CHP Camaraderie

[4CHP]

Hi,

I've watched many chases followed by arrests on TV over the past several years; either on shows such as COPS or live TV.

I don't know if I may be developing a bias of some sort towards the CHP, but for me it seems that the CHP has a very strong sense of courtesy and camaraderie. Not only among fellow officers, but also towards the community and even lawbreakers. Many times after a long chase that comes to a stop with the suspect surrendering, I see CHP officers calmly approach the suspects, place the handcuffs, search them, and placed in the car. They always seem very organized and respectful.

On the other hand, it seems that many PDs do not exhibit as much professionalism in arresting people. Again, I don't believe I am stereotyping PDs vs the CHP, but it's just my observation, and I was wondering if others (including CHP officers) share that viewpoint.

Thanks! :cool:

[Cameron]

I agree with you to some extent.

The California Highway Patrol, for me, has simply been the "coolest" law enforcement agency that I know of. The standards of training for the CHP are excellent. It is tough for smaller POST schools to meet those same standards.

However, as far as high professionalism goes, I don't think that this is a CHP phenomenon. There will be good officers in any agency, and there will be bad officers, and there will also be good and bad situations that these people have to respond to. Everyone deals with stress differently.

All officers in any agency are trained to be professionals when responding to a call. After training, though, it really comes down to what kind of a person the officer is, how good a job their Field Training Officer does, and how much they want to learn about their job, period.

Lastly, local police agencies do general law enforcement, whereas the CHP's main responsibility is traffic enforcement. Though the CHP often does general law enforcement duties, CHP Officers probably don't have to deal with complete scum with the same frequency as local law enforcement agencies.

So if police officers or deputies seem rough on suspects, keep in mind that they may just be tired of arresting the same damned person for beating his wife every time he posts bail for the previous beating. CHP officers have rarely met their suspects before, whereas police officers or deputies have regular visitors to the county jail. There must be a certain level of frustration in doing local police work that CHP officers don't feel, because they don't have to deal with the same people constantly trying to find new and exciting ways to destroy their lives.

HOWEVER, to be fair, CHP officers must feel a different kind of frustration in seeing kids killed in accidents because their parents didn't put a seat belt on them, or seeing speed-related accidents day after day... if only people learned.

I suppose it's all how you look at it.

[dw]

Cameron, you're right, it is all about how you look at it.

I can only speak for my experience in the CHP, but we do place a high value on courtesy and respect. I don't think it has anything to do with the people we deal with. And I don't think just because you've dealt with the same dirt-bag before justifies disrespect or excessive force. If you're going to look at things that way, many of the people I've arrested for DUI are the "same person." You take the same verbal abuse, often word-for-word, although it is coming out of a different mouth. You play the same games, although with a different person. I haven't arrested the same person twice (only family members), but I have arrested several people who were arrested by other CHP officers less than a month prior. If you're going to look back a few years, a good percentage of those who are arrested for DUI in California have a prior arrest/conviction from the Highway Patrol. True, the stresses may come from a slightly different angle, but they're still just as prevalent.

A friend and I were talking today about why he joined the Department. In his experience working for another agency, he saw that when the Chippies arrived, they "just looked around and figured out what was going on" before jumping headfirst into who-knows-what.

Just because I have to chase someone down for speed -- then find they have an unrestrained child in the vehicle -- doesn't mean I need to take it personally. Yeah, I'm a angry they endangered an innocent child, but I can only do what I can do. Getting upset and treating them disrespectfully isn't going to help me communicate my point. Same with a DUI arrest. DUI prosecution is a joke in California and nothing is going to change until we decide to treat is as the serious crime that it is. (That said, we've made giant leaps forward in prosecution since the 70s and 80s.) It is for this reason we have so many repeat offenders, and when I arrest someone, I know there's a good chance they'll be driving under the influence again in a few days. It's discouraging, but again -- you can only do what you can do.

[Cameron]

dw, point(s) well taken. :biggrin: You have definitely added to my insight!

Incidentally, today I spoke with a former Sac PD detective who was on the force for 15 years before taking a medical because of a tussle with the suspect. He said that in his Department, the CHP has a universal high regard and respect for their training. Just thought I'd pass that along!

One thing that you didn't address, though, and I'm curious for a CHP Officer's perspective, is that of espirit d' corps. It truly does seem quite high in the CHP. Why is that? Is it really something that we, as civilian CHP hopefuls, can understand without being an Officer?

[dw]

One thing that you didn't address, though, and I'm curious for a CHP Officer's perspective, is that of espirit d' corps. It truly does seem quite high in the CHP. Why is that? Is it really something that we, as civilian CHP hopefuls, can understand without being an Officer?

I don't think it's something you can understand without going through the Academy. That is where all the foundations, making friends, working together, all being in the same pile of sh**, happens. We've all been through it, and while the Academy changes from class to class, it will always be "The Academy." We all lived there and went through similar experiences. An officer once told me, before I got on, that once you graduate you get the sense of pride... That you can be on your way to Vegas and strike up a conversation with a Chippie at a gas station and talk like old buddies, because you have the same experiences in common. I've done exactly that, and it's a cool experience.

[Cameron]

From what you have described, that is exactly the kind of feeling I want to have someday.

To DW and all moderators/admins/ CHP officers- thanks for sharing your thoughts on this site. It is really, really helpful to hopefuls like myself and many others.

[Mikey M]

Very well said DW and Cameron. I totally agree. A lot does come from the academy. I also beleive it comes down to the individual person and our high standards of training. Our department is very public oriented and has a great public image which we all enjoy. Probably began in CHiP's days with Ponch and John. ;)

Nothing is better than having someone really trying to upset you and all you do is remain calm, professional and reply with yes sir or no sir. Needless to say they fume and you always have the last word when they sign the ticket or you leave them in jail.

As far as other departments, all departments have great officers as well as bad officers. I know some departments require the officer spend a certain amount of time working in the jails, sometimes years, before they are allowed to go to patrol. Then they are treated like a brand new trainee again. Can you can imagine dealing with nothing but the scum that is arrested day in and day out for years. Your outlook towards the general public could get a little tainted. Then when they do make it to patrol they treat everyone like scum. I don't condone the treatment or that type of training. But it's there.

I currently work with other various police and sheriff department members who are very professional, a wealth of knowledge and great to work with. Again a combination of training and the individual.

[4CHP]

Thank you all for your contributions...I really enjoyed reading everyone's point of view on this topic.

[pupdog]

I've done some ride alongs with CHP and with PDs, and this has always stood out. The camraderie among officers is incredible, and as their rider, they make you feel completly welcome into their group, part of the team, and everyone wants to share an academy horror story, and assure you not to worry when your day comes, those memos will come easy!

One ride-along had such outstanding courtesy on the part of officers that I wrote a letter to their Captain to tell him! We'd stopped a speeder who turned out to be quite drunk. When the officer told dispatch, some other officers in the area came by (slow morning otherwise). The driver was pretty aggressive, screaming for mommy, etc. A bunch of workers nearby had stopped to watch, of course. The driver was so drunk that she could hardly stand while she was being cuffed. Now, many PDs I've ridden with would have let her fall, but these CHP officers realized there were onlookers, and to let the driver keep a little dignity, two of them held her vertical while the arresting officer cuffed her. This was a startling constrast to the PD ride along where we babysat a stop sign all night, and the officer screamed at offenders until they were near tears, or another PD ride along with a crack bust, officers joking about the arrestee, and the rather odd version of Miranda he got.

[warrior_marine1]

It's really nice to know that the CHP has a high level of camaraderie and respect for not only other CHP officers, but for other people in general. The professionalism is a trait that all officers (sheriff, PD, etc.) are taught and encouraged to display. It just so happens that some officers aren't as effective in their profession, or made mistakes during a high stress stop.

