Ride-Along = Applicant Evaluation???

[aviator]

Can anyone confrim whether applicant ride-alongs are used as an opportunity to evaluate the applicant? If so, is it just the officer the applicant rides with that provides feedback or does it include other officers the applicant comes in contact with during that time? Does it occur on every ride-along or is it done on a case by case basis?

[dw]

You are evaluated every step of the hiring process... While ride-alongs are not a formal evaluation by any means, conduct, behavior, appearance, etc... are all fair game in terms of your overall evaluation. You should be prepared to be evaluated by everyone you come in contact with, especially after you submit an application. Your background investigator will be talking to all kinds of people to see their take on you and if you meet the qualifications to be a CHP Officer.

[aviator]

I went on a ride-along on Saturday and I had a blast! And, I learned a ton (I know, still only a small fraction) about the job. I haven't yet formally begun the application process becuase I still have the GED to complete. I estimate I should have it completed in one month. Despite this, I just couldn't resist the opportunity to do a ride-along. Afterwards, my level of enthusiasm and motivation (which was already at high levels) multiplied by 100!

At first I thought, "I just want to survive the streets and get into Air Ops." After Saturday, I'm now thinking, "Wow, what a fun and challenging experience to patrol the highways! I can easily enjoy this for many years even if Air Ops doesn't work out."