Leaving the CHP

[Tiredmotor]

I feel if the CHP expanded its department, then you would track alot of people who would want to join. For example, the CHP could create an inspector's bureau for investigating murder crimes, etc... And the CHP could expand its SWAT team statewide. This probably won't happen because you have libtard politicians who don't give a sh*t about its public safety employees. Sadly, libtard politicians are running the show and they think it's a waste of money to fund stuff for law enforcement.

Like right now, you don't hear about politicians coming out and giving support to law enforcement. The only time they come out is when an officer is killed in the line-of-duty. When an officer is killed in the line-of-duty, they'll come out and pretend to be sorry and supportive by saying "Officer *insert name here* died serving and protecting all of us. He gave his or her life for the people and I express my deepest condolences to the officer's family". Blah, blah, typical bullshit from politicians. They sit behind a desk collect a six-figure income and do nothing productive. They'll come crawling out of their rocks when something happens. Bunch of attention whores.

Don't delete it...the second paragraph is SPOT ON. The first, however, I must disagree with...The last thing that this Department needs to do is to take on more responsibilities. The Department needs to focus on the road and getting staffing up for the road...not airops, not swat, not catic, not cops, not BIA, not - insert superfulous job here-, are those other things important? Yes.....but AFTER the road is taken care of. If we continue to take more responsibility, the road will suffer more than it already is...and the public are the real "true" losers in this equation.

[cal911gal]

[quote=Mac][quote=Processing].

... but some of my co-workers that complain the most also don't have the strongest work ethic. Not sure what the correlation might be, if any but it is an interesting thing to note.



How well I know this one!

My take: those who complain the loudest, tend to have weaker work ethics. Complaining about the system makes people focus on the system, not the complainer. Tends to take the heat off the complainer, at least for a little while.

They tend to complain about whats wrong with the system, instead of fixing what's wrong with themselves.

Just my two cents. (Definitely not saying there aren't some things wrong with the system, and not saying I dont complain *dont even get me started on how bad my computer at work sucks now*) Just following along with what Welpe mentioned :rolleyes:

[Panda]

Anyone out there seriously condsidering leaving the Department for an Allied Agency?

[Mac]

Nope. Never even considered it.

[Chipper]

Not only NO, but HELL NO!

CHP is the best there is, why would anyone want to leave? We have the best job and we are paid really well. If the Dodgers, Angels or Padres called and offered me a 6 year 25 million contract, I might consider leaving, but I don't see that happening :lol:

[MicahJames]

Not only NO, but HELL NO!

CHP is the best there is, why would anyone want to leave? We have the best job and we are paid really well. If the Dodgers, Angels or Padres called and offered me a 6 year 25 million contract, I might consider leaving, but I don't see that happening :lol:


I was really hoping to see responses like this :biggrin:

[Darth Choke]

Not a chance!!

If someone wants to pay me $800K a year to do nothing....well then, maybe. This job is great and is an excellent career!

[rb525]

Only if I won the lotto. :cool:

[Panda]

Hey, don't get me wrong, I too feel the same way however, I now look at several things. I look at everything as a whole. I look at allied agencies down the street (less than 5 minutes from my house) starting at $70,000 a year with all benefits paid (Medical, Dental, etc...). I look at equipment, I bought my own level 3 vest, digital recorder, and even a drawing program to complete my drawings faster (Easy Street), not to mention uniforms. The list goes on and on, and again I knew when I signed on several years ago the differences between an allied agency and the CHP. I've talked to friends and coworkers that have left and some have mixed reviews, but I look at the Department now. Little or no forward thinking frustrates me. Some of our equipment is seriously outdated and in need of improvement. Decisions improving morale could and should be taken into consideration but aren't. The only answer out there seems to be well that's the CHP way. It's a buyer's market right now. And several allied agencies are offering $10,000 signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, flex hours, etc... Especially with Officers living in higher cost of living areas it's hard to provide for your family and I just have one child. I'm not all about the money, but unless there are some serious improvements in equipment, morale, and the way we do business in general I see no choice but to provide my services somewhere else.

[Officer_Grady]

I thought about leaving ten plus years ago. I wanted to test my background to see if the department (area management) would try to screw with my background. Obviously, I never made the move. I believe the separations have doubled if not tripled within the last ten years. Once, you would hear one officer leaving the department, now, it's five at a time. If you want to leave, do what you think is best. I don't need someone half into this get hurt of killed on this job. I think we have alot of half heart people who have one foot out looking for something else. This isn't pointed at you Panda, just sounding off.

[G-Man]

Hey, don't get me wrong, I too feel the same way however, I now look at several things. I look at everything as a whole. I look at allied agencies down the street (less than 5 minutes from my house) starting at $70,000 a year with all benefits paid (Medical, Dental, etc...). I look at equipment, I bought my own level 3 vest, digital recorder, and even a drawing program to complete my drawings faster (Easy Street), not to mention uniforms. The list goes on and on, and again I knew when I signed on several years ago the differences between an allied agency and the CHP. I've talked to friends and coworkers that have left and some have mixed reviews, but I look at the Department now. Little or no forward thinking frustrates me. Some of our equipment is seriously outdated and in need of improvement. Decisions improving morale could and should be taken into consideration but aren't. The only answer out there seems to be well that's the CHP way. It's a buyer's market right now. And several allied agencies are offering $10,000 signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, flex hours, etc... Especially with Officers living in higher cost of living areas it's hard to provide for your family and I just have one child. I'm not all about the money, but unless there are some serious improvements in equipment, morale, and the way we do business in general I see no choice but to provide my services somewhere else.

you may get paid more at an allied agency, but you have to look into what they take out of your checks too. for example lets use LAPD. they start out getting paid more than we do, but they have to pay toward their entire retirement, they also have to pay for all of their benefits and their union dues are higher. After all is said and done, we are coming out equal, if not higher paid. training, i personally think we recieve the best Law enforcement training hands down (i am also a liitle bit biased, but I have heard it from allied folks too).

to answer the original question, no, even in my very liitle time on I have now i realize I have the best job in the world and work for the greatest agency in the country (granted, I try not to get involved in the salty dawg banter and "it'd be better if" talk).

