Average age of cadets?

[snowdog]

Snowdog:

I stand corrected........ You are absolutely right that the decision was indeed made by SPB and NOT the CHP. That being said, I would still like to know the ratio of 20/21 year old cadets to say 30/35 year old cadets. If the state says that you are a viable candidate at 20 years old, then logic should tell you that there is a proportional percentage of 20 year olds in each class.

Only in a perfect world, and this is not it. You have to consider what age group is applying for the job. A majority of applicants are between the age of 22-28. Fresh out of college, suddenly realized it's time to grow up, just starting a family. 20-23 year olds are often still in college or getting ready to finish, not really thinking about the future and still bumming around, haven't realized the consequences that recent drug usage is going to have, poor poor credit due to bad choices and a plethora of other isues. 28-35 year olds are often applicants who suddenly realize their current career offers no job security, they've advanced as far as they ever will and no chance of promotion, it's their last chance to fulfill their lifelong dream of joining LE, the divorce is final and there's nobody holding them back, they need a job with a great retirement system. Every class will have a different age percentage but history will show that a majority are 23-28 because they have higher likelyhood of having demonstrated a stable history. I don't have any pie charts or graphs that demonstrate this, only my experience during my short tenure being involved in backgrounds and recruiting.

[eurostorm]

Hi folks,

I've just sent in my application in the past week or so for the Golden Gate Division testing cycle. I'm very excited and nervous about the entire process (it's been a lifelong dream for me). However one thing that I've been slightly concerned about since I began researching the application process for the CHP is my age. I'm currently 22 years old and will be graduating with my B.A. in CJ from a California State University in May of '07.

I realize that I will have a lot to prove to the recruiters in terms of my maturity, integrity and professionalism since most of the people applying will just simply be older, and will have more life experience. This is a challenge I've realized and am ready to take on.

I was wondering if there was anybody here that could give a broad estimation of the average ages of the "typical" cadets that are hired and sent to the academy. Are their any in their low 20s (22,23), or do they tend to be more around the mid/upper 20s? I really have no idea what the age demographics look like inside police academies.

I know that the way I present myself and and who I am as a person is more important than my numerical age, but I'm just looking to get a better idea of what I'm up against :biggrin:

Thanks everyone!

[cr125rider22]

Very good question.... I just took my written for inland divison on sat. very excited to start the process as well, I'm only 20 years old if that helps you. I ask my self all the time; "Is my age going to hurt me at QAP?", so if any one could give any insight at all it would be great!

[cadethopeful]

This is a Great question and if anyone has any statistics on this, I would love to know.
I am 20 years old and was recently DQed after completing my psych evaluation. The reason for my DQ was "inadequate maturity for the position sought".
Here is my take on this..........The state has to mandate minimum hiring requirements and 20 is the MINIMUM age for a CHP cadet. I really believe that the CHP thinks that 20 years old is too young to go through the academy and/or become an officer. Does this sound like a statement coming from someone who just got rejected? YES. But I really think this is the thinking of the powers that be!!
cr125rider22..........Good luck in the hiring process and I hope that you will prove me wrong!!!!!!!!!! Maybe I just have some more growing up to do!!

[Observer]

This is a Great question and if anyone has any statistics on this, I would love to know.
I am 20 years old and was recently DQed after completing my psych evaluation. The reason for my DQ was "inadequate maturity for the position sought".
Here is my take on this..........The state has to mandate minimum hiring requirements and 20 is the MINIMUM age for a CHP cadet. I really believe that the CHP thinks that 20 years old is too young to go through the academy and/or become an officer. Does this sound like a statement coming from someone who just got rejected? YES. But I really think this is the thinking of the powers that be!!
cr125rider22..........Good luck in the hiring process and I hope that you will prove me wrong!!!!!!!!!! Maybe I just have some more growing up to do!!

Cadethopeful:

If it something you want bad enough you will prove it with determination. Don't stop trying. Several people on these forums have been trying for months and/or years. Take the advice you left with; "inadequate maturity for position sought", and work on it. Try not to mix your personal feelings into the mix. The QAP panel knows what it takes, and what they are looking for. I wouldn?t take the position of saying they are discriminating against your age. I was DQ'd earlier this year, and will continue to try until I am either accepted to the academy or reach the maximum age limitations. Don't let it get you down.

