QAP help

[Dipmo]

Hi folks,

I'm a CHP hopeful and have been through the QAP twice now. While I?m improving I think it will take one more attempt to get the score I?m looking for (for you applicants that don't know; do more research on what score will advance you).

Anyhow, while in my constant prep/research mode I came across something on the POST site that other applicants might find helpful.

http://www.post.ca.gov/selection/S&E/interviewguide-web.pdf

It's a long document (79 pages), but I find it to be very helpful and well worth my time to read.

Have a good day everybody,

Dip

By the way, great new board you have here, I hope it will prove to be as helpful as the other board has been for me.

[Your Mentor]

Welcome Dip. Great info for candidates and this is what this forum is all about. Also, I'm glad to see tenacity; not giving up is a very good sign. Good luck.

[redhead]

Dipmo-

I kind of have been in your same shoes. I took the QAP first back in 2000, right when I was young and dumb, and had not done that much research on the drug use. I had smoked pot a handfull of times in my life, and the last was 6 months before my QAP. Yeah, Dumb me. But, it taught me a good lesson, and one that I thought about each time I was passed ;) by a CHP officer. Of course, I was dq'ed the minute I walked into that musty hotel room in Benica, but from that point one, I had a focus.

Last year, I took my first real QAP(after the freeze, and being out of the country for another test), and scored a 90. I walked away feeling really good. I had gone one a R.A.L a few weeks before and was given some real good advice from the officer I rode with. But alas, a 90 will not advance you these days.

So, again, this year, I took the QAP again. It sucked. I walked away from it thinking, there is no way they want me. I was really upset how poorly I had done. When out of the blue, I get a letter with a 95 on it and a commenent to hire letter 3 days later. I was stunned. But, I think what really paid off, was the fact that I did not give up. I knew all the answers, and I knew all the questions, but,I was hard on myself due to me not answering how I saw fit. And its funny, because I went in there with preformed answers, I had done this same test less then year earlier and remember most of it. I walked out of there, kicking myself, becuase instead of giving them what they wanted to hear, I gave them what I really felt. It worked out for me, and I hope it works for you. Be yourself, and have fun. Walk in with a smile, and leave with a smile. And any chance you get to go out with an officer, or any seminars, do them!!! Good Luck!

[Your Mentor]

Great advice Redhead! Have you had an offer yet!? You have a great attitude and are already mentoring others. You are already an asset to the CHP whether employed by the Department or not. I hope you see that. It's an important thing to see in yourself. You may not know this but the administrator of this forum is an officer. He isn't a sergeant, lieutenant, captain, chief, or executive manager. He's in the trenches which is where the public identifies with the CHP. Management sometimes, not always, but sometimes forgets that. And he's doing it on his own time. One thing you'll see as you move through the hiring process is that it's the grassroots people who are actually making department run. dw, for example, does this for future, current, and retired officers. He is displaying true camaraderie. Thank you for being a peer without yet being sworn. Know that we recognize that our peers aren't always employed with the Department yet. And we're here to hopefully help you get there. Good job and well done.

[redhead]

Great advice Redhead! Have you had an offer yet!? You have a great attitude and are already mentoring others. You are already an asset to the CHP whether employed by the Department or not. I hope you see that. It's an important thing to see in yourself. You may not know this but the adminstrator of this forum is an officer. He isn't a sergeant, lieutenant, captain, chief, or executive manager. He is an officer. He's in the trenches which is where the public identifies with the CHP. Management forgets that. And he's doing it on his own time. One thing you'll see as you move through the hiring process is that it's the grassroots people who are actually making it happen. You'll NEVER see a manager starting a forum like this. It requires giving of yourself without Departmental reward. No manager on this Department would ever give of themselves without the possibility of a tangible reward. dw, however, does this for future, current, and retired officers. He is the most honorable of our peers. Thank you for being our peers without yet being sworn. Know that we recognize our peer and are here to support you as well. Good job and well done.
Thank you for the kind words Mentor!

I have just turned in my PHQ as of two weeks ago, and still am awaiting the famous BI call to set up the initial interview. Nervous, Yes. Got that one covered. But at the same time, I see the finish line now more then ever. Why is it up hill though??? :smile:

I agree about DW. It is great that he has taken the time out of his day/life for us. I think it will be a huge benefit to not only us as applicants but to you officers as well. Thank you again DW!