[Chipper]

Hey, don't get me wrong, I too feel the same way however, I now look at several things. I look at everything as a whole. I look at allied agencies down the street (less than 5 minutes from my house) starting at $70,000 a year with all benefits paid (Medical, Dental, etc...). I look at equipment, I bought my own level 3 vest, digital recorder, and even a drawing program to complete my drawings faster (Easy Street), not to mention uniforms. The list goes on and on, and again I knew when I signed on several years ago the differences between an allied agency and the CHP. I've talked to friends and coworkers that have left and some have mixed reviews, but I look at the Department now. Little or no forward thinking frustrates me. Some of our equipment is seriously outdated and in need of improvement. Decisions improving morale could and should be taken into consideration but aren't. The only answer out there seems to be well that's the CHP way. It's a buyer's market right now. And several allied agencies are offering $10,000 signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, flex hours, etc... Especially with Officers living in higher cost of living areas it's hard to provide for your family and I just have one child. I'm not all about the money, but unless there are some serious improvements in equipment, morale, and the way we do business in general I see no choice but to provide my services somewhere else.

In my opinion, you either enjoy what you do, or you don't. I didn't take this job because of the pay and benys. I took it because I love writing tickets, arresting drunks, and don't mind taking crashes. If you go to another agency that isn't what you will be doing (unless you join another HP or State police.) There aren't any other agencies in the state that do solely what we do. The grass isn't always greener. Yeah, we may have 5 people leaving at a time, but we are over 7000 strong. And, how many people end up crawling back? I know when I was in the academy, there were two there at that time that came back. Just my $.02

[23109]

Not a chance.

Also...I think this is the wrong forum section to be discussing this in~

[Panda]

Hey, I love this job too and I haven't even seriously considered leaving, just wanted to get an opinion out there. It would be the hardest thing for me to do is leave the CHP and go to another agency, but I think management needs and can do a better job of improving our overall work environment and morale without all of the b.s.! I served over 8 years in the military and while you didn't get paid a lot, morale was a huge factor! Just my take.

[Fish'nChip]

Things have changed a lot but I think the loyalty factor is completely gone. The younger generation (I'm not that old by the way - only 10yrs on) wants the $$$$ and bennies and they want them NOW! It is very apparent by the types of applicants we are getting.

The thing is we are not the only one having the problem. Big business has the same issues. There are people that have the huevos to walk up to their boss and ask for a raise and the reason: I'm always on time and I've been working here for 6 mos. WHATEVER!

Society is different and we are part of it. I guess I would expect some of us to jump ship. Overall, I like this Department. I may not be happy with each little element but I do have a lot of loyalty to my co-workers and the Department as a whole. There is a lot of flexiblity (if you want to challenge yourself) and it's a decent living.

I am making an assumption here but my guess is that out of most of the people leaving the Dept. they probably have 2-3 years on, work in a metro or high cost of living area and they have an 45 min+ commute, stuck on B-Shift and don't have the numbers to get where they really want to be. Sorry...but you can't get to Chico or Auburn with 3 years on and I don't remember seeing that promise in any literature when I signed up for this job.

You have to look at the BIG picture.

FnC:cool:

[ka4993]

Things have changed a lot but I think the loyalty factor is completely gone. The younger generation (I'm not that old by the way - only 10yrs on) wants the $$$$ and bennies and they want them NOW! It is very apparent by the types of applicants we are getting.

I disagree (to a point). The problem is the CHP used to be the highest paid, the best benefits, best retirement, etc. That is not the case anymore. We are merely competitive in the job market these days. I'm going to hang on tight and reap the benefits of the department being forced to change. :biggrin:

P.S. The CHP is a great place to work. I wish we did a little more general law enforcement but in the long run I think I'm going to be thankful that we don?t.;)

Fish'nChip are you an Officer for us?

[HD1]

Not a chance.

Also...I think this is the wrong forum section to be discussing this in~


Love this job and is what I signed up for...Coffee, crashes, Coffee, tickets, Coffee, Dueces, Coffee, Debrief and start all over again:lol:


Also maybe DW can move this thred over to Chippies only:confused::

[Mac]

Anyone out there seriously condsidering leaving the Department for an Allied Agency?
Nope. Never have, never will.

Of course there are things I'd like to see changed (that's human nature), but IMO we've got the best gig going. I got a taste of "the other side" for a couple of years before joining the 'Patrol, and it was enough to make me realize that I couldn't see doing it for 30 years. No disrespect intended to any allied agency - just my personal preference. It'd be a pretty boring world if we all liked the exact same things.

[cal911gal]

This is a very interesting thread, and I hope that you don't move it over to Chippies only. I see nothing confidential in here; I also think that while we are all trying our best to recruit like crazy, it's only right that potential applicants (sworn and non-sworn alike) have a better idea of the true picture.

As most of you are aware, I'm not an officer, but I do share a lot of the same thoughts or feelings posted here so far. I came to the CHP from another agency back in 89. My reasons were twofold: 1. I hated where I was - dealing with violent crimes day in and day out was eating away at me, so I needed a change...and 2. I wanted to be better compensated for what I did. At that time, I left a "top step" position to come to CHP at bottom step pay, and I got a $700 a month pay increase with better benefits. Within 6 months, that was gone. The SO I came from got a reclassification and raise, and were $1000 a month more than I was then making with the CHP. Was I frustrated and angry - yes. Did I contemplate going back to the SO? Never.

While with the SO, I was the victim of a violent crime twice. Neither time, despite obvious trauma and visible injuries, did anyone ever ask if I was ok, or if I needed any type of assistance. My ex was stalking me, and would wait in the parking lot for me to leave....I reported it. Did they ever send out a Deputy to contact him, investigate, etc? No. I was told it was my problem.

Switch to CHP. Exactly 6 weeks from the day I was hired, my father died. The kindness and support I got, from Commissioner Hannigan all the way down to the dispatchers working with me, was something I will never forget and can probably never pay forward. CHP emphasizes "we are a family" to all ranks and in all forms of training. Most blow this off with a "whatever" - to me, it's a reality. When the chips are down (no pun intended), this department is there for you.

