Hanging on in quiet desperation for psyche results

[marcus]

I can't believe this web page exists. Or that I found it.

November 8 was my first background interview
January 12 was my final background interview
The following week I had my medical
January 31 I had my psyche

It's now been 12 days and I've heard NOTHING

This is by far the most anxiety I've felt in the entire process. My B.I. swore me not to drop out, demanded that I run daily, and overall... made me feel optomistic. He told me I'm going to be rushed toward the March 6 academy. That's now 3 weeks away - this is cutting it close. But I refuse to study the CHP academy manual he gave me - why should I? I don't want to risk being a civilian with excessive CHP academy knowledge! Good grief. Is this normal? I just read a timeline from November and the guy had his psyche results in 2 days - that's not reassuring.

Am I alone?

[DESERT RAT]

"But I refuse to study the CHP academy manual he gave me- why should I ?" You better open it up and start your studying now, that manual is only the tip of the iceberg. The stress you feel now is nothing compared to, becoming a cadet. Anything you can learn prior to academy is an advantage for you. As you will find in the academy it is easy to fall behind and fall out. If you make it through the academy you will watch 30% percent of the people quit or fail out of the academy. My class started with 92 and graduated 59. I have heard the class that will be your senior class is down to low 60's and they are bearilly half way through. The anxiety is normal. Call the cadet hiring unit and ask them if they have got your packet. The number should be on your paper work.

[marcus]

Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to be memorizing my SOP right now - but am just fearful of rejection.

My question is... is it NORMAL to wait two + weeks to get results from a psych?

ALso, WHO do I call at this point? I figure that my division office is out of the loop at this point. I have a CHP number for Sacramento but no one answers it (it is lunch time). Isn't my package with the SPB right now? SHouldn't I have to call them?

What worries me mostly, was that my psych interviewer was really cold to me. Without any emotion. It's offputting.

[pupdog]

PAITENCE!!!
I tested with Golden Gate late summer/early fall. I've been waiting for my initial background interview SINCE SEPTEMBER. I'd give anything to be in your shoes right now because I'm VERY anxious to move on with my life. And I'd have that academy manual memorised by now too!

[bob smith]

I have a CHP number for Sacramento but no one answers it (it is lunch time).

THEY HAVE THE DAY OFF. THEY WILL BE BACK IN TOMORROW. READ ANY AND ALL INFO. YOU HAVE AVAIL. BE PATIENT, YOU HAVE THREE WEEKS LEFT FOR THEM TO CONTACT YOU. THEY CAN GIVE YOU THE WORD THE FRIDAY BEFORE A CLASS BEGINS. YOU ARE ONE STEP AHEAD OF ME, IF IT MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER.

[Officer_Grady]

But I refuse to study the CHP academy manual he gave me - why should I?


If you want the job, you should, if you don't, this can discuss it here, but there are many others who would like to be in your shoes with a chance.

[marcus]

In my defense...

My point was this: I was looking for answers here about notification - not the importance of the SOP manual.

I don't think the CHP has 3 weeks to give me notice. I think they have 1. My current employer will not be happy with anything less than a two week notice. And I don't intend to give anything less than a two week notice. I might have to RETURN to this job after all! And integrity IS important, right?

Also, I read the SOP manual... I'm just not memorizing/studying it. I can remember, off-hand, "no mirrored sunglasses" and "push in your chair in the cafateria", ect. I am running, almost everyday, a mile minimum. The CHP "professional values" (CHP PRIDE) are taped to the fridge. But it's weird doing these things when my employment status is 'wanna be'. And it would be a huge motivational boost to have some kind of verification that it takes this long for the SPB to finish... hence, it's normal. That's all I'm looking for.

[bob smith]

IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE THE LUXURY OF GIVING 2 WEEKS NOTICE. I AGREE WITH YOU ON THAT. WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO FOCUS ON THOUGH IS WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT, GIVING TWO WEEKS NOTICE OR GAINING A NEW GREAT CAREER. IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD THIS YET, YOU WILL DEFINITLY HEAR IT ALOT "THE NEEDS OF THE DEPARTMENT COME FIRST." I REALLY WISH I HAD THE FINAL LETTER IN MY HAND ALSO. I STILL HAVE TO COMPLETE THE PSYCH INTERVIEW, AND MY LAST DAY OF WORK IS THIS FRIDAY. YOU COULD BE IN A WORSE SITUATION. I BET YOU'LL HEAR SOMETHING BY THURSDAY. KEEP US INFORMED.

