Wish me luck! [Archive]

Your Mentor

09-25-2005, 10:57 AM

Good job Nellie and good luck!!! I'm sure you'll let us know the outcome. And start running in the early morning hours so you get used to it. I remember running at 0400 in December. My ears were so cold I thought they were going to snap off. And you know how hard it is to wake up in the Winter. :0)

K-Lo

09-25-2005, 04:30 PM

Congrats Nellie!!

Nellie

09-27-2005, 05:22 PM

I had my final background interview today. I was recommended for hire by the investigator. The last three things remaining are: Official approval of the hire, medical exam, and psychological exam.

The whole investigative process was nerve-wracking, but a very enlightening experience. It's another opportunity to reflect upon your life and consider your choices and how you can learn from them (if you haven't already).

I am so excited! I am looking forward to my new career.

09-27-2005, 05:56 PM

Don't forget one, small, fourth step in the process: The Academy!

It's a long 27 weeks. Make sure your family and support network know what you're getting into. If your Division has a pre-Academy seminar, be sure you attend and being your family. If you're not quite in the shape you should be, you still have time to work on it. Run, run, run!

Good luck!

16528

09-27-2005, 07:02 PM

If I can add one more thing.... RUN!!!!!!!!

Welpe

09-27-2005, 10:33 PM

Nellie this is great to hear. Good luck with the rest of the process and hopefully, in the academy. :smile:

SB 405

09-28-2005, 10:52 AM

Good Luck...I think it would be great fun to watch a kid tell us what it's like going through the Academy. Assuming you have a minute or two every so often to drop us a line.

Nellie

09-28-2005, 11:28 AM

Kid? I'm 36 years old! I'll be there with my cane and ear horn at the first day of the academy. Did any of you whippersnappers see my teeth laying around here anywhere?

SB 405

09-28-2005, 12:36 PM

Sorry Nellie I just read something about you having kids,my bad. Of course I'm 48 so I guess I can use the word from time to time. Anyway it would be cool for you to keep in touch during the hiring/training process. LA County Fire just had a 50 y/o retired Redondo Beach PD Officer graduate from class 118 was few weeks ago. Age is only a number to some.

Nellie

09-28-2005, 01:01 PM

No need to apologize. I'm just in good spirits as of late. Ever since my BI said, "Relax. You can smile now." I've been in a great mood.

Mac

09-28-2005, 01:29 PM

Congrats and best wishes, Nellie. It's definitely a great career. 20+ years and counting here, and I wouldn't change a thing.

As DW and others have already said - if you're not running already, start now....you'll be doing a lot of it in the Academy, and going in there out of shape just gives you one more thing to worry about, which you really don't need. Don't forget to throw in some push-ups and sit-ups too!

CHPwannaBE

09-28-2005, 03:20 PM

Congrats on joining the most elite police force that I know of. Also if you CHP's didn't get the job, what would you have done instead?

redhead

09-28-2005, 05:45 PM

Congrats Nellie!

hope to join the ranks with you soon enough!

Mac

09-28-2005, 06:45 PM

...Also if you CHP's didn't get the job, what would you have done instead?

Probably been a fireman - they get all the love! :smile:

Nah, seriously....I didn't even apply with any other agencies, as I knew CHP was the way I wanted to go. If it had fallen through, I probably would have considered my options with a PD or SO.

Nellie

09-30-2005, 11:29 AM

I just went through the medical today. I passed everything that was passable on the first day (20/10 vision woohoo!). I'm thinking the medical facility will take a little time to review the x-rays, labwork, and drug test. I'll fax the results of my TB test to them on Sunday.

Is the psych exam triggered by the success of the medical? How soon after the medical is the psych usually.

The psych is a big unknown to me. Some fireman in the medical facility there for his annual physical said I should beware of that process, and that a lot of folks get rejected at that phase. What should I expect in terms of how to dress, the usual demeanor of the psychologist, etc?

CTC III-05

10-01-2005, 06:35 AM

If I had not been accepted into the CHP academy, I would have not considered any other law enforcement agency. For me, it was all or nothing. A person should never have to settle for second best.

Your Mentor

10-02-2005, 10:05 PM

Nellie,
Don't listen to a fireman about our testing process. Just stick with it and we'll be here to back you up. Well done! The psych has changed over the years though you'll still have to take the battery of multiple choice tests. Really very silly. I guess if you are nuts it will seem difficult. In my opinion, if you can't pass the psych you wouldn't be able to form complete sentences and so wouldn't be such an effective member of this forum! Nothing to worry about at all my friend. Stick with it and keep us informed. We're all here to enjoy your success.
Mentor

Your Mentor

10-02-2005, 10:10 PM

Just a quick side-note; I walked off a military base one day and onto the Academy campus the next. I made it into the Academy in six months and was prepared to return to the service if I didn't make it through. I have to say, however, that I had NO OTHER GOAL. It was all or nothing. I never even considered any alternative. I either got a CHP badge or went back to the military. And then I'd have tried and tried and tried until I got that badge. I was so driven that I graduated 7th out of 140. You can do ANYTHING you put your mind to. And being a CHP officer, a deputy, or PD officer, is meaningful to a nation of people in need of public service. So remember what it's really all about.

Nellie

10-02-2005, 10:18 PM

Thanks for the encouraging words.

When you say "battery of tests", do you mean similar to the ones I took at the PAT?

Your Mentor

10-02-2005, 11:00 PM

Not sure. There is normally a written psych consisting of the MMPI (a military multiple choice test) followed by a psych eval by a licensed DR. It used to be that if there was a question following the MMPI you had to talk to a DR. I didn't. I took the MMPI and moved directly to the BI. That was in 1988 though. We didn't even have the voice stress test back then. Hell, I started the testing in June and entered the Academy in December. A lot has changed since then. So many distrubing internal investigations have caused deeper psych evals. Even then, if you don't hear barking dogs in your head, don't see imaginary friends, and aren't compelled to preach the end of the world, I'd say you have absolutely NOTHING to worry about. No worries my friend.

Capsicum

10-02-2005, 11:49 PM

You took the written psych at around the same time you took your PAT. Currently testing works like this: Application, Written test, PAT, Written Psych, QAP and then BI (If I remember correctly you will take the CVSA during backgrounds). If you are successful with your BI you will get a Physical Exam and a Psychological Exam. The Psychologist is the one who would review and interpret the written psych.

Your Mentor

10-03-2005, 12:08 AM

It wasn't quite as complex in 1987. Written, PAT, written psych, face-to-face psych if written psych showed anomolies, QAP and then BI. The physical exam only came after you'd completed EVERYTHING, including the background. Then you got your phone call inviting you to the Academy. I completed everything in six months, along with three others in my Division, only because we were all prior military. That was before the accelerated military hiring program (don't even know if that's still offered)

highway sentinel

10-10-2005, 08:24 PM

Good job Nellie. Hopefully your oral psych will be expedited in a timely manner so you can get into the November academy. The oral psych is all I have left to complete. I'm out of Valley Division and originally applied in August of 2004. I passed my medical in the middle of July, so I have been waiting for quite some time on my psych interview. My BI told me that his Sergeant who oversees the applicants retired in August, so the new 'boss' had to go over the remaining packets again, which is why the delay. I'm hoping I get my psych phone call sometime in the next couple weeks, or i'll be sweatin'! A guy I played football with in high school is at the academy now and his dad tells me that it's pretty tough, but he loves it. Anyhow, this new forum is great, much more 'up to date' than chp.net. As this is my first post, i had to mention that. ;)

Nellie

10-11-2005, 07:55 AM

Maybe I'll see you there.

I was told by my BI and a couple other officers that my case would be expedited since they need numbers for the November academy and the fact that I am 36 1/2 years old. I hope that's true, but I can wait a bit longer. I started this process in the summer of 2004, what's a few more months? :cry:

highway sentinel

10-11-2005, 06:01 PM

wow! many kudos to you. you've got the talent, apparently, since you've gotten this far, and courage entering something where i'd assume many of the cadets (such as myself) are in their early-mid 20s. i'm 23 in 6 days. it would be great to meet you in november, and that's good news about the numbers they are needing. i'm sure they'll find us a way in! I can wait a few more months, but gosh, i hate putting such meaningful and great things off. :smile:

redhead

10-11-2005, 06:21 PM

I was told by my BI and a couple other officers that my case would be expedited since they need numbers for the November academy I had heard this too, so hope that you are able to make it.