Granted, there are problems in the system. There are some badly broken spokes in the wheel. We, as a departmental whole, have fallen way behind in pay (a lot) and benefits (to some degree). Officer safety concerns abound....you guys and gals have concerns over a variety of things, most of which I won't discuss here for obvious reasons. But I hear and see them....those concerns with officer safety issues are valid. But by the same token.... I remember when the Dept. was going with the SW4006 the first time. The gripes were many; all I ever heard then was how people wanted Glocks. But Glocks jam and misfire...any gun theoretically could. So which is worse?

I'm just saying.

I agree, there is better equipment out there that you should be able to get, without shelling out your own money...at least most of the time. Personal protection gear is a must, but the Department also needs to tackle big issues too. Like splitting a radio that no one can speak on because it is TOTALLY overwhelmed (my own personal soapbox here.) Yes they need to revamp the infrastructure, but that's a long term solution. They need to fix things like bad or overwhelmed radios NOW.

To answer the original question: I did quit. But I came back. I left at the 10 year mark to go work for the worlds largest computer software company. I was burnt out at work, tired of feeling like the Department had forgotten us all, tired of increasing workload and decreasing pay, etc etc etc. I was lured by the thought of LOTS of money, no more crazies on the phone, no more hearing about how carloads of kids got killed, etc. You know what? I hated the dog eat dog world I stepped into. There was no teamwork, no sense of family, no loyalty. I made great money (quadruple what I made with CHP) and there was no joy in it at all. I quit after 6 months.

After realizing that the public sector was not what I wanted, I chose willingly to come back to the CHP. I could have applied to ANY agency in the state to make twice to three times CHP pay...with my experience and the stuff on my resume, a clean background, etc. I could have had literally any dispatching job I wanted. But I applied with no one. Why? Because I felt a degree of loyalty to this agency, and I missed my CHP family. Color me stupid. Some things were more important than money.

This Department has it's issues. But there have been improvements over the last few years. Officers are gaining ground on getting pay parity....dispatchers are fighting hard to get there. Heck, look at Fish n Game. Those poor people make less than I do, they patrol alone, and oftentimes their nearest back up is over an hour away. Usually the only ones they can rely on to back them up are CHP officers! Those folks truly need some pay parity...but that's another issue.

I see issues with the Gen Y and Z'ers coming through the ranks. I keep getting people hired who are "all about me". They want to give nothing but take everything. Supervising people is different now than it used to be. It's rather like being a babysitter and a parent....However, I've had to learn that I can't fix what their parents broke. All I can do is try to keep the program running....

I know a couple officers who are in the process of going to another agency. I think it's a mistake, yet I wish them all the best. To one, its only about the money. For the other, he enjoys the street fighting, crime sleuthing aspects of it, and I think will find PD work more rewarding.

If this job is your passion, look past the issues that you can't fix. Decide if your heart is in your job, or if it's just a job to you. If you feel the CHP is your extended family, if there is a fire or passion for what you do, then continue to do it. Take pride in yourself and be the best you can........ if you are truly so discouraged that you can no longer see the forest for the trees, then maybe a change in venue is what you need.

I don't bleed blue and gold, far from it. Working for this department, in horrid chairs with non-ergonomic furniture, has caused me lifelong injuries I'll never heal from. I see the flaws, and I'll bitch along with the rest of you once in a while. But I also take comfort from the fact that if I am willing to apply myself, I can be proactive and work on proposals for solutions. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. This department allows me the opportunity to grow in so many ways; I can transfer anywhere in the State I want to be. I can move up, I can move sideways to another State agency. I love what I am doing, I feel loyalty and love for my folks.

I'm here til I retire.

10-98

[NorCalN00b]

I feel if the CHP expanded its department, then you would track alot of people who would want to join. For example, the CHP could create an inspector's bureau for investigating murder crimes, etc... And the CHP could expand its SWAT team statewide. This probably won't happen because you have libtard politicians who don't give a sh*t about its public safety employees. Sadly, libtard politicians are running the show and they think it's a waste of money to fund stuff for law enforcement.

Like right now, you don't hear about politicians coming out and giving support to law enforcement. The only time they come out is when an officer is killed in the line-of-duty. When an officer is killed in the line-of-duty, they'll come out and pretend to be sorry and supportive by saying "Officer *insert name here* died serving and protecting all of us. He gave his or her life for the people and I express my deepest condolences to the officer's family". Blah, blah, typical bullshit from politicians. They sit behind a desk collect a six-figure income and do nothing productive. They'll come crawling out of their rocks when something happens. Bunch of attention whores.

That's why I have the deepest and utter most respect for all police officers, they're my true heros.

And bleeding-heart liberals make me sick. Whenever an officer has to fire his or her weapon for self-defense or to protect the live(s) of another person, you'll have libtard groups (such as the ACLU) come out and say the officer was using excessive force and should be fired. No matter how justified the shooting is, they'll always say "EXCESSIVE FORCE! FIRE THE OFFICER AND SEND HIM OR HER TO JAIL!".

Typical liberal bullshit here. Sorry, just had to let off a little steam. I love all police officers and I can never, ever thank them enough for putting their lives on the line to protect me. Thank you to all officers and dispatchers and stay safe. When the time comes, I hope to become one of you guys.

(I hope the mods don't ban me for this post)

[Tiredmotor]

The grass is ALWAYS greener.............

[MasTiempo]

Bravo, 911gal, bravo. You should write a book or a testimonial for CHP recruitment. I agree, dispatchers have it hard and they don't get the respect they should whether it be from people calling in or sometimes, the officers. I'm glad to have people like you on the job who, could be someplace better financially but chose to return/stay. You're the type of person I want to work with and I can promise you the same dedication from me.

[Chippysgt]

Panda,

You need to get that transfer request in and come to Merced where you will be the highest paid law enforcement officer in the county. Lots of places like that statewide. We all had to do our time in the high price, high crime, high traffic high cop pay areas and sometimes it grates a little but those guys are there for the duration and part of the attraction of the CHP is to work in places like Merced, Tule Lake, Death Valley, Julian, Williams etc. It takes a couple of years but the rewards are worth it.

I saw guys going to Consumer Affairs and DMV as investigators back in the 70s. No fast cars, no fast women, no graveyard shift, no drunks to book, what kind of a life is that???? :badgrin:

PD work is fine and I respect those guys but in my humble opinion the CHP is kind of like the Air Force commercial, Nobody Else Even Comes Close............................whoops, down boy, all you Marines heel

:cool:

[makakona]

while norcal's post makes me want to vomit all over this pretty laptop, i wanted to comment to chippysgt... my dad, a former marine, always harped on me to ONLY go air force if i went military. he said he had a rough go in viet nam while the af guys were in air-conditioned condos on the hill. :smile:

[Chippysgt]

I know you are talking in generalities as was your Dad. The AF pilots living in the Hanoi Hilton did not have very good air conditioning. Tell your Dad, Welcome Home from an Air Force vet who kept those B-52s full of gas while they bombed the Ho Chi Mein Trail. I like his advice, going in the Marines in the mid 60s was a serious sign of being Dinky Dow.................:cool:

But it also took a lot of courage.
Semper Fi

[makakona]

now that i think about it, that part may have been while he was in okinawa... i can't imagine there were pleasant accomodations elsewhere.

for a poor michigander farmboy, it wasn't a bad gig. he enlisted to avoid the draft... his number had actually already come up and he somehow slipped by to enlist. i think he's said he was able to pick and choose a miniscule amount as opposed to being put where needed. it's interesting, though, that time in his life. it's had a hand in so many facets of his current life that it's just amazing to think it all began with that choice.

your post made me tear up a bit. thank you for our service to our fantastic country. guess i'm feeling a bit patriotic tonight. :smile:

[NorCalN00b]

while norcal's post makes me want to vomit all over this pretty laptop
Why? Can't handle the truth about politicians? I apologize if my post offends you and I'll be more than happy to remove it for you.

[NorCalN00b]

I feel if the CHP expanded its department, then you would track alot of people who would want to join. For example, the CHP could create an inspector's bureau for investigating murder crimes, etc... And the CHP could expand its SWAT team statewide. This probably won't happen because you have libtard politicians who don't give a sh*t about its public safety employees. Sadly, libtard politicians are running the show and they think it's a waste of money to fund stuff for law enforcement.

Like right now, you don't hear about politicians coming out and giving support to law enforcement. The only time they come out is when an officer is killed in the line-of-duty. When an officer is killed in the line-of-duty, they'll come out and pretend to be sorry and supportive by saying "Officer *insert name here* died serving and protecting all of us. He gave his or her life for the people and I express my deepest condolences to the officer's family". Blah, blah, typical bullshit from politicians. They sit behind a desk collect a six-figure income and do nothing productive. They'll come crawling out of their rocks when something happens. Bunch of attention whores.

Don't delete it...the second paragraph is SPOT ON. The first, however, I must disagree with...The last thing that this Department needs to do is to take on more responsibilities. The Department needs to focus on the road and getting staffing up for the road...not airops, not swat, not catic, not cops, not BIA, not - insert superfulous job here-, are those other things important? Yes.....but AFTER the road is taken care of. If we continue to take more responsibility, the road will suffer more than it already is...and the public are the real "true" losers in this equation.
Tired-

I really love your avatar, please check your PM! Thanks.

*Back on topic*

[Mary-1]

I feel if the CHP expanded its department, then you would track alot of people who would want to join. For example, the CHP could create an inspector's bureau for investigating murder crimes, etc... And the CHP could expand its SWAT team statewide. This probably won't happen because you have libtard politicians who don't give a sh*t about its public safety employees. Sadly, libtard politicians are running the show and they think it's a waste of money to fund stuff for law enforcement.

Like right now, you don't hear about politicians coming out and giving support to law enforcement. The only time they come out is when an officer is killed in the line-of-duty. When an officer is killed in the line-of-duty, they'll come out and pretend to be sorry and supportive by saying "Officer *insert name here* died serving and protecting all of us. He gave his or her life for the people and I express my deepest condolences to the officer's family". Blah, blah, typical bullshit from politicians. They sit behind a desk collect a six-figure income and do nothing productive. They'll come crawling out of their rocks when something happens. Bunch of attention whores.

Don't delete it...the second paragraph is SPOT ON. The first, however, I must disagree with...The last thing that this Department needs to do is to take on more responsibilities. The Department needs to focus on the road and getting staffing up for the road...not airops, not swat, not catic, not cops, not BIA, not - insert superfulous job here-, are those other things important? Yes.....but AFTER the road is taken care of. If we continue to take more responsibility, the road will suffer more than it already is...and the public are the real "true" losers in this equation.

Could not agree more. The road officers are the bread and butter for the dept. They are who the public comes in contact with, who they formulate their opinions about the patrol. But the road officers are also who the dept. short changes whenever they have a "special project" to take care of. As long as we have someone in the Chipper costume, I guess everything else is second.

[ka4993]

NorCalN00b I thought this was a family forum? :confused:

[Tiredmotor]

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/3674/wheelieeditrs6.jpg

By popular demand!!!!

[Tiredmotor]

Kinda looks like the guy on the left?

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8127/chpwheelieqo0.jpg

[Mac]

Much better form in the second photo - weight back, NICE loft, legs away from the bike like a trials rider....very good form! :smile:

[Mac]

Much better form in the second photo - weight back, NICE loft, legs away from the bike like a trials rider....very nicely done! :smile:

[NorCalN00b]

Tiredmotor-

ROFL! What would the people at CHP command say if they saw these pics??
;) :lol:

[Slattery]

Gee you blokes get it good. Here at my traffic branch we have 9 members and only 2 vehicles. (not personal issue). I am on A$57,000 a year and dont get any dental or medical etc I pay my own private health insurance (which costs a fortune), about the only discount we get is half price maccas, lol.

-Melbourne, Australia.

[Flying Pig]

Live the dream....be a Deputy.

[RoadDawg]

Live the dream....be a Deputy.

For the Fresno County Sheriffs Dept?? :lol: Are you guys still working all that mandatory overtime? I only know of one Chippy going to the SO, and he's trying to be the new boss (Sheriff). I wouldnt say he's jumping ship though, just looking for something after (CHP) retirement. Just kiddin' you a little FP, you guys have got my back many times and I appreciate it. However, I personally would never leave the patrol for any other agency, especially in the Central Valley. This job is what I want to do, we (CHP) get to be the good guys once in a while...

You need to look at the CHP like an established, proven mutual fund, it goes up and down, but in the long run it will pay off nicely. If you bail out early, you will have lost out in the end. I have had senior officers from LAPD to small agencies in the Central Valley tell me they made a mistake by not joining the highway patrol when they were younger. To each their own, but I dont think things are so bad right now people should be bailing ship, I bet we will hear about a lot of regrets in the years to come.

[Slim]

When I speak with FSO Deps on the street, they talk very negative about their department, similiar about how RoadDawg and I used to prior to our new Commander. I certainly hope FSO gets Cal Minor as their new Sherrif. I've seen how fast moral can go up when you have a supervisor who is a leader and wants you to do your job i.e. smile at the public, enforce with discretion and kick ass only when neccesary.

[alanechange]

I did, almost 3 years now, and there's a couple more ex-chippies in our department now. well, what can i say, where shall i start. first, it was sad leaving FRIENDS behind, starting over, proving yourself type stuff but i really got tired of writing tickets, chasing cars, taking crashes and arresting drunks, it was very limited to me, and that was and still is the bread and butter of the chp. Pay is much better, no ticket quotas, no monthly form stats to add for quotas, i forgot the form, 118 or 120 form for monthly activity tallys. ours is all computerized from the calls you get dispatched to. you dont have to make up stuff on your daily activity, 5minutes here and there, plus 20 minutes here plus 1 hr investigations....that stuff. you go in service and out of service, you show up to back up your partners, we are a small dept. compared to chp, so we are more personal with each other, also almost every one shows up to a call, occasionally the lt. shows up first. i never saw a chp lt out on the field in my almost 10 yrs with chp. theres also the joking around and teasing, but the very good thing is hardly no one ever gets in trouble for sexual harrassment stuff and other eeo issues. management is certainly more people person type. we're big on community service, community activities, going to local hi-schools, walking beat with the local merchants....the negatives...well i still need to arrest people, most of them i know and have dealt with in the pass from prior calls. same issues for court appearances, traffic, 415, 273's.etc. barking dogs, loud music, children skipping school...etc...i do feel sad every now and then and laugh when i see a chp unit at a crash scene, it makes me reminisce of what i use to do, oh we get paid twice a month (avg.) and i dont mean to brag but, yes i make an avg of 22,000 more a year compare to the top step chp traffic officer, thats with minimal court, unti my sgt tells me "you really need to show up once in awhile so the honorable judge wont get pissed off, ok". we have our own swat, k9,csi, violent crimes unit/gang task.....oh yes the 12 hr shift also. that gets tiring, but our administration knew that the officeres were never expected to patrol for 12 hrs. we have a new work out faciltiy buitl by the city where we can work out during shift, yes it is allowed, no one will turn you in, you get a pass card that validates your time in and out, the whole shift just cannot be there all at the same time. we dolnt have a lot of whinners in our dept but we have a few sour apples, if you know what i mean. well for anyone with any q's, ask away, i just cannot mention the dept or city i work for. thank you.

[alanechange]

i just want to add to the chp officers that are seriously thinking of lateral postions, to do a lot of research into the city, do ride alongs. when i first got hired, you know where they stuck me for almost a year..........yep TRAFFIC!!!!! i was the TRAFFIC GURU, the VEHICLE CODE expert! but 10 months of that and officers still call me on my cell on a stop to find out what section...we're not really big on tickets. our collision reports arte almost like pre-flighted on a form and you just check the boxes and make your own notes. nothing fancy, but for fatals its different.

[Flying Pig]

We have.....I believe 2-3 ex-chippies. I like the department a lot. Sure it has its issues just like any other place. Our pay is a little on the low side, but I lateralled here from So Cal. I think I made on patrol down there what a top step Sgt makes here! But there is a HUGE variety of assignments which I like. What I like most though is Helicopters and Airplanes! This department is defintiely at a crossroads right now with the elections.....Were at a T- intersection and are either going to make a hard left or a hard right! Hang on!

[5-0]

i have several friends that left the patrol to join local agencies, abc, doj,fbi, its not as bad as people say it is. it all depends on what you want to do. 2 of my ex-chp friends are now investigators for the da's office. i don't think they would have swung that if they stayed investigating fatals,dui's and such. another one that went to doj is now an invest for the insur fraud (state) they investigate doctors and such. but they all say, starting over is the toughest and learning to not do things the way the chp trained them was hard to let go.

[chp36]

Most of the Officers I know that have either left the Department or talked about leaving claim they are bored with what we do and want more excitment in their day. If they think dealing with the neighbors barking dog is exciting, then let them go deal with it.

Truth of the matter is they came to the CHP to recieve the best training in the world, while in the academy and afterwards, not to mention getting paid while at the academy. A good number (not all) of the people jumping ship never intended on staying with the Department and just used it to recieve the training and get paid while doing it. In these cases, they should have paid to attend an academy at their local community college.

If you are thinking about leaving, you have to do what is best for you and yours. Just remember every department has it good and bad and that greener grass could turn brown overnight.

[83-500]

Santa Fe Springs area has lost 6 officers to Santa Ana PD in the last year. Westminster area has lost 7 to Santa Ana PD in the last year. Recruitment is at an all time low for the CHP. CHP needs to re-think policy on taking in laterals from other agencies. At least we'd be able to break even instead of always losing people. :biggrin:shock:ubt:

[Chippysgt]

Santa Fe Springs area has lost 6 officers to Santa Ana PD in the last year. Westminster area has lost 7 to Santa Ana PD in the last year. Recruitment is at an all time low for the CHP. CHP needs to re-think policy on taking in laterals from other agencies. At least we'd be able to break even instead of always losing people. :biggrin:shock:ubt:

Just wondering why all the officers are leaving the Springs. Although a major training area, it use to be a pretty good area due to the diversity of the beats and a few other factors. I was there in 1967 when the office opened and I think that 83-500 was the first beat I worked on graveyard shift. At that time it ran from Indiana Ave to Telegraph I think. I went back there as a sergeant in 84 and spent three years there and most of the time it was 83-500M due to the herendous traffic most of the day. I have lots of stories about the Springs~:cool:

I agree that the CHP should have some type of lateral transfer program for the reason you stated especially with the tough time we have recruiting good folks.

[Tom]

Where is Santa Fe Springs? I know its down south there somewhere but....where...?

[Chippysgt]

Where is Santa Fe Springs? I know its down south there somewhere but....where...?

Santa Ana Freeway from LA City to Orange Co Line,
San Gabriel Freeway from Rt 60 to I 405
Pomona Freeway from 605 to San Bernardino County Line
Riverside Freeway (91), not sure about the boundries
Lots of unicorporated area around Whittier, Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, etc
A little stretch of the I 405 from 605 to the Orange Co. Line

I think that is most of it. It is right next door to Norwalk (where the CHP office used to be), Pico Rivera and Downey.

[Mac]

Riverside Freeway (91), not sure about the boundries.
Atlantic Ave. to LA/Orange County line (e/o Carmenita), IIRC.

[83-500]

Just wondering why all the officers are leaving the Springs. Although a major training area, it use to be a pretty good area due to the diversity of the beats and a few other factors. I was there in 1967 when the office opened and I think that 83-500 was the first beat I worked on graveyard shift. At that time it ran from Indiana Ave to Telegraph I think. I went back there as a sergeant in 84 and spent three years there and most of the time it was 83-500M due to the herendous traffic most of the day. I have lots of stories about the Springs~:cool:

I agree that the CHP should have some type of lateral transfer program for the reason you stated especially with the tough time we have recruiting good folks.

Yes, Springs was very diverse and a fun place to work... until they made Southern Division "county pure" and adjusted all the borderlines. That expanded the area of coverage, with the same Area guideline strength that they have had since you opened that office. We were promised more bodies when this happened back in 1991... we have yet to see our guideline for bodies raised. We've since had the I-105 open up, and our unincorporated areas have grown like you wouldn't believe. I don't need to tell you that Springs handles the most t/c's in the state. I will just never understand their "forumula" for divying out cadets. It makes no scense.

I guess I've just been stupid to believe that things will change for the better at Springs... 16 years now and I should know better. ;)

They need to throw us a bone and just give us our 12 hour shifts to raise morale.

BTW.. I'm sure you know my dad.. Darryl Evans.

[Officer_Grady]

500, did you work the Turkey House beat? Springs is a busy office, my cousins lived in the Avocado Grove community. I think my classmate is still there. I never did any time in Springs, Central and I was out. Be safe.

[14596]

so you took over Bob's beat? What ever happened to STAN or ROBBIE?

Yes, Springs was very diverse and a fun place to work... until they made Southern Division "county pure" and adjusted all the borderlines. That expanded the area of coverage, with the same Area guideline strength that they have had since you opened that office. We were promised more bodies when this happened back in 1991... we have yet to see our guideline for bodies raised. We've since had the I-105 open up, and our unincorporated areas have grown like you wouldn't believe. I don't need to tell you that Springs handles the most t/c's in the state. I will just never understand their "forumula" for divying out cadets. It makes no scense.

I guess I've just been stupid to believe that things will change for the better at Springs... 16 years now and I should know better. ;)

They need to throw us a bone and just give us our 12 hour shifts to raise morale.

BTW.. I'm sure you know my dad.. Darryl Evans.[/quote]

[Chippysgt]

"BTW.. I'm sure you know my dad.. Darryl Evans."

You better believe I know your dad. He was one of my favorite guys. Monson and I went over your house after your dad had his wreck on his motor in 86 or so to visit with him and cheer him up. You have been there a long time. I am sure you know Mel Ogburn, Marcia Lemmon, Ben Sotelo, Dave Romero (RIP) and so many more. Lecia Elzig was a rookie when I was there and she is a captain now in Bakersfield I think. Of course everyone down there knows Bruce West. We had a pretty good crew of salty troops when I was there and that made it fun. Your dad was one of the best. How is he doing? Make sure you let him know Sgt. Brian asked for him. Steve Beeswert (sp) and Alvin Yamaguchi were rookies and were partners on graves and they did some serious hooking and booking. Steve is a captain or asst chief now and I think Al rides motors in Capistrano or something.

Shortages of personnel are wide spread and especially bad in LA. I transferred to Merced in 87 and there were about 35 working the road and today there are about the same working the road except now they have a huge new office that opened up 12 years ago and no people to fill all the space they have.

[Supdog]

Hey, don't get me wrong, I too feel the same way however, I now look at several things. I look at everything as a whole. I look at allied agencies down the street (less than 5 minutes from my house) starting at $70,000 a year with all benefits paid (Medical, Dental, etc...). I look at equipment, I bought my own level 3 vest, digital recorder, and even a drawing program to complete my drawings faster (Easy Street), not to mention uniforms. The list goes on and on, and again I knew when I signed on several years ago the differences between an allied agency and the CHP. I've talked to friends and coworkers that have left and some have mixed reviews, but I look at the Department now. Little or no forward thinking frustrates me. Some of our equipment is seriously outdated and in need of improvement. Decisions improving morale could and should be taken into consideration but aren't. The only answer out there seems to be well that's the CHP way. It's a buyer's market right now. And several allied agencies are offering $10,000 signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, flex hours, etc... Especially with Officers living in higher cost of living areas it's hard to provide for your family and I just have one child. I'm not all about the money, but unless there are some serious improvements in equipment, morale, and the way we do business in general I see no choice but to provide my services somewhere else.