As well, thank you for talking the time over on the .net board for so long sharing your experiences. Best!

[Welpe]

redhead I had to laugh when I saw Benicia. I grew up and went to school through high school there. Did you do your QAP in Vallejo?

Red you have the right attitude, I'm sure your day will come. I'm hoping mine will too eventually. :smile:

[redhead]

redhead I had to laugh when I saw Benicia. I grew up and went to school through high school there. Did you do your QAP in Vallejo?

Red you have the right attitude, I'm sure your day will come. I'm hoping mine will too eventually. :smile:

Since I have done all 3 QAPs out of GGD, they all have been in that area. First one was I think at an Embassy suites or something, that was 5 years ago...can't recall,but it was by Marine World. Last year was at the Holiday Inn by Marine World (4th floor) And then this year, it was a Best Western in Bencia, right there at 2nd Ave. Yeah. Love that area :smile:

Godd Luck to you was well Welpe~

Red

[dw]

I appreciate the kind words, guys. I really can't take much credit. Hell, I stole the idea for this from whoever started chp.net (I still haven't been able to locate him/her.) Called in a favor from a buddy who owns SoliSys (http://www.solisys.com), and here we are. I'd like to thank everyone who has participated this last week. This site has grown far more quickly than I expected. We're at almost 50 registered members and hundreds of posts.

I really appreciate everyone being positive. This Department certainly has its downsides, and cops tend to gripe and moan. I'm glad that we've been able to have civilized, articulate discussions though we may not agree about everything.

And I have to thank Your Mentor. You've done an outstanding job of promoting discussion (for the body art thread alone :!: ) and providing insight. I've been swamped driving my desk lately (does that count as "in the trenches?" ) and it's not likely to ease any time soon. By the time I check the board in the evening, it seems every question has been addressed by others.

[Welpe]

dw, it is appreciated. I have a feeling this will be a great resource to get CHP specific information without having to sift through all of the anti-Highway Patrol/State Police garbage. :biggrin:

[Your Mentor]

dw, no problem. I want to second your comment about the positive and civilized nature of the forum thus far. You know how it is; you go to coffee out of the shoot and gripe with a group of peers (which is contageous) or you go to coffee and talk about a new entertainment center, the kid's performance in school sports, the new hot rod computer you're building, or your plans for an upcoming vacation. Positive attitudes bread positive attitudes.

[Tom]

I really appreciate everyone being positive. This Department certainly has its downsides, and cops tend to gripe and moan. I'm glad that we've been able to have civilized, articulate discussions though we may not agree about everything.

Are you talking about me?:evil:

Haha

Tom

[RD]

I too am a CHP hopeful. I just got a call from my BI and have my initial interview tomorrow. The waiting will drive you nuts. You have to wait months in between each step. But I know that it will be well worth the wait.

The most helpful tool to prepare for the QAP was the seminar that was offered. The officers gave us a lot of very useful information as well as watched over and critiqued our mock interviews. When I walked out I was extremely confident. I think that was a key to my success. Even with that confidence, I still was over critical of my interview for weeks afterward. I was very pleased with the results though, I got a 95. Be honest, be yourself, and be confident.

Another thing that will help you with the QAP is to ask questions. Talk to the officers that are administering the tests. At the written, ask questions. Ask questions when you get opportunities during the PAT. Ask questions after the Psych. Ask questions during the seminars. The more questions you ask, the more information you will have to work with. I can't thank the officers enough for the help I've received along the way so far. To any officer willing to offer advice to applicants, I thank you.

[dw]

Definitely ask questions, and take advantage of the resources the Department offers. Every Division conducts applicant seminars and offers ride-alongs to those in the process. RD is right, use every contact you have with an officer to ask questions. We all have different opinions and outlooks and may provide different answers. I expect applicants to ask questions and they appear disinterested if silent. Besides, I'd rather talk to someone than just stand around during the various phases of the process. (Cops are people, too!)

[4CHP]

Definitely ask questions, and take advantage of the resources the Department offers. Every Division conducts applicant seminars and offers ride-alongs to those in the process. RD is right, use every contact you have with an officer to ask questions. We all have different opinions and outlooks and may provide different answers. I expect applicants to ask questions and they appear disinterested if silent. Besides, I'd rather talk to someone than just stand around during the various phases of the process. (Cops are people, too!)