[bcjack]

How bad do you REALLY want to be a CHP Officer????

Think of the whole process from another angle...The CHP chose YOU to join them...They did not have to choose you for the job...but they did...They could have chosen someone else...But they didn't. GET TO STUDYING AND STOP WORRYING ABOUT WHAT IF...:confused:

Good luck in the process and may you have a long, safe, and successful career as a CHP Officer...:biggrin:

[CaliforniaHighwayPatrol]

How bad do you REALLY want to be a CHP Officer????

Think of the whole process from another angle...The CHP chose YOU to join them...They did not have to choose you for the job...but they did...They could have chosen someone else...But they didn't. GET TO STUDYING AND STOP WORRYING ABOUT WHAT IF...:confused:

Good luck in the process and may you have a long, safe, and successful career as a CHP Officer...:biggrin:

Couldn't agree more

[norcal625]

Like the posters previous, I feel your pain. I've got my final interview Wednesday, I gave my employeer tentative notice because I'm falling to within 2 weeks of when I'd have to leave and don't want to short them. That leaves me 2 weeks for a med and oral psych. I thought my BI was pushing for March 6th, but now I'm not so sure I'm even going to get recomended and fearful that by telling my job I was thinking of leaving they are not going to want to keep me because I'm actively searching for a career job with a police force. We can all just hope for the best.

[DESERT RAT]

Marcus: Does your current job know you are trying to get into the CHP? Tell, your work about the situation with the CHP. If they cannot understand that you might not have the luxury of giving a two weeks notice then maybe they don't deserve one. Also get used to not making concrete plans, and having to play it by ear. This is the CHP! You might be 10 minutes from going 10-10, at which time you are catching a plane on a planned vacation and you get a 11-80/ 11-44 , guess what? Your vacation just got changed! If you dont understand what I just said in ten codes, you should probably start studying, seriously!

When I went through the academy, we had several guys who did not cut the imbilical chord with their previous employers. When the going got tough, they tucked their tails between their legs and quit! Its a double edged sword, makes it real easy to quit!

Norcal if your job fires you because you are searching for a better career, file suit and take them to the cleaners! They can not fire you because you are looking for a better job!

bcjack: I kinda disagree with you. Marcus chose the CHP, they did not choose him. Trust me, the academy staff reinforces the fact that you are there becuase you chose the CHP not the reverse! The CHP just identified him as someone who has the minimum qualifications to attend the academy training. When you graduate academy, pass FTO and pass your first year probation, you have now been chosen!

[CaliforniaHighwayPatrol]

bcjack: I kinda disagree with you. Marcus chose the CHP, they did not choose him. Trust me, the academy staff reinforces the fact that you are there becuase you chose the CHP not the reverse! The CHP just identified him as someone who has the minimum qualifications to attend the academy training. When you graduate academy, pass FTO and pass your first year probation, you have now been chosen!

I think he is trying to turn it into positive reinforcement.

[RodeoChippie]

I got my call to go to the Academy on Dec 24 for a Class starting on Jan 8th. I guess how you handle the situation depends on how bad you want the job. I'm sure there is someone out there hoping you stick to your guns and require the Dept to notify you well in advance so you can give your current employer 2 weeks notice. They would love to have your place in the Academy. I agree with what Desert Rat is saying. You applied for our Dept. We didn't hunt you down and beg you to apply.

[makakona]

In my defense...

My point was this: I was looking for answers here about notification - not the importance of the SOP manual.

I don't think the CHP has 3 weeks to give me notice. I think they have 1. My current employer will not be happy with anything less than a two week notice. And I don't intend to give anything less than a two week notice. I might have to RETURN to this job after all! And integrity IS important, right?

Also, I read the SOP manual... I'm just not memorizing/studying it. I can remember, off-hand, "no mirrored sunglasses" and "push in your chair in the cafateria", ect. I am running, almost everyday, a mile minimum. The CHP "professional values" (CHP PRIDE) are taped to the fridge. But it's weird doing these things when my employment status is 'wanna be'. And it would be a huge motivational boost to have some kind of verification that it takes this long for the SPB to finish... hence, it's normal. That's all I'm looking for.

first off, get your mind away from returning to that job... you're not going to, remember?! :biggrin:

i have a problem with the small amount of notice some people are given, but that's just me and coming from a mangerial standpoint... one day when i'm queen of the world (or at least state), i'll change that rule, but until then, y'all just have to suck it up.

you should let your employer know now what's going on, just in case you make it into the class. when my husband was going through the process, he was told to be ready, just in case, that he could get as little as a week's notice... and we lived 3000 miles away and he was still in the military! imagine trying to cut ties with THAT employer! the chp gave him enough notice, but the military still hadn't cut him loose. they gave us ten days to pack up a 2400 square foot house, ship all household items, ship two vehicles, load up our kids and dog (who had to go through a screening process to fly), AND he had to do the paperwork and meetings to separate from the military. talk about STRESS! but you know, we got through it, and he made it, and he couldn't be happier about his choice.

but he did he regret not having spent more time with his sop. ;)

[marcus]

Believe me, I'd love to tell my employer goodbye forever! And my employer DOES know everything. In fact, my boss asked me today if I was going to quit because he'd really like to start training someone NOW. For the last month I've evaded my boss on issues of 'when i'll use vacation' and starting my 401(k) with the excuse of "I'm waiting on testing results from CHP." If I can't give 2 weeks notice, I wont. But this company IS and HAS BEEN good to me.

What really freaked me out - and prompted me to start this thread - was seeing that someone had a psych result in 2 days. And another user has his academy invite already. Plus THIS:

My friend works for the local PD. Two guys from his department applied for the Sheriff's office here. They both failed their psych! Current and active cops who failed a psych for another agency - that is weird... they already passed a psych to get the PD job! There is just no science to that.

So, I'm pessimistic and taking it all about as well as a man with a bad disposition under good control can be. ;)

[pp48n]

Marcus, first I will say I am not a CHP officer, I am a LEO in NY. But from my observations with my job I will say this..... Take a deep breath. Probably alot of candidates to review before the March 6th academy. Maybe there is a back log on notifications. I know I was told a day before I got into the police academy here in NY. My job wasnt happy, but was happy for me. Such is life. Your employer will have to understand that and if they have been as good to you as stated, then they will.

You have a manual to study?!?!? And you in some silent protest are resisting the urge to devour all that it contains. This might come off a bit harsh, but whats the deal? You obviously don't really want the CHP. Listen clearly, I know where you are! I've been there with my job. I bet any officer here will tell you the same. The anxiety you feel now is understandable. But not pouring through the material provided for you, is foolish. I tell you what. I am thinking about taking the exam later this year. Send me that manual and I will gladly read it through and then again and again. Till I can recite it word for word, and tell you every typo that exists. Thats how you ought to feel right now. Thats what you ought to be doing.

We all worry, we all doubt, but now is the end of the first race of your career. Finish strong. Then take a quick breather as you start the marathon of the academy. And don't be foolish, study what was given to you. Start preparing now. Cause tomorrow might be too late. Good Luck. And please let us know the good news!

[Processing]

pp48n...
i could not have thought of a better way to say that than you did!!! i am in the process right now, and am looking at the may29th academy. i assure you, that SOP would like gold to me right now.

[djpez2001]

I had my psych last tuesday and have not heard anything from CHP. Called down to the Cadet Hiring Unit and asked if they had my packet, I was told that some packets take about 2 weeks to reach the Cadet Hiring Unit, so that I needed to call SPB and ask them what was going on. Called SPB psych unit and an answering machine gave specific instructions that if a candidate was calling not to leave a message because that would delay the process, so at this point I have no way of knowing whether I will make it to CTC I-06, unless I get a letter or a phone call sometime this week or next. If anybody has any advise or is in the same boat I would like to hear it from you. For everybody else that has gotten an invitation to the March 6 Academy, congrats and I wish you the best of luck. Hopefully I will be there with you guys!!

[marcus]

I called CHP. They have not received my psych results from the SPB. The girl who took my call agreed that this was longer than normal. So, she gave me the number for the SPB... and I called them. The psychologist has not submitted her report. I asked if it was normal for a psychologist to take more than two weeks to write a report. The woman who took my call answered, "I'll e-mail her and make sure she sends it in, by fax, today or tomorrow". So, I don't know if it's "normal" but she seemed to understand a sense of urgency.

Of course, now I can start worrying about PASSING again.