[eurostorm]

I am 20 years old and was recently DQed after completing my psych evaluation. The reason for my DQ was "inadequate maturity for the position sought".


That's interesting that the DQ came at the psych eval. I just automatically assumed that it would be a problem during the QAP since that's when they are analyzing your experiences and that's where a lack of experience would be revealed and/or discussed. But I guess you showed me (and them)! Kudos on making it that far by the way.

[G-Man]

I went throught the entire process at 21 and turned 22 a week before my academy class started. I was one of the youngest in my class. As for being DQ'd for lack of maturity... I think your post pretty much says a lot about your personality.

I think the average age for my class was mid-20's if I am not mistaken.

[cadethopeful]

eurostorm/Observer

Thank you for the kind words.

I have NO doubt that I will eventually make it into the CHP academy!

Please don't think that I felt that I was "discriminated against " because of my age. Just a cold hard fact of life! Actually, I feel honored that I was able to make it through the entire screening process on my first try. I am however dissappointed that I jumped through all of the hoops, only to be rejected at the very end.

[cadethopeful]

OK G-man, I'll bite.........Would you care to expand on your questioning my maturity or lack of, in your statement?

[Chp4me]

I do believe age can be a big factor in a process like CHP hiring! Coming from an older appplicant such as myself having the life expierence can help deal with the real life situations you will encounter on the street. I applied many years ago, and quite frankly I have learned alot since then about life and about myself in the past years! CHP is a very stable organization and tries to hire very stable people, not to say a 21 year old is any better or worse for the job, but everyone is different. I hope for only the best for everyone that is going through this process it is a long road, but is well worth everything we will go through to achieve our dream!

[cr125rider22]

Wells thanks eveyone for your insight on this subject, i'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next couple of months, based on the fact that i passed the written ;) Next week i'll be taking my pratice PAT, so i'll post more and tell eveyone what happens. Thanks again to eveyone for the support and the kind words, and good luck to all out there chasing there dreams.

[CHP Cadet]

I myself wouldnt worry about the age, California needs more CHP officers, and as long as you can prove to the panel that you are censure about becoming an officer then being D'Q'd shouldnt even be a factor, i take my written in November and im not trying to get ahead of myself until i pass that written first. but one thing about the Panel, there is going to be one out of the three that doesnt like you, if he/she asks you a question and they cut you off, go back to that question you ask, lets them know you are still thinking about it. trust me on this one! :lol: :lol:

[snowdog]

This is a Great question and if anyone has any statistics on this, I would love to know.
I am 20 years old and was recently DQed after completing my psych evaluation. The reason for my DQ was "inadequate maturity for the position sought".
Here is my take on this..........The state has to mandate minimum hiring requirements and 20 is the MINIMUM age for a CHP cadet. I really believe that the CHP thinks that 20 years old is too young to go through the academy and/or become an officer. Does this sound like a statement coming from someone who just got rejected? YES. But I really think this is the thinking of the powers that be!!
cr125rider22..........Good luck in the hiring process and I hope that you will prove me wrong!!!!!!!!!! Maybe I just have some more growing up to do!!

It was not the CHP that DQ'd you, it was a psychologist that was contracted by SPB.
Maturity it a demonstrated quality, not a number. We've seen many applicants in their early 20's who posses a great deal of maturity based on their life's experience, and many who lack maturity based on their lack of life's experience. We've also seen many applicants in their late 20's and in their 30's who posses a great deal of maturity based on their life's experience, and many who lack maturity based on their lack of life's experience.
Each class has a handful of cadets who are very young 20-23, a majority who range from 23 - 28 and another handful 29 and up. My classmate/graveyard partner turned 21 while in the Academy. I understand what G-Man was refering too. Sure you're upset that you were DQ'd and looking for someone to blame. Perhaps a more mature applicant would see it as an opportunity to get a bit more life's experience and get right back into the game. Nobody knows what the psychologist based their findings oon because we don't all know the details of your background.

[snowdog]

I myself wouldnt worry about the age, California needs more CHP officers, and as long as you can prove to the panel that you are censure about becoming an officer then being D'Q'd shouldnt even be a factor, i take my written in November and im not trying to get ahead of myself until i pass that written first. but one thing about the Panel, there is going to be one out of the three that doesnt like you, if he/she asks you a question and they cut you off, go back to that question you ask, lets them know you are still thinking about it. trust me on this one! :lol: :lol:

So you believe that the Department is more concerned with filling positions than hiring quality applicants? OK, maybe there might be an argument there:shock:ops: I personally think it was a huge error to get rid of the essay portion of the written exam. (See example above). How does one demonstrate they are "censure about becoming an officer"? And, when did they add a third person to the QAP panel? Sounds like you have experience on QAP interviews. How many have you taken? Ooops, I see you haven't even taken your written so obviously you haven't had a QAP interview.

[cadethopeful]

Snowdog:

I stand corrected........ You are absolutely right that the decision was indeed made by SPB and NOT the CHP. That being said, I would still like to know the ratio of 20/21 year old cadets to say 30/35 year old cadets. If the state says that you are a viable candidate at 20 years old, then logic should tell you that there is a proportional percentage of 20 year olds in each class.

[WannaBeaChippie]

Snowdog:

I stand corrected........ You are absolutely right that the decision was indeed made by SPB and NOT the CHP. That being said, I would still like to know the ratio of 20/21 year old cadets to say 30/35 year old cadets. If the state says that you are a viable candidate at 20 years old, then logic should tell you that there is a proportional percentage of 20 year olds in each class.

Only in a perfect world, and this is not it. You have to consider what age group is applying for the job. A majority of applicants are between the age of 22-28. Fresh out of college, suddenly realized it's time to grow up, just starting a family. 20-23 year olds are often still in college or getting ready to finish, not really thinking about the future and still bumming around, haven't realized the consequences that recent drug usage is going to have, poor poor credit due to bad choices and a plethora of other isues. 28-35 year olds are often applicants who suddenly realize their current career offers no job security, they've advanced as far as they ever will and no chance of promotion, it's their last chance to fulfill their lifelong dream of joining LE, the divorce is final and there's nobody holding them back, they need a job with a great retirement system. Every class will have a different age percentage but history will show that a majority are 23-28 because they have higher likelyhood of having demonstrated a stable history. I don't have any pie charts or graphs that demonstrate this, only my experience during my short tenure being involved in backgrounds and recruiting.Whew...that sounds about right...

[Mac]

....I really believe that the CHP thinks that 20 years old is too young to go through the academy and/or become an officer...
Wow....then they must not have noticed the ages on a whoooole bunch of applications over the years - myself included. I started the hiring process at 20 and went to the academy shortly after turning 21. My class had everything from 20 year olds to 31 year olds (the max at that time). Several of my friends came on after me at 21-23 years old, and I've known many officers over the years who made it through the process at that tender age.

As far as maturity goes - there are 21-year olds who are still 14, there are 21-year olds who are 21, and there are 21-year olds who are close to their 30's.

[cadethopeful]

Mac:

Answer a simple question and I will shut up. I am not saying that 20 year olds have not gotten into the academy. The ORIGANAL poster asked if being a younger applicant plays into the hiring mix. I say hell yes!!!

My position is.......if you are going to advertise that you you are eligible for hire at 20, then how about hiring 20 year olds.

The September class has approx 180 cadets enrolled. How many are 20 years old? 1% (1.8 cadets), 10% ( 18 cadets)? How about this? Based on the the 15 age groups eligible for hire (35 yrs-20yrs=15) and divided by the 180 current cadets in the Sept class, are there anywhere near 8.3% of those cadets being 20 years old?? Thats my question..........

I know we can play mathematician all day long and massage the numbers, but don't sit here and tell me that there is any significant representation of 20 year olds currently at the academy!!!!

I have been wrong in the past and I am prepared to be wrong on this...............JUST GIVE ME THE NUMBERS

[Mac]

Mac:

Answer a simple question and I will shut up. I am not saying that 20 year olds have not gotten into the academy. The ORIGANAL poster asked if being a younger applicant plays into the hiring mix. I say hell yes!!!

My position is.......if you are going to advertise that you you are eligible for hire at 20, then how about hiring 20 year olds.

The September class has approx 180 cadets enrolled. How many are 20 years old? 1% (1.8 cadets), 10% ( 18 cadets)? How about this? Based on the the 15 age groups eligible for hire (35 yrs-20yrs=15) and divided by the 180 current cadets in the Sept class, are there anywhere near 8.3% of those cadets being 20 years old?? Thats my question..........

I know we can play mathematician all day long and massage the numbers, but don't sit here and tell me that there is any significant representation of 20 year olds currently at the academy!!!!

I have been wrong in the past and I am prepared to be wrong on this...............JUST GIVE ME THE NUMBERS
I don't have the numbers - I don't work in the Cadet Hiring Unit, Applicant Investigations, or the Academy. I can only speak from personal experience, having been around this department for a day or three. Perhaps one of the officers here who work in one of those units will be interested and/or considerate enough to do the research and come up with the numbers for you.

I'm certainly not going to get in a pissing contest about it.

[zen_out]

Mac:

Answer a simple question and I will shut up. I am not saying that 20 year olds have not gotten into the academy. The ORIGANAL poster asked if being a younger applicant plays into the hiring mix. I say hell yes!!!

My position is.......if you are going to advertise that you you are eligible for hire at 20, then how about hiring 20 year olds.

The September class has approx 180 cadets enrolled. How many are 20 years old? 1% (1.8 cadets), 10% ( 18 cadets)? How about this? Based on the the 15 age groups eligible for hire (35 yrs-20yrs=15) and divided by the 180 current cadets in the Sept class, are there anywhere near 8.3% of those cadets being 20 years old?? Thats my question..........

I know we can play mathematician all day long and massage the numbers, but don't sit here and tell me that there is any significant representation of 20 year olds currently at the academy!!!!

I have been wrong in the past and I am prepared to be wrong on this...............JUST GIVE ME THE NUMBERS

WOW! Do you really feel that your age played a part in your DQ?

[eurostorm]

The September class has approx 180 cadets enrolled. How many are 20 years old? 1% (1.8 cadets), 10% ( 18 cadets)? How about this? Based on the the 15 age groups eligible for hire (35 yrs-20yrs=15) and divided by the 180 current cadets in the Sept class, are there anywhere near 8.3% of those cadets being 20 years old?? Thats my question..........


I doubt anyone on this forum would be in a position to divulge specific cadet age demographic information. That wasn't really what I was looking for in terms of information by posting this thread, I just wanted to know in general what the cadet pool looked like. Snowdog's answer on the 1st page (handful of 20-23, majority 23-28, handful 29+) makes perfect sense logically and satisfied my inquiry :smile:

It was my original thought that it would be extremely difficult if not impossible to get hired on at age 22 (I would probably turn 23 in the academy), but now knowing that younger cadets do exist, I do know that I have a shot if I give it my all, but I'm definitely not anticipating a walk in the park by any means.

So thanks to everyone that has replied and provided some great information and words of advice. Perhaps I will see some of you in an '07 academy!

[zen_out]

The September class has approx 180 cadets enrolled. How many are 20 years old? 1% (1.8 cadets), 10% ( 18 cadets)? How about this? Based on the the 15 age groups eligible for hire (35 yrs-20yrs=15) and divided by the 180 current cadets in the Sept class, are there anywhere near 8.3% of those cadets being 20 years old?? Thats my question..........


I doubt anyone on this forum would be in a position to divulge specific cadet age demographic information. That wasn't really what I was looking for in terms of information by posting this thread, I just wanted to know in general what the cadet pool looked like. Snowdog's answer on the 1st page (handful of 20-23, majority 23-28, handful 29+) makes perfect sense logically and satisfied my inquiry :smile:

It was my original thought that it would be extremely difficult if not impossible to get hired on at age 22 (I would probably turn 23 in the academy), but now knowing that younger cadets do exist, I do know that I have a shot if I give it my all, but I'm definitely not anticipating a walk in the park by any means.

So thanks to everyone that has replied and provided some great information and words of advice. Perhaps I will see some of you in an '07 academy!

Good luck!

[cadethopeful]

OK........OK.........I CONCEDE!

I originally responded to the poster of this thread because I felt that he had legitament concerns regarding his age.

My intent was to piggyback off of his question and to share my concerns as well. As a result of this, some posters felt empowered to make snide remarks regarding my character. I am thick skinned and really would have fun playing the semantics game with these individuals, but as Mac said......I too have no desire to turn this into a pissing match!!!

This forum was started in part, to answer questions regarding the hiring process for CHP applicants.

I hope this thread has helped people in the hiring process more so then be an amusing smack down.

I will be back reapplying with the CHP as soon as I am eligible and I have no doubts that I will make it next go around.

Note to Zen-out..........Hey Pal, if you don't like someone asking questions on a public forum, I suggest you go over to My Space. I don't feel that someone asking analytical questions should be categorized as inmature. Maybe it's time for YOU to do some growing up!

[zen_out]

You still haven't answered my question, cadethopeful. Do you feel that your age played a part in your DQ?

Oh yeah, by the way, it's immature not inmature. ;)

[Observer]

Can't we all just get along?

[zen_out]

Can't we all just get along?

Like one big happy family! :smile: :smile: :smile:

[cadethopeful]

Zen Out:

If I mistook your earlier reply as a smart a$$ remark, I apologize. If you want to question my intelligence by a misspelled word on a forum...............BRING IT ON.

To answer your question if I feel that my age was the reason for my DQ..........your answer is good as mine.

You know that a prospective employer can use just about any excuse he/she wants to use, to deny employment.

As I said earlier, I concede to the fact that there is not a conspiracy to keep 20 year olds out of the academy. I had some fun with the question and got some truthful answers from people that have no reason to BS me.

Good Luck to all you candidates going through the hiring process!!!!

[zen_out]

As I said earlier, I concede to the fact that there is not a conspiracy to keep 20 year olds out of the academy.

:lol:

It's a fruitless battle ... good luck to you!

[WannaBeaChippie]

Are you guys really arguing on a "PUBLIC FORUM" cadethopeful, I understand your frustration but you can't cuss someone out. Sometimes people give the newbies a hard time because they are new to the forum. Sometimes you can ask a question and nobody will answer it. Some people are just ignorant..just ignore them. Reacting to remarks of immaturity makes you look crazy man..


zen_out: Come on man, almost every thread you've been on has almost been locked or locked. Some people are not comfortable with displaying their past experiences here...it's unfair to point out someone discrepancies, the BI's, officers, and staff come on here and read threads.

We are the possible future of this department, if you can't hold a conversation with someone you don't know, how are you going to be in the department, are you going to argue everytime you feel the need to make yourself look good. None of us here have made it to the academy, and if we do we still have to make it on the force. Just answer the question if you don't want to or don't have anything that pertains to the thread...MOVE ON. It' unfair to the people who are coming on here to get useful answers. This place isn't about who's "coolest". The CHP forum isn't myspace...grow up, answer the questions or move on.


Sorry if I happen to be so blunt, but I notice people on the thread are to quick to judge people, are really hostile on the keys...read the CHP creed, one day you might be riding shotgun with the person you're talking back to...why don't you be loyal, or in this case "nice." Somewhere in the creed it says something about being loyal to fellow officers...come on people this place is for us, it can be taken away.

[Mac]

Just as a reminder (from the rules posted in the General Forum):

A. MEMBER CONDUCT

1. Professional Conduct is Expected

Degrading posts and name-calling are not permitted. Therefore, do not post comments that attack other members, moderators or administrative personnel. This message board is intended for a free exchange of information and ideas. Keep this in mind if someone disagrees with your point of view and be sure to extend courtesy to others if you disagree with them.

