Correctional officer OR CHP

[Saleenmuscle]

Hello, my name is john and i just signed up for this site because of my pursuit to be a CHP officer. A Couple months back i was torn between being a Corrections officer or a CHP. Well, since state budget was not allowing the corrections officer position to hire, a couple weeks back i decided to apply for the CHP. Now after months of the C.O position not excepting applications, they now are going to be able to, but it is only for a two day period.
My question is while i am going through the process of being a CHP officer, can i apply to be a corrections officer? I would choose CHP over C.O any day, however if the CHP does not work out for me for whatever the reason, it is always nice to have something to fall back on. If anyone has any advice or input it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :smile:

[emcviper]

I'd say this falls under:

http://www.chpforums.com/forum/announcement.php?f=42&a=13

but I'm not a mod...

[Mary-1]

Well John,

If it was me. I would apply for both, find out as much as possible about both and make my decision. Also, contact your local CHP office for a ride-along or two and see if corrections has some sort of program as well.

Make an informed decision and go for it. But remember, if you go down one path and it is not right for you, you can always go down the other one.
Good luck, Mike

[ResQ]

I agree with Mary-2..you can always change later.

I had invites for Border Patrol, DEA and had a cush government job at the time I got hired...and have had friends try and get me onto their P.D. ...the reason I chose CHP was lifestyle. Don't get too caught up in all of the hype. Find people in each department that you trust to tell you the bad and the good and choose what fits your personality the best. People thrive in different environments and have different life goals. Facts will help you decide not emotions. Timelines and hiring freezes don't usually match well with making sane decisions. Your age, life experience, goals, likes/dislikes, personality, abilities (strengths and weaknesses), etc ALL go into making the right decision.

Welcome to the forums and good luck!

[Saleenmuscle]

Thanks you all for the replies and insight. I really do appreciate it :biggrin:

[A454ELK]

My decision was based on what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I thought about the Sheriff's department but then decided against it due to the fact that I'd be in the jail for up to 6 years down here. I never thought about the corrections officer position because I didn't feel I'd want to spend the rest of my life in jail, no pun intended. I've met numerous corrections officers and they all seem to have the same outlook. It's not a position where you get the chance to go out and help anyone. Every day, day in and day out, you go into the prison system and work with the felons and lifers. Watch some of the lock up shows that are on documentaries. Take a good look at the guards, maybe it's me but they tend to take on the attitude and life of those they spend 12 hours a day with.

Don't get me wrong, it's just my opinion but I've delt with alot of corrections officers on stops that have suspended licenses and other criminal issues going on. More power to them for wanting the job, I for one wouldn't do it. Just my .02 cents...:doubt: