What Was the Most Surprising Thing You Learned About the CHP ....

[MLB2]

Just to get things started:

What was the most surprising thing you learned about the CHP or LE in general when your family member went to the academy?

Of course this is if you have never had any LE in your family and no knowledge of how LE works.

Mine was when I was thinking of the risk involved and I thought OMG, all his neighbors will know he is CHP when he leaves for work in his uniform and I was pretty stressed over that making him a target for the criminal element. Of course, it was later explained to me that they don't wear the uniform to work, they just wear street clothes to the office and then change at work. What a relief.

This family was really "green" when it came to anything related to personally knowing anything at all about CHP/LE. So, we have learned along the way. I remember when he was at the academy and calling home. The day they did EVOC it was like the whole family was waiting for that phone call that said " I passed".

Also, learning the CHP terminology so I could understand his conversation :lol:

Anyway, some of those recollections are now funny and just thought maybe someone else had some to share as well.

[PharmGirl]

Thinking, my worst fear would be him getting shot....ya that's not true!

My worst fear now is him being hit (again) by a car!

[HIPCHIP]

My dad became an LAPD officer when I was 12. I was scared he'd get shot, but then he said to me "who do you think a bad guy would rather shoot, an unarmed civilian or and armed and trained police officer?" Had to admit it, bad guys probably don't want to shoot at an officer if they can help it. That made me feel better.

Biggest surprise to me, every time I went in and sat down to eat at a restaurant the waitress came and poured me a cup of coffee. I don't drink coffee, and they were shocked finding a Chippy that drank lemonade instead of coffee:redface:

[makakona]

hipchip, my husband has the same problem with the coffee. "really? you only want water?"

i can't really think of anything that was a surprise. i've never been a reckless driver, but my driving habits sure changed once my husband was involved in an accident. he had stopped a speeder when a drunk plowed into his car and while the drunk (fourth conviction, by the way :rolleyes:) was obviously to blame, i realized that i could endanger an officer's life by driving in a manner that would cause him to pull me over... if that makes sense?

as for drunks, my husband's job has thoroughly convinced me that dui's should be a felony. i know, i know, you can lecture me about that till you're blue in the face, but i'll hold to it. i have absolutely no tolerance for it and i think people get off too easily for something that can have such grave consequences.

[jmiahhenry]

The thing that suprised me about CHP...was in my ride along. they guy could talk on his cell, answer radio calls, and be on the laptop all while driving!

[iakona]

The thing that suprised me about CHP...was in my ride along. they guy could talk on his cell, answer radio calls, and be on the laptop all while driving!

Not anymore, unless hands-free device is used. :hitwall:
But that is impressive, isn't it! :razz:

[Gittinready]

And they say men can't multi-task:biggrin:

You forgot driving with his knee while drinking his coffee/red bull/water/etc.

[jmiahhenry]

And they say men can't multi-task:biggrin:

You forgot driving with his knee while drinking his coffee/red bull/water/etc.


Actually yea how did you know?

[Capsicum]

Not anymore, unless hands-free device is used. :hitwall:
But that is impressive, isn't it! :razz:

Actually subsection d makes us exempt from this.

23123. (a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.
(b) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a base fine of twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense.
(c) This section does not apply to a person using a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity.
(d) This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties.
(e) This section does not apply to a person driving a schoolbus or transit vehicle that is subject to Section 23125.
(f) This section does not apply to a person while driving a motor vehicle on private property.
(g) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2008.

23124. (a) This section applies to a person under the age of 18 years.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 23123, a person described in subdivision (a) shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, even if equipped with a hands-free device, or while using a mobile service device.
(c) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a base fine of twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense.
(d) A law enforcement officer shall not stop a vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether the driver is violating subdivision (b).
(e) Subdivision (d) does not prohibit a law enforcement officer from stopping a vehicle for a violation of Section 23123.
(f) This section does not apply to a person using a wireless telephone or a mobile service device for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity.
(g) For the purposes of this section, "mobile service device" includes, but is not limited to, a broadband personal communication device, specialized mobile radio device, handheld device or laptop computer with mobile data access, pager, and two-way messaging device.
(h) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2008.

[LoveMyChippy]

I think what surprised me the most about the CHP was how much training they receive (27 week academy + break in) and how much more is available to them. It makes me feel much better knowing how much training my husband has!

[rayni]

I think what surprised me the most about the CHP was how much training they receive (27 week academy + break in) and how much more is available to them. It makes me feel much better knowing how much training my husband has!

Yes I think this is what surprised me too. Not the 27 weeks, but just how AWESOME the training is and the opportunity to do more. Not too long ago my husband did A.O.S.T training and liked the chance to mix w/ other officers from across his division. OH the acronyms too is what surprised me, but I worked for U.S.P.S. and I think we had just as many if not more. I also like the idea that if he gets a wild hair up his .... and wants off the road that there are so many other options. Each division offers so many different other options to serve the state of California.

[Mom]

What was surprising... That they use "trash" and "nasty" in the same context I do.

[_please_]

I would say the thing that surpised me the most was how MUCH they work, and how often that is ALL they are thinking about.

I mean when they say they get off at 0615 doesnt mean that is when they actually get off. many times he wont get home till like 0900 depending on what he got that night, and if it is his friday.

[pinkrocks]

My dad became an LAPD officer when I was 12. I was scared he'd get shot, but then he said to me "who do you think a bad guy would rather shoot, an unarmed civilian or and armed and trained police officer?" Had to admit it, bad guys probably don't want to shoot at an officer if they can help it. That made me feel better.

Biggest surprise to me, every time I went in and sat down to eat at a restaurant the waitress came and poured me a cup of coffee. I don't drink coffee, and they were shocked finding a Chippy that drank lemonade instead of coffee:redface:


I found out my first phase FTO was a motor, so I figured I would get a leg up on the first phase and impress him. I spent the time off prior to reporting driving around the area, memorizing the route to every coffee shop. I could get to a coffee shop within 5 minutes from any location in the county.

How disappointed was I when I found out he didn't drink coffee.... :hitwall: Not only did I waste my time, but I was on constant caffiene withdrawls during first phase. :-(

[I_love_him]

I would say the thing that surpised me the most was how MUCH they work, and how often that is ALL they are thinking about.

I mean when they say they get off at 0615 doesnt mean that is when they actually get off. many times he wont get home till like 0900 depending on what he got that night, and if it is his friday.


I would have to agree. Just how intense it can be at times. But he LOVES the job!!!!
And let me say some of the stories that he has come home with in the past 10 years have been pretty out there and interesting at times.
:lol:

[rayni]

Now I'm looking at the calendar and the MOST surprising thing to me is HOW FAST TIME FLIES!! Oct 5th 2007 was a blink of an eye ago. They've told us this many a time on this forum, but really it's true. So if you are just beginning the application process, are a cadet waiting for your assignment, are on break in, or itching for that letter to arrive w/ your academy start date. Breathe in, Breathe out, and enjoy the moments because you'll be celebrating your first year on the job before you know it!! All those things that happened to you w/ EVOC (let's say you had more then one go at the monster, but passed none the less like everyone else) or w/ an extension during break in, or you bumped a car or two while on probation. (none of which of course happened to any chippy ever before you haha) You can laugh at it all now that some time has passed. Most surprising thing is the time passes by too fast.

[OfficerWife]

Now I'm looking at the calendar and the MOST surprising thing to me is HOW FAST TIME FLIES!! ...

I could not agree more! I was just looking at the calendar this morning and realizing that hubby has only 5 more days on phase 3 and just cannot figure out where the time went. The tunnel seemed sooo long on pick-up day, but before we knew it graduation was here and the end of break-in is "this close".

I think the other thing that surprises me is just how many drunks there are out there. That sounds silly because of course you know they are out there, but I had no idea just how many are out there...and at any time of the day. Scary.

[Mom]

My son took the written 18 mos ago. In another 3 mos, he will be off probation. Time flies.... He is enjoying life as an officer.

[chpwife2-07]

The most surprising thing...

That a 'job' could be so life changing- the pride I feel for my husband, that he feels for himself. He loves his job, loves who he has become and he is a better father and husband. Besides the birth of our child, I dont think he had ever felt proud before! He is so confident and holds himself in a way that exudes respect and pride. Thank you, CHP!

[CTCI08Wife]

The most surprising thing...

That a 'job' could be so life changing- the pride I feel for my husband, that he feels for himself. He loves his job, loves who he has become and he is a better father and husband. Besides the birth of our child, I dont think he had ever felt proud before! He is so confident and holds himself in a way that exudes respect and pride. Thank you, CHP!

I'll second that!:biggrin:

[jrsfan]

The most surprising thing...

That a 'job' could be so life changing- the pride I feel for my husband, that he feels for himself. He loves his job, loves who he has become and he is a better father and husband. Besides the birth of our child, I dont think he had ever felt proud before! He is so confident and holds himself in a way that exudes respect and pride. Thank you, CHP!

X2, without the father part though! One day...

[CTCI08Wife]

X2, without the father part though! One day...

Just remember... Don't walk too close in the hallway... :shock::redface::lol:

[retchp]

This stuff is actually sort of inspiring. I am proud of all of you.

[jruiz]

I have found it ABSOLUTELY AMAZING that an Officer can see a person on a cell going in another direction in a far lane and be able to see that the cell phone was a black flip phone. (Saw this on a fox reality show just after the implementation of the cell phone law.)

[Lilrecruit21]

I was a little surprised initially at how thorough the background investigation was, having been through the military and CDCR checks. Also, I was surprised at the academy length (grateful and understood). My first thought of the CHP was that it is one of the safer LE agencies in the state, due to the low death rate that the CHP has. I just assumed it was because of the job being more in the car, and less house calls and DV calls. I now understand that it is not one of the safer agencies, as Officer's lives are at more risk on the highways and roads as well as day to day meetings with scumbags. The low death rate is attributed to the great and extensive training that is received at the academy. This was a major selling point with the CHP for my wife. The training is better than any other LE in the state, and because of that, she can sleep more peacefully knowing I will be getting that training.