Hi,

Are ride-alongs available to those who requested an application, or only to those who have begun the process by taking the written?

Thank you.

[dw]

It depends on the Division, but generally once you've taken the written test.

[K-Lo]

I just scheduled my first ride along for next Friday 10/14/05. It will be on B Watch out of the San Bernardino Station. So if anyone here is on duty at that time you might get stuck with me. :shock:

I know things will probably be explained to me that day but is there anything I should know before hand?

I know it will be an awesome opportunity to learn what life is like on the road. I am excited about this next step in the process. :biggrin:

I also heard a rumor that candidates are usually limited to 1 ride-along. Does anyone know if that is 1 per office or 1 per division? I would be interested in knowing what Inland Division's policy is on the frequency of ride-alongs. Inland is a big division and I would like to get a couple RAs in before the QAP in December (assuming I pass the PAT).

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[uoplax13]

I'm not totally sure on this, but I've been on 4 ride-alongs now with CHP, and another with a local PD a while back. It probably depends on the office, plus I went out with a friend/coach, so there could be a difference there. Either way, very good experiences....funny, entertaining, interesting, all around good, despite being graveyards. The ride-alongs have been a pretty big influence as I debate seeking out a career in Federal vs. State LE. Go on as many as you can!

[redhead]

I will agree with UOP.
I have been on 3, and my 4th this Saturday. 2 out of Redwood City and this weekend will be my 2nd out of San Jose. The officer that got "selected" ;) to take me out back in July, I saw at the hiring seminar and told me if I ever wanted to go back out to call the office and leave him a message. If he meant it or not, I took him up on it and will be out on Saturday for another B watch. :smile:

As well, he told me that while he was in the process, he took 5 Ral's out of the same office, and he was in SoCal. Not sure the office though.

Have fun this Friday, and be smart about all your actions. (Ask, or have them tell you before you do, anything.) Dress to be comfortable, but not chill. Think business casual, at least that has been my policy..officers care to chime in?

And it NEVER hurts to buy lunch/dinner. They are taking on a burned(so to speak) having you in the car, and I think as a RaL, the least you could do it buy lunch. My 2 Cents.
Good Luck And have fun. The first one you will take in so much. So, have fun, and be well rested.

Red~

[K-Lo]

Thanks Red. Great pointers. Oh yeah and I planned on buying lunch.

I'll hopefully post Saturday on how it went.

:biggrin:

[redhead]

I'll hopefully post Saturday on how it went. What happens on the road....... :D

Have fun!

[K-Lo]

......stays on the road. I know. I meant that I was going to talk about what we had for lunch. :biggrin:

[redhead]

......stays on the road. I know. I meant that I was going to talk about what we had for lunch. :biggrin:
I know you are most likely on your way to the office, so have fun.

My RaL got postponed. I was told today that the Cadets from Sac are down here riding with the San Jose office today and tommorow, so will have to wait another week.

Anyone here working in Gilroy?

[dw]

Business casual is good -- but not something you'll regret if it gets stained (who knows what'll happen). Khakis and a button-down shirt is good., Bring a jacket for swings, it can get cold and windy alongside the freeway. Remember, you're being evaluated in every step of the application process. If you dress or act inappropriately, your BI will hear about it.

[K-Lo]

Thanks for the advice guys. The ride along was a blast. It was very informative and the officer I was with was awesome. We had a couple 20002 calls and I was able to translate a little bit of Spanish on one of the follow-ups. I can?t wait to do another one.

Remember, you're being evaluated in every step of the application process. If you dress or act inappropriately, your BI will hear about it.

So dw, is it likely that my BI will contact the officer I rode with as part of the investigation process or do the BIs just hear about the bad stuff? The officer I was with told me that I would do well in the process so I have nothing to worry about. I was just curious.

Thanks again for the info on attire and everything. Stay safe!!
:cool:

[dw]

So dw, is it likely that my BI will contact the officer I rode with as part of the investigation process or do the BIs just hear about the bad stuff? The officer I was with told me that I would do well in the process so I have nothing to worry about. I was just curious.

Not likely, but not out of the question.