I agree and couldn't have said it better my self, after 5 yr's on I'm done here...:cry: Before coming on, I was told this was the best agency in the world...:rolleyes:

[Supdog]

Hey, I love this job too and I haven't even seriously considered leaving, just wanted to get an opinion out there. It would be the hardest thing for me to do is leave the CHP and go to another agency, but I think management needs and can do a better job of improving our overall work environment and morale without all of the b.s.! I served over 8 years in the military and while you didn't get paid a lot, morale was a huge factor! Just my take.

Home run! So true brother

[Flying Pig]

Being a lateral myself, Although I didnt lateral from the CHP maybe I can offer some insight.....People lateral for many reasons. Some have made a bad name for themsleves and need a fresh start, others have been pidgeon holed into an assignment they cant get out of. Some leave for career advancement, others just want a change of scenery. Then there are the financial opportunities. Like one post said, Depts are offering $5k and $10k bonuses for joining for laterals. My old department offers $5000 for any officer who moves into the city limits, even if you are already working there. Ive seen departments who offer down payments on houses, and one who offers to pay your closing costs on a house in the city. I have been on a recruiting team in the past, and find that with most academy classes, they tend to migrate to who pays thhe most regardless of the reputation of the Dept, etc.

I am surprised though at how many laterals I have talked to who seem to have made the change for other then financial reasons. Opportunities and morale seem to be on the top.

I would suggest that before anyone laterals you seriously do an evaluation of your reasons. And then see if those reasons apply to the agency your looking at. Talking with the Association of the Dept you are looking at may give you some good info on their benefits and issues within the dept. You may be surprised to see how many depts suffer from the same issues. Ive met a lot of people who have lateraled only to find their new dept isnt what it was portrayed to be. Talk with others that have lateraled to that agency and see how they are treated as laterals. Does any vacation and sick time carry over, seniority? Believe it or not, some depts will allow you to carry your hire date from your last agency, usually for shift sign ups, etc. Do you have to complete an entire 6 month FTO program or do they have a lateral FTO? Riverside PD for example, on their web site has a section specifically for laterals where they will have a lateral contact you in person. And then there are some depts who dont care who you are or what you have done in the past...your a boot like everyone else. Some depts can be hostile toward lats and have the "forget evwerything youve been doing" philospohy. I can say, having been a Sheriff Dep working a LARGE beat, if you plan on going from the CHP to a city dept, expect to need counseling to overcome you feeling of being fenced in!

When it comes down to it, peoples decisions to move on are some of the biggest they will make in their career. If you ask me, its bigger and scarier then making the decision to get into police work initially. And its a personal decision nobody else can make for you. If leaving has to do with internal agency issues, unless your asked sincerely about why you are going, dont leave having any final battles. Just nod and smile and say thank you a lot! Venting wont get you anywhere as your walking out the door. It wont matter and Police work is a SMALL world.

[Mac]

Great post, Flying Pig - a lot of good advice in there. A lot of people have lateraled only to discover that the grass on the other side wasn't as green as it originally looked.....and on the other side of the coin, a lot of people have been perfectly happy with their decision. It definitely requires a lot of thought, because it can be a lot harder to "undo" if things don't work out.

[Processing]

I know a few officers that work for the department who have either already left for other agencies, or are currently in the process. I also know of a couple more officers who are about to turn in apps to get started in the testing process with other agencies. They all stated the same reasons? they are sick of some of the politics. They knew what they were signing up for, and they do the job extremely well. NONE OF THEM HAD ANYTHING TRULY NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT? they just realized it wasn?t the perfect fit for them. I guess it got old for them to constantly hear about their DUI hooks being low for the month, or not writing many tickets, despite the fact that they had five times the number of felony hooks than any other officers. Apparently, it wasn?t looked highly upon that they focused on drugs, felony wants/warrants, armed robbery, grand theft, etc. No matter how many other major crimes they were involved in hooking, they always got ragged on in the end. I imagine it gets a little dis-heartening to always hear that you aren?t getting enough deuces when you know your doing a lot of work to stop criminals for other things also!!!. And so, it was finally enough to say they are out. They all agree that there will be things that aren?t great with all agencies, they just hope that the others fit them better.

[Welpe]

Great post, Flying Pig - a lot of good advice in there. A lot of people have lateraled only to discover that the grass on the other side wasn't as green as it originally looked.....and on the other side of the coin, a lot of people have been perfectly happy with their decision. It definitely requires a lot of thought, because it can be a lot harder to "undo" if things don't work out.

This is purely speculation on my end but it seems if an officer moves around too much they could end up getting "branded" and as a result may find that there won't be as many agencies who would want to have him or her working for them.

[SB 405]

Great post, Flying Pig - a lot of good advice in there. A lot of people have lateraled only to discover that the grass on the other side wasn't as green as it originally looked.....and on the other side of the coin, a lot of people have been perfectly happy with their decision. It definitely requires a lot of thought, because it can be a lot harder to "undo" if things don't work out.

This is purely speculation on my end but it seems if an officer moves around too much they could end up getting "branded" and as a result may find that there won't be as many agencies who would want to have him or her working for them.

I was thinking the same. Also,couldn't moving around hinder ones chance for promotion?

[SweetTaterPie]

Where one works as a police officer has nothing at all to do with the impact one can make in their area of endeavour. It's a little bit false to say that the CHP offers nothing more than hooking DUIs, writing tickets, and working crashes. If those three areas are your thing, then you'll certainly never be chastised for pursuing them. But there are many more opportunities available to the road guy, from auto theft and air ops, to homeland security and computer crimes. The Department is much more diverse in its law enforcement duties than eighteen years ago, when I first donned the tans. I am not a rah, rah person for the patrol; not one Chippie I work with would say so. However, I find it just a little disingenuous that some of us have gone to other departments because they didn't find fulfillment with the CHP. Just exactly what did they believe they were in for, working for the CHP? I recall being very familiar with the Department's basic goals, its mission, before I ever touched foot on Academy soil. I compare it to the guys in any Area who bitch and moan about working one or two graves shifts a year. What's their problem, did they believe that a little seniority suddenly changed the job description? I signed on to work for the CHP and to do my part to achieve the goals the Department is tasked with. Belly-aching about the negative aspects of a CHP road-dog's working life should be reserved for those who ARE working it, not for the bail-outs, no matter the reason. Nothing personal toward those who've moved elsewhere, just a heartfelt loyalty to the Department that feeds my family, cares for their ailments, and offers a pretty decent retirement.

[Mac]

...I know a few officers that work for the department who have either already left for other agencies, or are currently in the process. I also know of a couple more officers who are about to turn in apps to get started in the testing process with other agencies. They all stated the same reasons? they are sick of some of the politics...
LOL....if they think the politics are a problem on the CHP, wait until they go to work for a smaller dept. and discover "small town politics"! Cross the wrong person or clique and there's NOWHERE to hide. You can't transfer somewhere else, you've just gotta ride it out.

The political aspect is a prime example of the "grass is greener" syndrome - no matter WHAT department you work for, you're going to have incompetent "golden boys" climbing the ladder, power cliques to deal with and other related issues. No department is immune, and no department is perfect. If somebody doesn't like the job because it's primarily traffic enforcement and they want to go do "general" law enforcement stuff, cool.....there are plenty of agencies where you can do that to your heart's content - but anybody who leaves ANY department because they don't want to deal with "politics" is barking up the wrong tree. It's everywhere, and not just in law enforcement either.

...Nothing personal toward those who've moved elsewhere, just a heartfelt loyalty to the Department that feeds my family, cares for their ailments, and offers a pretty decent retirement.
My sentiments exactly. I've had it a lot worse at other jobs. We all gripe, but when you look at the big picture it ain't bad at all.

[Bosco]

I could make a whole lot less money working a whole lot harder! I have no problem with people leaving the department. I seriously considered it myself for a while, mainly for those political reasons. I came to the conclusion that I liked what I did for a living, and I would be leaving for the wrong reasons. After talking to some in other departments, they were experiencing the same issues. Additionally, looking at the overall picture, the CHP is pretty competitive pay/benefits wise with most large departments. And the CHP absoluetly KILLS everyone else with leave time. I decided the CHP is my department.

Another thing that I think plays a part is time on. I noticed the guys with some time on were pretty anti-department for a while, myself included. After a few more years (and maybe looking elsewhere for a job), they decide they are staying. At some point, a person has to realize that there is no perfect work environment....yes, yes, even in law enforcement. Shocking, I know. Once a person realizes they aren't self employed, things get more simple.

[Welpe]

[quote=Processing]It's everywhere, and not just in law enforcement either.

No doubt about it. One of my jobs in particular (non-LE related), every time a new supervisor comes on they bring with them grand visions of "turning around", never mind what it is, it could be anything they don't like within the organization. We've noticed this recently with a couple of new supervisors and their "new broom" syndrome is already killing morale.

From what I've seen of the corporate world it can be even worse. On the flipside I've been exposed to very little politics with the department I'm working for now.

One thing I have noticed though, and this is only from my personal observations, but some of my co-workers that complain the most also don't have the strongest work ethic. Not sure what the correlation might be, if any but it is an interesting thing to note.

My personal attitude is usually FIDO....forget it, drive on!

[Processing]

I hear all of you. Like I said, they knew what they were getting into when they signed on, they just didn?t think that there would be such a negative response when they expanded their focus on crimes outside of the departments main focus. They continue to work in line with the departments goals? they simply like to expand on the usual. Most of the guys I was talking about have incredible work ethic, and love the line of work they are in. They all work graves by choice because that?s where they get to expand their focus the most. They chose some of the worst areas to work for the same reasons. They haven?t bitched or whined about the department as a whole? they respect the department, their coworkers, and the incredible training. They just realize that a move might better fit their personal goals.

It has to be understood that some people will feel this way. It?s not because they are lousy workers, or because they feel that they deserve something that others don?t. Some people simply feel that their skills and knowledge may be better applied elsewhere. It also isn?t always about the salary, retirement, time off, etc. In truth, the department they are going for has comparable or better benefits. They are still PERS so their retirement is the same, they increased their base salary and they get a 3/12 schedule. But for them, it wasn?t so much the money as it was their happiness. To each his own. They understand that, which is why they respect their fellow officers, and this department. They know that another department will have its problems too. However, maybe those problems will be ones that they are willing to deal with, or don?t negatively impact them so much. They simply are ready to move on to something different.

[Flying Pig]

Welpe......by no means was I suggesting someone lateral every few years. Your right, you start bouncing around, people are going to raise an eyebrow at you. I worked with a guy who had been a cop for 6 years and was on his fourth Dept.....Yeah....somebody has some commitment issues. Then again, They could all be lagit reasons. Hes now a Sgt with his 4th agency. I guess it worked for him.

[AyatollahGondola]

You know I'm way out of my league here, but I recently heard that some municipalities that have structured their charters for cityhood in a certain fashion are able to skate away from some of thier responsiblities in regards to benefits owed to employees like law enforcement. This would make the state a lot more reliable in the long run, right?
I only knew one CHP that laterally moved along as you say, and he went to FBI, which is presumably more lucrative financially. however I would guess also more frustrating on another level. I mean, by the time something good gets to Washington it is usually corrupt or broken
What does allied agency mean?

[epona08599]

well, as a non-uniform, with the CHP for over 18 years, I gotta say I would kill (theoretically) to have your guys retirement !! I was briefly an officer, then a dispathcher, and now a commercial vehicle inspector. I am also "on the fence" as far as leaving the department, but it would be for an entirely different line of work (graphic design). with 3 positions at the academy, chances are not in my favor, and even though my knowledge of this department is extensive from several different views, I don't know if I would be happy there. on the other hand, going to the "private sector" is a little scary... the CHP has a structure and code that you can rely on. I have also seen officers seduced away by allied agencies, only to be ostricized and singled out once they were there. He was back in the fold in less than 1 year. Change can be a great learning experience when you go with your eyes open. And while working the road was not suited to me, it was by FAR, the best experience of my life. Agencies are like cars, some folks are died in the wool Chevy people, others Fords or imports. They all serve the same purpose, but offer different looks...the bottom line is, ya gotta go with what you LOVE, especially when your life is on the line...