Academy expenses

[CHP_Hopeful86]

Hi again guys, I was wondering about expenses one has to make while in the academy. Obviously I have to pay for the uniforms and shoes, but what else? The housing and food will be paid for, I don't plan on going out that much while in the academy (might fly down home on weekends). So my question is, since I can't really think of what I'm going to have to spend money on, is it safe to assume that I will be saving more than I will be spending?

[Mr. Big]

Hi again guys, I was wondering about expenses one has to make while in the academy. Obviously I have to pay for the uniforms and shoes, but what else? The housing and food will be paid for, I don't plan on going out that much while in the academy (might fly down home on weekends). So my question is, since I can't really think of what I'm going to have to spend money on, is it safe to assume that I will be saving more than I will be spending?

Although it has been a few years since I was a resident there I don't believe the out of pocket expenses have changed that much. Aside from the $ you pony up on arrival for uniforms and supplies, you really won't be writing many checks during your stay. If you are not paying to maintain a residence off-academy then you should be able to sack away a good amount of cash. Your only other real expenses while you are there would be transportation, health benefits (vary by selection), weekend food (or liberty night(s)), travel, entertainment, and dry cleaning. Used to be that you took a 1 year loan as an advance to purchase your uniforms, but I think that's even covered now.

[iakona]

"They say that at the academy the pay is mighty fine.":biggrin:
"Who said that?":noidea:
"They give you a hundred dollars and take back 99.":doh:

--I do remember chanting this over and over again during my wonderful stay at the academy. They always come in asking for $$$ for this and $$$ for that. I never made so much while at the academy, and yet I never had any money.

[BunnyHunter]

There are a lot of little costs we have picked up along the way that total to quite a bit of money.

-The first week you will have about $200-$300 check written to the PX. In includes some wonderful things you must have, like PT clothing for example. You will also have a check written out to the uniform company for like $20 or something like that.

-If you plan on using a dry cleaner those costs add up. I know the one we use charges $8/uniform.

-The first weekend you will probably have around $50 in other misc. items you will want to buy to make your life easier.

-Around weeks 10-12 you will have to buy an extra pair of boots for range. We picked up some from a store, nothing special for $45.

-Around week 10-12 also, you will have a $250 check for a down payment on the actual uniforms. The companies, I guess, are now requiring a down payment.

-And last but not least there are many items that you will find "Not required but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED or things that make life easier". Those items can be a bit costly.

-Oh and it's very common to have cravings on your weekend liberty; and trust me the dinners at various restaurants add up.

Thats all I know so far. If you have no living costs and no major bills, you will be stashing away quite a bit.

[23109]

You'll be required to purchase your campaign cover and blue duty jacket as well.

Oh, and don't forget the Cadet fund !

[cowtown]

Cadet fund? Is the chp associated with any type of Union?

[JavGonz]

There are a lot of little costs we have picked up along the way that total to quite a bit of money.

-The first week you will have about $200-$300 check written to the PX. In includes some wonderful things you must have, like PT clothing for example. You will also have a check written out to the uniform company for like $20 or something like that.

-If you plan on using a dry cleaner those costs add up. I know the one we use charges $8/uniform.

-The first weekend you will probably have around $50 in other misc. items you will want to buy to make your life easier.

-Around weeks 10-12 you will have to buy an extra pair of boots for range. We picked up some from a store, nothing special for $45.

-Around week 10-12 also, you will have a $250 check for a down payment on the actual uniforms. The companies, I guess, are now requiring a down payment.

-And last but not least there are many items that you will find "Not required but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED or things that make life easier". Those items can be a bit costly.

-Oh and it's very common to have cravings on your weekend liberty; and trust me the dinners at various restaurants add up.

Thats all I know so far. If you have no living costs and no major bills, you will be stashing away quite a bit.



Thats a whole lot of stuff; I thought I was spending a lot now! (Pre-Academy):think:

I'm glad I have NO major responsibilities... My only bills are insurance, Credit card and storage (Moving out of my apt). Hopefully I'll get out of the Academy with a healthy bank account. Not to mention the $6,000+ I should get for the GI Bill...

... suddenly the grass is looking greener. :cool:

[BunnyHunter]

You'll be required to purchase your campaign cover and blue duty jacket as well.

Oh, and don't forget the Cadet fund !

I figured those were a give in. :biggrin: I'm still in sticker shock at the cost of that campaign cover. I think the entire thing is sticker shock. How about that level II holster? It's all worth it though.


JavGonz- Pre-academy is expensive also. I was amazed at how quick that added up. On my "phone visitation" (thats what I call between 8pm-9pm) I often am told, "Oh I bought ______ today! It was X amount of dollars. I really needed it." Haha! This is me on the other end - :rolleyes: ! It's not the cheapest 6 months but it is worth the career. I wouldn't change it for anything and neither would he.

[Yzeman]

If I can make a quick suggestion...If you need it, buy it. I know that sounds obvious, but if you really need IT, then IT is usually safety oriented. Bills and expenses will never go away, and you will always be looking for the next OT check...heck, the President is sending us all a check here in the next couple months. Our wifes, husbands, and/or SO's will often question if we really need IT...and that can be good sometimes (I know it is for me), however always remember, if IT makes our job easier, IT makes our job safer.

Again, if you need IT....get IT!

[Mom]

I figured those were a give in. :biggrin: I'm still in sticker shock at the cost of that campaign cover. I think the entire thing is sticker shock. How about that level II holster? It's all worth it though.


JavGonz- Pre-academy is expensive also. I was amazed at how quick that added up. On my "phone visitation" (thats what I call between 8pm-9pm) I often am told, "Oh I bought ______ today! It was X amount of dollars. I really needed it." Haha! This is me on the other end - :rolleyes: ! It's not the cheapest 6 months but it is worth the career. I wouldn't change it for anything and neither would he.My favorite part? Using debit cards, it all shows up as "CHP Recreational" making you go "Huh?" That holster was recreation? But, yes, it is definitely worth it for the extra level of safety.

[23112]

I'm still in sticker shock at the cost of that campaign cover.

That bad boy is worth every penny--nothing like hardened felt and a leather strap to put a dent in one's forehead! But it sure looks sharp, and it keeps the sun off a freshly-shorn head at a fatal-scene.

[Jeff Rhea]

It's been...a long time since I went to the Academy. I had a small family and a mortgage company depending on me for their support; yet I don't recall being that strapped for cash. Then again I had been working as a deputy sheriff and appreciated the pay raise. You'll make it through.

The stuff...yeah, it is very easy to get carried away with all the stuff you think you are going to NEED. Word of caution, you don't NEED as much as you think. I've learned to be a minimalist, e.g. Posse box. Don't need it. After you loose a couple at $35.00+ a pop you realize a $2.50 clip board works just as well and you won't loose six investigations stored in your clip board. :doh: :hitwall: Or the arrest reports. :hitwall: :lol: (now - not so much then).

Unless you have a ton of bills, you shouldn't have a problem with the pay situation. You'll get three hots and a cot, beer on the weekends is on you.

Have fun!

[Dip4CHiP]

OK...with the talk of money floating around, which uniform company is the best one to go with?

Could some we get some pro's and con's regarding Antonio's and Sacramento Uniform Company? "We" have to make a decision soon!

MOM I had a hearty laugh at the "chp recreation fund" for that new holster...because that was the call I got last night! :shock:

[iluvmyofficer]

Both companies have had their 'issues'.
Flip a coin! :lol:

My favorite, and it seemed like every week.... "Here is the holster the state pays for, its trash, buy a better one!" "Here are your cuffs, they're trash, buy better ones!" It started about week 12 then every week... "Here is the _________ the state pays for, its trash, buy a better one!" :hitwall:
Now wouldn't you think the people making the purchases could ask those who's lives depend on the equipment for opinions? :doh:

[makakona]

That bad boy is worth every penny--nothing like hardened felt and a leather strap to put a dent in one's forehead! But it sure looks sharp, and it keeps the sun off a freshly-shorn head at a fatal-scene.
eesh! that's what the straw ones are for! doesn't the felt get trashed? or do you just have a backup?

between my husband's covers and my father-in-law's hand-me-downs, we must have a half dozen in the house. two have turned into dress-up fodder and now have some extra character in the form of dents. probably could have recouped some money if i'd thought about passing them on instead of throwing them to the wolves, er, kids.

[dw]

OK...with the talk of money floating around, which uniform company is the best one to go with?Every vendor I've come across is mediocre. So far the best has been Galls, but I don't know if Hal is doing Academy uniforms. If he is, I would recommend him hands-down.