[dw]

I called CHP. They have not received my psych results from the SPB. The girl who took my call agreed that this was longer than normal. So, she gave me the number for the SPB... and I called them. The psychologist has not submitted her report. I asked if it was normal for a psychologist to take more than two weeks to write a report. The woman who took my call answered, "I'll e-mail her and make sure she sends it in, by fax, today or tomorrow". So, I don't know if it's "normal" but she seemed to understand a sense of urgency.

Of course, now I can start worrying about PASSING again.

You really need to relax. And start memorizing every word of that SOP. Plan on notice coming late. If it is that big of a deal with your current employer, then you always have the option to waive the class. Granted, the CHP has fulfilled our obligation in offering you employment, but with the current state of things I find it difficult to believe we'd pass up someone all ready to go for a future class.

As said before, if you go in thinking you may return to your current job, you probably will. You need to be confident in your abilities.

[bcjack]

DesertRat wrote: "bcjack: I kinda disagree with you. Marcus chose the CHP, they did not choose him. Trust me, the academy staff reinforces the fact that you are there becuase you chose the CHP not the reverse! The CHP just identified him as someone who has the minimum qualifications to attend the academy training. When you graduate academy, pass FTO and pass your first year probation, you have now been chosen!"


Rat: I have to disagree with your disagreement...Marcus chose to apply for the CHP, along with hundreds, maybe thousands of others. The CHP CHOSE HIM to join their fine organization by entering him into the process. He owes them a giant debt just for allowing him the opportunity to join them. The CHP could have told Marcus, "We don't want you" and rejected his application. But they didn't...It is his obligation to show the CHP that they made a good choice, give them 100%, and become an Officer.

[DESERT RAT]

bc, I guess it could be interpreted either way. However, at the academy they let each cadet know, CHP did not choose them, they chose the CHP. Im done beating this Dead horse of a thread!

[bcjack]

Rat: OK...I follow the Academy logic...I was just taught differently...:biggrin:

[rb525]

Just be ready to go like everyone else has already said so well. I had just over 3 weeks notice, but I kept my employers in the loop during the entire process. I cant tell you how good it felt to finally have that appointment letter in my hand (my proccess time was a year and a half). I got my gear together and started to study. Academy SOP was the first test given and if I remember right it required 100% to pass.

[Tom]

Don't freak out about the psych exam. My wife failed one with one department and passed two with two different departments. They are very subjective and pretty much BS. In my humble opinion.

Tom

[redhead]

What I have an issue with in regards to this topic is respect. During the hiring process at the QAP and at your INITAL you are asked if you have ever quit or left a job without giving "proper" notice.

Of course, as a manager and someone who hires people, I understand the States view of asking this question, but in the same breath, for someone who has been in the process for X amount of months/years/decades ;), why can they not extend that same respect of "proper" notice to your current employer?

[djpez2001]

called SPB, finally got a person to answer. They said that they had not made a decision yet...wow! after 8 days a simple yes or no cannot be decided! the business of pchyscological screening must be rocket science.

[marcus]

Don't freak out about the psych exam. My wife failed one with one department and passed two with two different departments. They are very subjective and pretty much BS. In my humble opinion.

Why shouldn't I freak out about a step in the hiring process that as you say is, "subjective and pretty much BS":confused:: This job is very important to me and I'm not satisfied that it's come down to a selection based on capricious science.

You may have noticed that I added an avatar. I felt it appropriate.

Academy SOP was the first test given and if I remember right it required 100% to pass.
I appreciate that, and it's good to know there is a test. Thank you. Though I have no intent on memorizing it "word for word" as has been suggested, I guarantee that I could pass a test on the material after reading it again today. My origainl post of "why should I study this" was not to be blasphemous of the legitamacy of the document or establish myself as a half-harted ungrateful dimwit, but to express my anxious mood.

My original post was also made to get some answers as to how the CHP moves at this stage, not to get flamed as a slacker. I have an A.S. in Administration of justice and a B.S. in criminal justice. I'm a bit rusty, but I know the elements to most major penal codes. word for word, I can tell you 836 and the definition of entrapment. *IF* I get this job, I'd love to start studying the vehicle code. I run, daily. My wife is prepared - as we spent 7 months living in different countries in 2005. We didn't have weekend visits for that.

I'm prepared, I am positive of that, but I'm lacking the enthusiasm and motivation of a person who has been hired.