[Andy O'Hara]

CHP Professionalism

It didn’t come about by happenstance, nor was it Broderick Crawford or CHiPS or any one rascal or hero. Thousands of men and women have built that pride and professionalism over almost 80 years.

Maybe it began in 1929. But who knows when, for sure?

Perhaps it began with landmark names like Cato, Craig, Hannigan or, perhaps, with humbler names like Homer Garrett, the first black California Highway Patrolman in 1942.

Or perhaps it began in places, places like Zones VI or VII, names long forgotten along with the Inspectors that once ruled them. Maybe the flame began near a theme park that now sprawls across the countryside by a long-vanished little gas station in a once rural area called Newhall.

Or again, it could have begun with red flags hung in front of stores to alert officers to call in. Or a telephone number you couldn’t even dial, called “Zenith 12000.” Or maybe it’s beginning today, with the advent of 911, cell phones and computers in patrol cars.

There are other names, long past and some recent, who gave their lives to what is now our Highway Patrol, names like Chansler and Alleyn and Sanders and 213 other fallen officers.

It could have begun with the first class of female officers in 1974, with the Vietnam War or so many wars before, with an unnoticed thing like a blue and gold trouser stripe in 1957 or a change from “bus driver caps” to Mountie hats in 1991.

Perhaps it actually begins with every class as it has for countless decades, standing and pledging a solemn oath that “my personal conduct shall at all times be above reproach and I will never knowingly commit any act that will in any way bring discredit upon the California Highway Patrol or any member thereof.”

More than words to those who came to stay.

And are they somehow better than other law enforcement officers? No, not at all. They’re a group of men and women doing the very best they can in a job that tries their very souls and sometimes seems almost too much. They’re not alone—thousands of officers before them have trod the same path—all of them part of the California Highway Patrol.

[jrsfan]

It didn’t come about by happenstance, nor was it Broderick Crawford or CHiPS or any one rascal or hero. Thousands of men and women have built that reputation over almost 80 years.

Maybe it began in 1929. But who knows when, for sure?

Perhaps it began with landmark names like Cato, Craig, Hannigan or, perhaps, with humbler names like Homer Garrett, the first black California Highway Patrolman in 1942.

Or perhaps it began in places, places like Zones VI or VII, names long forgotten along with the Inspectors that once ruled them. Maybe the flame began near a theme park that now sprawls across the countryside by a long-vanished little gas station in a once rural area called Newhall.

Or again, it could have begun with red flags hung in front of stores to alert officers to call in. Or a telephone number you couldn’t even dial, called “Zenith 12000.” Or maybe it’s beginning today, with the advent of 911, cell phones and computers in patrol cars.

There are other names, long past and some recent, who gave their lives to what is now our Highway Patrol, names like Chansler and Alleyn and Sanders and 213 other fallen officers.

It could have begun with the first class of female officers in 1974, with the Vietnam War or so many wars before, with an unnoticed thing like a blue and gold trouser stripe in 1957 or a change from “bus driver caps” to Mountie hats in 1991.

Perhaps it actually begins with every class as it has for countless decades, standing and pledging a solemn oath that “my personal conduct shall at all times be above reproach and I will never knowingly commit any act that will in any way bring discredit upon the California Highway Patrol or any member thereof.”

More than words to those who came to stay.

And are they somehow better than other law enforcement officers? No, not at all. They’re a group of men and women doing the very best they can in a job that tries their very souls and sometimes seems almost too much. They’re not alone—thousands of officers before them have trod the same path—all of them part of the California Highway Patrol.

This was a beautiful post. Would you mind if I share it, sir?

[Chippysgt]

Thanks Andy :cool:

[Andy O'Hara]

This was a beautiful post. Would you mind if I share it, sir?


Oh heck, you can share my humble babblings anywhere you wish. I'm glad you enjoyed--be well.

[NavytoCHP]

Camaraderie and sense of Family - That's the exact reason why (besides the law enforcement aspect) I wanted to be with the CHP. Besides being one of the best law enforcement organizations in the country, I also noticed and sensed the feeling of camaraderie and family, and that was very attractive to me when deciding what agency I wanted to pursue a career with.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

NavytoCHP

[ResQ]

any other Chippies want to relate how many arrestees have been dropped off at the county jail and said something to the effect that we were the 'coolest' cops out there?? or...thanks for treating me fair, I know I was being a pain and that I screwed up but you were still professional?

Seen it myself many many times and I am still a nasty greenhorn rookie :biggrin:

nothing like good customer service!

[TheForceCHP]

any other Chippies want to relate how many arrestees have been dropped off at the county jail and said something to the effect that we were the 'coolest' cops out there?? or...thanks for treating me fair, I know I was being a pain and that I screwed up but you were still professional?

Seen it myself many many times and I am still a nasty greenhorn rookie :biggrin:

nothing like good customer service!

Same here. Always makes you think about it a little and how amazing it is that considering their current predicament that they say that

[CHPwannaBE]

This is good to see. I went to Officer Sanders' dinner at Chino Hills and the comaraderie there was great between all officers from all agencies not that I would expect otherwise. I would be interested to know how much was raised the place was packed.

I would like to add that at a Holiday pary on Dec. 23 there was a Chippy, Border Patrol agent and a couple OPD officers. They were talking about a recent incident involving a Chippy and BP agent. The agent was responding to a shots fired call with lights and sirens and got pulled over by a CHP motor officer. The officer told the agent that "you guys always over exaggerate stuff" and took the agents keys! He eventually gave them back and said he would follow the agent to the call and while en route the Motor officer pulls away. The Chippy at the party knew about this and said Motors can be d*ckheads and think they are an elite group. He also said that if you ever get pulled over by a motor you WILL get a ticket. I am not trying to start trouble but thought this was pretty amazing. Apparently the CHP upper management knows about this and is taking action.

[TheForceCHP]

I would like to add that at a Holiday pary on Dec. 23 there was a Chippy, Border Patrol agent and a couple OPD officers. They were talking about a recent incident involving a Chippy and BP agent. The agent was responding to a shots fired call with lights and sirens and got pulled over by a CHP motor officer. The officer told the agent that "you guys always over exaggerate stuff" and took the agents keys! He eventually gave them back and said he would follow the agent to the call and while en route the Motor officer pulls away. The Chippy at the party knew about this and said Motors can be d*ckheads and think they are an elite group. He also said that if you ever get pulled over by a motor you WILL get a ticket. I am not trying to start trouble but thought this was pretty amazing. Apparently the CHP upper management knows about this and is taking action.

Blah, Blah, Blah. Motor officers this motor officers that, I guess I was sick the day that we were trained to be jerks and have to always write tickets. Oh yah I forgot we are also trained to hate life :rolleyes:

and in regards to your "story," that I know nothing about, there is always two sides to a story

[x MAIT]

This is good to see. I went to Officer Sanders' dinner at Chino Hills and the comaraderie there was great between all officers from all agencies not that I would expect otherwise. I would be interested to know how much was raised the place was packed.

I would like to add that at a Holiday pary on Dec. 23 there was a Chippy, Border Patrol agent and a couple OPD officers. They were talking about a recent incident involving a Chippy and BP agent. The agent was responding to a shots fired call with lights and sirens and got pulled over by a CHP motor officer. The officer told the agent that "you guys always over exaggerate stuff" and took the agents keys! He eventually gave them back and said he would follow the agent to the call and while en route the Motor officer pulls away. The Chippy at the party knew about this and said Motors can be d*ckheads and think they are an elite group. He also said that if you ever get pulled over by a motor you WILL get a ticket. I am not trying to start trouble but thought this was pretty amazing. Apparently the CHP upper management knows about this and is taking action.

Personally, I don't believe this story. Why would an officer stop a vehicle going code 3, and why would somebody going code 3 stop......I think that the BP agent was rolling non-code and got stopped for driving like an idiot (if this ever happened). My x-motor .02 worth.

[G-Man]

Personally, I don't believe this story. Why would an officer stop a vehicle going code 3, and why would somebody going code 3 stop......I think that the BP agent was rolling non-code and got stopped for driving like an idiot (if this ever happened). My x-motor .02 worth.

I agree. my non-motor .02:biggrin: Talk about exaggerating a story.

[x MAIT]

CHP Professionalism

It didn’t come about by happenstance, nor was it Broderick Crawford or CHiPS or any one rascal or hero. Thousands of men and women have built that pride and professionalism over almost 80 years.

Maybe it began in 1929. But who knows when, for sure?

Perhaps it began with landmark names like Cato, Craig, Hannigan or, perhaps, with humbler names like Homer Garrett, the first black California Highway Patrolman in 1942.

Or perhaps it began in places, places like Zones VI or VII, names long forgotten along with the Inspectors that once ruled them. Maybe the flame began near a theme park that now sprawls across the countryside by a long-vanished little gas station in a once rural area called Newhall.

Or again, it could have begun with red flags hung in front of stores to alert officers to call in. Or a telephone number you couldn’t even dial, called “Zenith 12000.” Or maybe it’s beginning today, with the advent of 911, cell phones and computers in patrol cars.

There are other names, long past and some recent, who gave their lives to what is now our Highway Patrol, names like Chansler and Alleyn and Sanders and 213 other fallen officers.

It could have begun with the first class of female officers in 1974, with the Vietnam War or so many wars before, with an unnoticed thing like a blue and gold trouser stripe in 1957 or a change from “bus driver caps” to Mountie hats in 1991.

Perhaps it actually begins with every class as it has for countless decades, standing and pledging a solemn oath that “my personal conduct shall at all times be above reproach and I will never knowingly commit any act that will in any way bring discredit upon the California Highway Patrol or any member thereof.”

More than words to those who came to stay.

And are they somehow better than other law enforcement officers? No, not at all. They’re a group of men and women doing the very best they can in a job that tries their very souls and sometimes seems almost too much. They’re not alone—thousands of officers before them have trod the same path—all of them part of the California Highway Patrol.

XOXOXOXOXOXO:biggrin:

[CHPwannaBE]

Yes they said he should have never stopped for the motor. Another agent passed by during the time the motor took the keys away and saw the agent chewing him out.

[G-Man]

Yes they said he should have never stopped for the motor. Another agent passed by during the time the motor took the keys away and saw the agent chewing him out.

Again, read the above post. Probably not going code-3, just driving like a jerk. Probably didn't take the keys away either. Highly likely this is another story that got exaggerated. Like the infamous Officer in LA getting pepper sprayed by the CHP. You never here the WHOLE story, just the bits and pieces. Like the fish my buddy caught on a camping trip that gained 12 pounds as the story kept getting re-told.

[Mxrider]

any other Chippies want to relate how many arrestees have been dropped off at the county jail and said something to the effect that we were the 'coolest' cops out there?? or...thanks for treating me fair, I know I was being a pain and that I screwed up but you were still professional?

Seen it myself many many times and I am still a nasty greenhorn rookie :biggrin:

nothing like good customer service!

ResQ, like you I'm also a greenhorn rookie (aka Boot). I have my far share of DUI arrest and most of them have nothing but nice things to say about me and my partner. Most say that they did something stupid and they realize that. I hear the people alot say that the CHP seems to handle things more professionally than the PD's they come in contact with. BUT, lately I have had some arrestees that have been a pleasure to be around. :hitwall:

[dw]

I heard that a motor and car-cop from the same Area were responding to an 11-79. The motor maneuvered through traffic and the car-cop, left out of the elite motor crowd, became jealous and enraged. When he finally caught up to the motor, he PIT'ed him and knocked him off his bike. The car-cop arrived first and was once again the hero. He took the crash and saved the day.

The motor won in the end though, it was supposed to be his crash. :doh:


Don't believe every story you hear. :tape:

[Yzeman]

...and one time, at band camp.....

[dw]

...there is always two sides to a story
"Hello CD listeners, we have come to the point on this album where those listening on cassette or records will have to stand up, or sit down, and turn over record or tape. In fairness to those listeners we will now take a few seconds before we begin side two... Thank you... Here's side two."

[FuturecadetWheeler]

I heard that a motor and car-cop from the same Area were responding to an 11-79. The motor maneuvered through traffic and the car-cop, left out of the elite motor crowd, became jealous and enraged. When he finally caught up to the motor, he PIT'ed him and knocked him off his bike. The car-cop arrived first and was once again the hero. He took the crash and saved the day.

The motor won in the end though, it was supposed to be his crash. :doh:


Don't believe every story you hear. :tape:

Oh DW you sure do know how to tell a story, But I think it could have been "more" un realistic, so that we would really believe it and spread it around to other forums and pd's. LOL!

[RodeoChippie]

I heard that a motor and car-cop from the same Area were responding to an 11-79. The motor maneuvered through traffic and the car-cop, left out of the elite motor crowd, became jealous and enraged. When he finally caught up to the motor, he PIT'ed him and knocked him off his bike. The car-cop arrived first and was once again the hero. He took the crash and saved the day.

The motor won in the end though, it was supposed to be his crash. :doh:


Don't believe every story you hear. :tape:
As soon as he said a motor and a car cop were responding to an 11-79 I knew the story was BS. Everyone knows motors don't respond to crashes:biggrin:

[cg+fd2chp]

:lol:

it seems like the relationship between motors and non-motors is similar to pilots and non-pilots at my current duty station.

Funny and innocent jabs are plentiful....





take care and be safe out there

[Chippysgt]

Always a Cop:
Once the badge goes on, it never comes off, whether they can see it, or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline and no one who has ever worn it with pride, integrity and guts, can ever sleep through the 'call of the wild' that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night.

When Cops Retire

When a good cop leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the law enforcement life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet . We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the law enforcement world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that 'Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God,' and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.



Civilian Friends vs . Police Friends

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
POLICE FRIENDS: Have cried with you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
POLICE FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you..
POLICE FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that left you behind.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are for life.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences. ..
POLICE FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will knock them the hell out for using your name in vain.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will forward this.

There are those that think they understand. And then,. . . . there are cops.

[TX-DPS]

The camaraderie between other State agencies isn't to shabby either.

[Jeff Rhea]

Andy, ChippySgt, nicely done.

ResQ:
Hooked two Mexican drug mules with 4 kilos of coke once. At the prelim they took a four-year plea bargain. As I was leaving the court room their attorney approached me. He looked uncomfortable as he said, "My clients want me to give you a message. They wanted me to thank you." "For what?" says I. "They're going to prison for four years." He said, "Not for that. They said you were professional and treated them like gentlemen and they appreciated it." "It's not personal. They were doing their job and I was just doing mine." We were very polite as we asked them to step out of our car and put them in cuffs. Back at the office I bought them both a Coke from the refrigerator in the break room with my own money. They declined to talk - no surprise - and I let them finish their sodas before we headed out for the jail.

Like many CHP officers, I can't count the number of times I've issued cites or booked drunk drivers and had them thank me - something like this: "I want to thank you...but I don't know why." "It's not because I wrote you a ticket, it's because I was nice about it." "Yeah, that's it." We don't get paid to jerk people around, even when they are jerks.

Every agency has great people and every agency has people they would rather get rid of. The difference in the long run is the culture. This morning at briefing we were disussing our experiences in LA. When I broke in there we were told not to call LAPD or LASO for back-up unless your prisoner really needed to be beaten up, because when the other agency got there that is what was going to happen. And I saw that first hand. A lot of good people in those agencies, but they have a different culture.

[Sampa]

Always a Cop:
Once the badge goes on, it never comes off, whether they can see it, or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline and no one who has ever worn it with pride, integrity and guts, can ever sleep through the 'call of the wild' that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night.

When Cops Retire

When a good cop leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the law enforcement life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet . We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the law enforcement world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that 'Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God,' and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.



Civilian Friends vs . Police Friends

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
POLICE FRIENDS: Have cried with you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
POLICE FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you..
POLICE FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that left you behind.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are for life.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences. ..
POLICE FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will knock them the hell out for using your name in vain.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will forward this.

There are those that think they understand. And then,. . . . there are cops.




THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!!
I am getting ready to enter the Academy in February, and this past weekend was very hard for me. I had to run errands and get things ready to go. My husband is very supportive and I would say that 95% of my "civilian" friends are too.
Everyone is vey proud of me and all, but one of my closest friends just told me that she may not be friends with me anymore because I am giving my all to Academy...Now I understand what we are all going through and I look forward to keep my worthy old civilian friends and make new ones.

Thanks again.

[Yzeman]

Everyone is vey proud of me and all, but one of my closest friends just told me that she may not be friends with me anymore because I am giving my all to Academy...

You will lose friends, and you will gain new ones...as goes the life of an Officer (remember though, you do have a long way to go)...losing friends can be very tough but the new friends and family you will gain is something you have to experience to understand; bottom line is the sum gain is 100X what you start with!

...My husband is very supportive...

After all....THIS is all that really matters. Best of luck to you.

[cain.vanessa]

THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!!
I am getting ready to enter the Academy in February, and this past weekend was very hard for me. I had to run errands and get things ready to go. My husband is very supportive and I would say that 95% of my "civilian" friends are too.
Everyone is vey proud of me and all, but one of my closest friends just told me that she may not be friends with me anymore because I am giving my all to Academy...Now I understand what we are all going through and I look forward to keep my worthy old civilian friends and make new ones.

Thanks again.

I think for some people it is hard to understand why we want to do this, but those that do it understand and those are the ones you need. My dad being a sheriff is my biggest supporter. He loves to tell his buddies at work what his little girl is doing since most of them have seen me grow up. As Yzeman said, you will lose some and you will gain so much more. People that can understand what you are going through without you having to speak a word. And those are the people that you need in your life, ones that understand what you are going through. Stay strong girl. We'll be at the academy together. Maybe not in the same company but the proud group of the few ladies! And maybe one day when we graduate, you can sit down with that friend and talk to her about your career choice and maybe then she will understand. See you in a few weeks! :biggrin:

You and your hubby still coming to dinner?

[Mom]

My son lost a friend or two, but he gained much more from joining the CHP. The friend he lost that he cares most about, he probably would have lost anyway. They have totally different attitudes, and I had always told him that if they were to remain friends, my son would just have to accept him how he is.

He made many new friends at the academy. He made a lot more joining his office. And when he transfers, he will make many more. The CHP is more than just friendships. The CHP is a family.

[not5150]

Oh man... this thread brings back fond memories of my ride-alongs in South LA.

So many times we would pull over a car and see all the hands go up (like an upside down spider). The officer would walk up and ask, "Why are all the hands up? I'm just giving you a ticket."

Reactions were priceless

1. Oh... we're being treated like human beings
2. CHP can pull us over on the street?
3. You guys are the best

Taking arrestees to the old Firestone jail was interesting. A bunch of were grateful for the courtesy and treatment. Some didn't want to go into "their" jail and begged to stay in a CHP jail.