Like rightwing said, many of us are in our 20's so, congrats on sticking with it, and hope to join you on the road one day.

highway sentinel

10-15-2005, 03:14 PM

I received a call from the SPB scheduling my Oral Psych for Monday October 24th. They called me three days ago. I was very much relieved to recieve that call. I'm wondering what this thing is going to be constructed with. I know they'll go over certain parts of the MMPI test I took in January, but I don't know what they're looking for. I've heard it's nothing to get too worried about from some cadets/officers, and others say it was very stressful and I even know of a guy who was DQ'd after it....the grapevine said that he lacked "decision making skills." But.....this guy has been rejected by different departments numerous times, so I'm not putting much thought into his outcome. Any thoughts or insight is very much appreciated!

lomotor

10-15-2005, 04:28 PM

The Psych is not anything to lose any sleep over. Although an important part of the whloe process, just stay relaxed. You know that you have gotten this far in the whole process and how stressful parts of it have been. You look back on them now and ask yourself "Why did I get so stressed". You'll do the same with this psych. So don't make it up to be more than it really is. You don't have anything to hide at this point as you have be filleted oped for all to see. The thing about the psych is to say relaxed and calm. Get a good nights rest the night before and you'll be all set.

Nellie

10-20-2005, 01:46 PM

Well, I had the day off so I could take my daughter to the orthodontics. I just got home at 2:25 and went outside to put some flea medicine on the dogs (and to see if there were any more dead feral cats in my yard). I finished and came back in at 2:30 and checked my messages. The first one was from the state psych testing department asking me to call by 2:30. I hung up immediately and called, but only got a message telling me not to leave a message if I was a candidate. :lol:

10-21-2005, 06:59 AM

I got a call from the SPB on Wed. and they scheduled me for Fri. the 28th. I was told by my BI that they were still pushing hard to get more people in the Nov. class. Finally, the last step in the process, I expect that all should go well. I was told by a few local officers that the psych. was really no big deal. They said that I just needed to relax and not try to read into their questions, just answer them as best I could. Good luck to you guys with psych. interviews coming up.

Nellie

10-21-2005, 07:15 AM

Thanks RD. I called this morning and got my psych interview set up for this coming Monday.

Nellie

10-24-2005, 03:55 PM

I just got back from my psych eval. I think it went well, but now I must wait and see.

10-24-2005, 07:30 PM

Hey Nellie, about how long did you psych. interview take to complete? I'm just trying to get an idea of how long I'm going to be there. Thanks.

Nellie

10-24-2005, 07:49 PM

One hour

Nellie

10-26-2005, 08:31 AM

SB 405

10-26-2005, 08:53 AM

How does the test work? Written,verbal or both?

Nellie

10-26-2005, 08:56 AM

Pretty much it is another interview.

redhead

10-26-2005, 09:24 AM

If you asked me last week what the most stressful portion of the hiring process was, I would have said the CVSA, or even the QAP. I had my psych eval two days ago, and was told by the Dr. that he was goint to send (call and send) the results Tuesday, and that I would be contacted later this week by the CHP. If you would ask me now what the most stressful portion of the process was, I would say "waiting."
The unkown waiting.

I agree.

In background right now, and no one has been contacted, but then again, I had my initial just a week ago. Figure I should be getting the call for the CVSA here any day now........ and then wait again.

Nellie

10-26-2005, 09:44 AM

I just got called with the results. I was given my official offer over the phone for the November academy. I am also officially no longer stressed about this.

:smile:

For those of you going in November, congratulations and I'll see you there.

For those waiting still, hang in there!

Mac

10-26-2005, 10:09 AM

Congrats, Nellie - now go do some pushups! :smile:

Your Mentor

10-26-2005, 10:17 AM

Well done Nellie! Now the REAL stress is about to begin.

Whatever you do, wear a conservative suit for pick-up day. DON'T wear the Gucci silk power suit. Oh, and take a small bag instead of four rolling wardrobes. Oh, and don't forget to write us on the weekends!!!!

:cry: They grow up so fast . . .

And though you're 36, you're still a kid to the Academy staff, and subsequently to those of us in the field. Think of it as your CHP age, not your biological age. You'll be considered a kid for a couple of years now. It's fun though so go with it. And keep that in the back of your mind when you're on breakin with a twenty-something FTO.

SB 405

10-26-2005, 10:30 AM

Very cool Nellie,nice going. And please do keep us updated because for someone who's never been through an Academy I'm really looking forward to your stories. Mentor,can you explain in a sentence or two how "pick up day" works for those of us not in the know?

redhead

10-26-2005, 10:43 AM

Congrats Nellie!!!!

10-26-2005, 12:22 PM

Congratulations Nellie! Good luck to you in the academy. Hopefully I will see you there.

Welpe

10-26-2005, 01:55 PM

Congrats Nellie!

highway sentinel

10-26-2005, 04:40 PM

Amazing! I also received my call today with an offer to the November 14th academy. I also took my oral psych two days ago, as Nellie did. I had a surge of excitement and surreality when the Officer at the hiring division told me that I got through. She said they were 'next day-ing' the actual bid letter.

So i will see you there too Nellie! My Uncle is a Sergeant for the West Sacramento Police Department, which is the city where the CHP academy is located, so he's always out at the academy and he knows many of the instructors and officers that work out there. He just told me to make sure i'm as physically ready as possible so that my main focus can be on the academics portion of the training. It's easier said than done, and I am a recent State University graduate, but I realize that the academy academics will be a bit different.

I know the first few weeks will undoubtedly be the hardest, so I am definitely a bit nervous, but I know it will be one of the best experiences in my young life. Good luck to all of you who are still in the process....the hardest part is the waiting. hands down. Thanks to all the officers who run and contribute to forums like this one. Without this, I would have been completely lost during the waiting periods. :smile:

Welpe

10-26-2005, 04:43 PM

double post

Welpe

10-26-2005, 04:45 PM

Hey rightwing, since you say you're a recent State University grad, may I inquire as to how old you are?

Edit: You can disregard this, I just read some of your other posts. :shock:ops:

At any rate, congrats to you too!

Nellie

10-26-2005, 04:58 PM

You know what was pretty funny?

I was in the waiting room at the psychiatrist's office. Someone (young guy in a suit) before me came out of the office and asked if I had a pen. I said, "no." He then handed me a nice pen and exited the building. I wonder if he was one of the candidates for the CHP.

Was that any of you?

Thanks for the pen. :smile:

Mac

10-26-2005, 05:06 PM

Congrats to you too, Rightwing! You're both taking the first step toward a very fun and rewarding career. The academy is tough, but it's also a great experience if you go about it in the right frame of mind. Just remember that thousands have made it through before you, so there's nothing stopping you from succeeding....you just have to want it bad enough! It's a challenge, but not an insurmountable one.

10-26-2005, 05:14 PM

I agree with Mentor, my first thought was, "the stress should be pouring on now, not letting off." :!: At least for me it was that way. As soon as I got there, the numbness set in, though.

For those asking about pick-up day, unfortunately that's one of those things you have to go through to learn about. We gotta' keep some things secret for when you arrive at Camp CHP!

Your Mentor

10-26-2005, 08:09 PM

Mac

10-26-2005, 09:02 PM

...And in a week or so you get to meet the warm and fuzzy PT staff (NOT).:shock:
You mean the PT staff doesn't serve snack bars and protein drinks and do the group hug thing on the first day anymore??? Hmmpppphhhh.....what the heck is this department coming to? :lol:

Hammer

10-26-2005, 11:34 PM

Nellie,
Can you tell me where you are testing? I had my psych on October 20th and still haven't recieved the call. Was the call from the cadet hiring unit?
Thanks

Nellie

10-27-2005, 04:59 AM

My psych interview was in Salinas. I'm not sure what unit the person who called me was from. Good luck Hammer.

highway sentinel

10-27-2005, 09:22 AM

Yeh, I don't want to spoil pick-up day for the officers and sergeants who are waiting anxiously to meet all of you. In a sentence? It is shock therapy for the ill-prepared and a garbage disposal for your ego. :badgrin: And in a week or so you get to meet the warm and fuzzy PT staff (NOT).:shock:

Sooooo.....I'm not sure entirely if I understand this. Does this mean that we actually do not start PT until the beginning of the second week? I don't know if you guys want to divulge that or not. Just curiousity.

Also, what are the usual averages for the amount of female cadets that are in each academy class? I've kind of always wondered that, and people always ask me how many females will be training with me, and I can never give them any type of legitimate answer.

Dipmo

10-27-2005, 10:24 AM

Congrats to Nellie and Therightwing17 on your success! Good luck at the academy.

Your Mentor

10-27-2005, 01:52 PM

There will only be a handful of females. It varies from class to class. I haven't seen more than 20 in one class. It's almost always smaller.

And no, I'm not about to spoil the experience. Just be prepared for a ton more stress than you've been dealing with in the hiring process.