You might be 10 minutes from going 10-10, at which time you are catching a plane on a planned vacation and you get a 11-80/ 11-44 , guess what? Your vacation just got changed! If you dont understand what I just said in ten codes, you should probably start studying, seriously!

I don't know 10 codes. It seems that different departments change them for their needs. So I'm not trying to memorize something -found on the internet- that could be wrong. Furthermore, 10 codes are not in my academy SOP. Maybe you could tell me where to get a CHP list of 10 codes?


get used to not making concrete plans, and having to play it by ear. This is the CHP! Uhm... :rolleyes: I was a Peace Corps Volunteer. I can cope.

What I have an issue with in regards to this topic is respect. During the hiring process at the QAP and at your INITAL you are asked if you have ever quit or left a job without giving "proper" notice.
And to be fair, those who posted FACTS about their CHP timelines were able to give two week notices to their jobs. I believe that others were just trying to prove a point. I think they're the same ones who will tell their children that they walked uphill both ways...

[DESERT RAT]

For 10- codes go to www.chp.ca.gov look at site map and scroll down to 10-codes.

"Um I was a peace corp volunteer, I can cope." You really have no clue, I guess their is a reason Staff SGT. at the academy calls cadet's cadidiots. Please do me a favor, when you get jacked up by the Staff Office, and they ask you what have you done to prepare yourself, Please, Please, for me, tell them you trained with the Peace Corps! And when the P.T. Staff jacks you up, tell them you trained with "Windsor Pilates" , Please keep us informed after your first week at the academy, if you pass the psych.

Sincerly, D-Rat

[Mac]

When I was waiting to go to the Academy, I had told my current employer of my status and they knew that I could go at any given time. I received the call from the Department on January 3rd, telling me that I had been recommended for hire and had an Academy date for mid-March (don't remember specifically what day). She told me that there was an opening in the Academy class that started Jan 9th (the following Monday), but I was under no obligation to accept that slot since the timeline was so tight. Before she could even get that sentence out of her mouth, I said "I'll take it!". She asked if it would give me time to get my affairs in order, and I said "I'll MAKE time". I went to work that day and gave my employer my 4-day notice (since I wanted the weekend to pack and drive to Sacramento), and the next Monday I was in the Academy wondering what the hell just hit me. :smile:

I didn't worry about giving my employer such short notice because a)they were forewarned and b)I knew I wasn't coming back. Didn't even think twice about accepting the slot.

[Tom]

Marcus, I was trying to be POSITIVE. Sorry. I have ZERO control over the psych process and neither do you. Negative thinking will produce negative results - its called a self-fulfilled prophecy. Good luck.

Tom

[redhead]

I don't know 10 codes. It seems that different departments change them for their needs. So I'm not trying to memorize something -found on the internet- that could be wrong. Furthermore, 10 codes are not in my academy SOP. Maybe you could tell me where to get a CHP list of 10 codes?


ABC (http://www.chpforums.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=100)

Listed in the Library here on this site as well.......

[marcus]

Marcus, I was trying to be POSITIVE. Sorry. I have ZERO control over the psych process and neither do you. Negative thinking will produce negative results - its called a self-fulfilled prophecy. Good luck.
Don't worry, don't apologize, I enjoy what you have to say because I agree with you. I was just putting a fun spin on your words. Thank you for the optimism. I prefer optomism to having my words taken out of context and called an idiot.

Furthermore, Mac's post (who gave his employer only 4 days notice) really helped me. It's nice to know that I will have options (of choosing the next academy if need be). This is the kind of information that I was hoping to find here.

[retchp]

Marcus wrote:
I know the elements to most major penile codes.

Since you are so well educated and a member of the peace Corps and all like that, can you let us know exactly what a "penile code" is? Is it anything like a Penal code?

[SB 405]

My hotel ran a Valentine's Day special yesterday in which a Penile Code was placed in each room before check-in.;)

[marcus]

Ow crap, ok, you nailed me on that one.

And I'm sorry I've offended the instatution of the CHP academy by saying I've been in the Peace Corps. It was only in reference to this: "get used to not making concrete plans, and having to play it by ear". I never said it would help me, or was more difficult than the CHP academy.

Now I've added a signatue file to my user file.

[Mac]

Since you are so well educated and a member of the peace Corps and all like that, can you let us know exactly what a "penile code" is? Is it anything like a Penal code?
LOL....is anybody else here old enough to remember the courtroom scene in "Kentucky Fried Movie"? :lol: