with our local charging DA about this very subject, I was surprised to hear her strong opinion was we (as officers) were far more diverse than the local agencies. We're not the best at everything. Should we take a 187 or similar -- which I have seen happen -- we need assistance from others (labs, etc...). But, she argued, our OFFICERS handle far more investigation day-to-day than those of other agencies. Her argument was that when presented with a complex investigation (even something such as domestic violence), the PDs in our area take basic information and turn the case over to an investigator. I know of one PD whose investigators are essentially equivalent to our sergeants. Point being, for most incidents, our beat OFFICERS handle an investigation to completion. Even when MAIT/ISU help, the investigating officer usually plays a role.

I am sure different police departments allow their officers to handle varying levels of investigation. I'm just sharing the response from someone who works with all our local agencies on a daily basis when I presented her with my cynicism. She also added the quality of our reports generally exceeded the locals.

[G-Man]

My point was that city cops take 11-8X's and fatals and 187's and 273.5's and etc, and etc. We complain about taking three crashes a day.


I have seen a LAPD 11-8X report, it is basically our face page and a bunch of check boxes for cause. While ours is what 7..8 pages minimum, unless you have small writing. not complaining, just pointing out the differences between a local pd's 11-8x and ours. you can't compare the two, it is apples and oranges. both are hard in there own respects. CHP you are isolated and do it their way 24 hours a day, PD and SO you gotta go home and deal with the family, not just wonder about how they are doing.

we also have a longer academy LASO= 18 weeks, CHP= 27 weeks, almost 3 months longer. personally (then again, I am biased) we put out a better product. A lot of cities that used to contract with us (at least down south) then went to the SO because it was free, want us back and have had private parties offer to pay for our services if the city wouldn't.

yeah, the department has its problems, but every agency does. the grass isn't always greener on the other side. I have heard of people leaving for better schedules, better pay, you name it, but most try to come back because it is not what they expected. All i know is what I am told, even by people who are getting a cite " man, it sucks to get a ticket, but you are the most professional officers i have ever come into contact with"

it is all what you make it. every academy is hard, if they weren't everyone would be a police officer.

[dw]

All i know is what I am told, even by people who are getting a cite " man, it sucks to get a ticket, but you are the most professional officers i have ever come into contact with"

it is all what you make it. every academy is hard, if they weren't everyone would be a police officer.

If I had a nickel for every time I heard that, I'd have a few bucks by now. [warm & fuzzy CHP BS] That actually means something to me -- our professional reputation really is known by the public. [/warm & fuzzy CHP BS]

Hear the same thing from guys you take to jail. "Thanks, man -- you guys always treat me right -- not like the others."

[HD1]

It's pretty hard not to say "Have a nice day" after a pinch....when they say "thank you officer, have a nice day." and you just pinched them.....I try and get a thank you from every cite...a most of the time do!

[TheForceCHP]

It's pretty hard not to say "Have a nice day" after a pinch....when they say "thank you officer, have a nice day." and you just pinched them.....I try and get a thank you from every cite...a most of the time do!

It might help that I want to be an officer, but

when I got my ticket last year, I was polite throughout the whole process(even though I disagreed with the speed, I kept my mouth shut) and when all was done I thanked the officer and shook his hand(I think that might have surprised him a little:smile: )