I've seen officers buying drinks and food for arrestees before and they are always grateful for it. They are about to lose their freedom (maybe for a long time) and they really remember that bit of gratitude.

Camraderie was great... going to the edge of an area and talking to other officers in West LA or Central. Taking over patrol of another area for their Christmas parties was always interesting - I think we left West LA a smoking crater one year.

[Sampa]

You will lose friends, and you will gain new ones...as goes the life of an Officer (remember though, you do have a long way to go)...losing friends can be very tough but the new friends and family you will gain is something you have to experience to understand; bottom line is the sum gain is 100X what you start with!



After all....THIS is all that really matters. Best of luck to you.


Thank you. I know what I want and if some people can not support they could at least understand and if that is not possible, then, perhaps they are the wrong people in my life.

My friend apologized for her attitude and she said that she will always be there for me...I know I will gain more that loose and reading the posts just puts a smile on my face.
I can't wait for the next challenge.

[Sampa]

I think for some people it is hard to understand why we want to do this, but those that do it understand and those are the ones you need. My dad being a sheriff is my biggest supporter. He loves to tell his buddies at work what his little girl is doing since most of them have seen me grow up. As Yzeman said, you will lose some and you will gain so much more. People that can understand what you are going through without you having to speak a word. And those are the people that you need in your life, ones that understand what you are going through. Stay strong girl. We'll be at the academy together. Maybe not in the same company but the proud group of the few ladies! And maybe one day when we graduate, you can sit down with that friend and talk to her about your career choice and maybe then she will understand. See you in a few weeks! :biggrin:

You and your hubby still coming to dinner?

Thanks girl!!!
Yeah...we are still coming for dinner....a girl gotta eat!!!!:biggrin:
PM me with the location if you already have one.

[bwright]

I have enjoyed this thread! Thanks to all that have added to it. I hope to be able to add to it myself someday soon. This forum has help me to realize that I made the right choice in applying for the CHP. Now that I am closing in on getting an academy date (CTC-I 09 HOPEFULLY), I read through everything and start to feel the pride of becoming what many of you already are! If I could download everything you all know, I would. But I am sure that I will have plenty of Officers thoughout my career to pick the brains of, not to mention live it myself. I am big on working a a team and being part of a bigger family, so the posts in this particular thread have gotten me extra excited. (That and I just talked to my BI!)

But first I need to book a room at that beautiful resort up in West Sacramento! :biggrin:

Thanks all for the info... I cannot begin to explain how it has help me to prepare!

[BigNate]

Always a Cop:
Once the badge goes on, it never comes off, whether they can see it, or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline and no one who has ever worn it with pride, integrity and guts, can ever sleep through the 'call of the wild' that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night.

When Cops Retire

When a good cop leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the law enforcement life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet . We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the law enforcement world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that 'Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God,' and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.



Civilian Friends vs . Police Friends

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
POLICE FRIENDS: Have cried with you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
POLICE FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you..
POLICE FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that left you behind.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are for life.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences. ..
POLICE FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will knock them the hell out for using your name in vain.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will forward this.

There are those that think they understand. And then,. . . . there are cops.




CHP Camraderie reminds me of the USMC. While I was in and still to this day I have close friends. I knew they had my back as well as I theirs. I felt safe and like my Marine family would be there for me. Well my time ended in the Marines and I moved on to civilian life. I got into sales and made a great career for myself. But something has always been missing. I really couldn't put my finger on it but this quote says it all. I look forward to becoming apart of a close nit family again.

[PTR-Jason]

Thanks to all who have responded to this post.

It makes me want to get my call to start backgrounds all that sooner. I know all about camaraderie, from my time as a sworn police officer in a small town, to being a firefighter. It really hits when you least expect it, but no matter where you go you always have that pride that you belong to something, and someone else who wears a badge or uniform can understand why you go to work everyday.

Stay safe all, and I hope to see some of you guys and gals on the streets.