This thread hasn't been locked down yet, but it's well on the way there.

[zen_out]

Mac, do you feel that I have made comments that are in violation of rule #1?

[Mac]

I'm not pointing fingers at anybody in particular....just posting a reminder for EVERYBODY to keep it civil.

[dlg2k6]

Mac, do you feel that I have made comments that are in voilation of rule #1?

zen_out, maybe you should read back over some of your posts and you will be able to answer that yourself...

[zen_out]

Mac, do you feel that I have made comments that are in voilation of rule #1?

zen_out, maybe you should read back over some of your posts and you will be able to answer that yourself...

What post are you referring to?

[WannaBeaChippie]

*(sigh)*:rolleyes: sooo, about the thread...everyone has a shot at getting on in the department if they pass all the steps, age isn't really a factor then.

Do you think that the retention rate is lower for the younger officers, or the older officers..?

[snowdog]

*(sigh)*:rolleyes: sooo, about the thread...everyone has a shot at getting on in the department if they pass all the steps, age isn't really a factor then.

Do you think that the retention rate is lower for the younger officers, or the older officers..?

I don't know that the information is readily available, although I'm sure it can be researched, and just like Mac, I don't know of anyone that wants to make the call to CHU to ask for the numbers. They have much better things to do, like trying to get some of you into the December class.

[G-Man]

OK G-man, I'll bite.........Would you care to expand on your questioning my maturity or lack of, in your statement?

wow a lot happened in a little amount time in this thread. snowdog summed it all up.

[Mac]

*(sigh)*:rolleyes: sooo, about the thread...everyone has a shot at getting on in the department if they pass all the steps, age isn't really a factor then.

Do you think that the retention rate is lower for the younger officers, or the older officers..?
The retention rate is very high across the board. By far, the vast majority of people who leave the CHP are on either service or medical retirements. As for those who lateral to another agency, I'd say the more junior (not necessarily "younger") officers are over-represented simply because they don't have as much tied up in their career here yet. It's a lot harder to go to another agency and start all over at the bottom (seniority-wise) when you have 10+ years on the job than it is if you only have 2-3 years on.

[highwayman]

Are their any in their low 20s (22,23), or do they tend to be more around the mid/upper 20s? I really have no idea what the age demographics look like inside police academies.

I know that the way I present myself and and who I am as a person is more important than my numerical age, but I'm just looking to get a better idea of what I'm up against :biggrin:



Age doesn't matter. It's how you present yourself and handle yourself that matters. I'm 40 years old and my partner on graves just turned 25. He's the best partner I've ever had. He went through the academy at 20, graduated at 21.

[paulmc71]

I just finished my psych interview and I probably will not be going to the Dec. academy. maybe April.

I am 35 for 3 more months. I first applied with CHP after I earned my AA in criminal justice at age 32. I currently work for a paint company in SoCal and I have been with them for 10 years. But i do not remember ever playing "paint store" as a kid. I want a career, not a job. And I want to work along side people that worked hard to get where they are and appreciate the duties they have.



I'm married (happily) with 3 kids (ages 12/10/7), and I just want too come home at the end of the day and know that the hours I just spent on my job "made sense".

[mb116]

Well I don't want to jump the gun but as long as I pass the two steps I have left which are the medical and pysch I will be in the April Academy, I turned 21 last week. Because there are very few 20 year old cadets doesn't mean the department doesn't want them, it means in the departments eyes not a lot of them can handle this job. Just my humble opinion.

[SB 405]

Yeah mb but think how long the patrol gets to keep you as an Officer. I would think a young person who shows the maturity to do the job would be just what the CHP is looking for. Train a younger person and get 25 years of service in return.

[mb116]

Yeah mb but think how long the patrol gets to keep you as an Officer. I would think a young person who shows the maturity to do the job would be just what the CHP is looking for. Train a younger person and get 25 years of service in return.

That is very true, good point. With the same amount of money spent on investigating and training they are getting (hopefully) more years of great service in return than say an applicant that is already in his/ her thirties that can retire after 20 years. I will have to put in 29 years.