Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Hi guys, I am interested in gathering some information on the California Highway Patrol. I am currently a Junior in high school, and looking at colleges, though since I was 8 or so I have had an interest in law enforcement - specifically CHP. I know it's going to be at least 6 years until I complete college and move out there, though I have already started looking into it. On their website it says that they are not currently hiring, so my main concern is whether there will be availability or any opportunities in even becoming an officer out there in a few years? I understand it is the future and no one knows for certain, but I am just looking for some insight. Also, I am wondering what will make me stand out compared to everyone else who is applying for the same position as me? Any help on top of this would be much appreciated!

Just as some insight to who I am, like I said I am a high school junior at a private high school. I am just starting to look at colleges. I am from New Hampshire, where I have my own landscaping business. I service about 15 lawns per week. It's something I really enjoy doing, and it's a constant challenge for me, which is why I like it so much. It keeps me out of trouble too! LOL

Thanks in advance!

Thanks in advance!

Sully,

First off, Welcome to RP from the Florida Panhandle! We usually ask our newest members to go to the New Member Introductions forum and post a thread telling us a bit about themselves, but it seems you did that here in your question. Hope you stick around and really explore the space of RP, as there's tons of great info and people here. Also, we'd be really interested to hear how your career search is going.

Like you said, since you've got about 6 years until you have to worry about starting that career, there is really no way to tell what will be happening then. Law Enforcement agencies the size of CHP are almost always hiring. When they say they aren't hiring right now, they usually mean they aren't taking any new applications as they've already built up a good pool of qualified people to pick from when they do have openings. For instance, LE agencies are always losing people to retirement, people moving to another agency, people finding out LE is not for them, and myriad other reasons. So, by the time you're ready to apply, who knows what will be going on out there.

As for what can you do to make yourself stand out, just keep being a good person and staying out of trouble! Don't do any drugs or anything else against the law, get good grades in college, volunteer for community services, maybe do a little time in the military, even the reserves. The degree you get will not be as important as the character you demonstrated getting it. Establish a good work history, although it sounds like you've got that one pegged.

Good luck in your future endeavors, and remember to keep us posted!

The consistent things about police officers is there are always some up for retirement. Every year , more retire and new offcier need hired. Six years is plenty of time for more officers to move onto greener pastures. I am soon to do the same :)

The consistent things about police officers is there are always some up for retirement. Every year , more retire and new offcier need hired. Six years is plenty of time for more officers to move onto greener pastures. I am soon to do the same :)

Okay, moving on maybe, but from what you've got going on, I don't necessarily see greener pastures in your immediate future! :biggrin5: