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View Full Version : Time to face reality...

hondagrl
12-15-2007, 05:34 PM
It's finally starting to sink in..... (a brief background)

Bout 8 years ago, I tested with a local agency, passed all the tests, made it through the background but was disqualified (not for anything terrible). Was told to come back in 3 years, and I would be in no problem.

Time has passed.....

So, in October I realised it was now time to re-apply. After much thought over the past couple years, I know that this is the career decision I want to make.

Over the past 2 months, I have been going through the same testing process. Each time, passing as I did before (although I am much softer now in my old age :p ). Today, I met with my background investigator for the first time. Spent 2 hours going over the background packet, making necessary corrections, etc. He then told me that he thought I am a good candidate for the academy and they will be beginning the investigation portion. :teeth

I got some statistics from my group that I have been testing with. I was waived on the written, as I had already passed before, so I don't know how many were in that test who did not make it. In my PAT, there were roughly 140 of us. I was told that only 50 of us have made it into the background portion. During the investigation process, they will eliminate another third or so. In the end, it will be a very small amount of us (maybe 15 or so) who will make it onto the academy.

As long as everything goes smooth now, and I pass the psych, the officer says I should be in. :toothless
hondagrl
12-15-2007, 05:36 PM
Yeeeah I forgot to mention how much I loooove push ups and sit ups....

The next year is going to be rough.....
spdt509
12-15-2007, 05:40 PM
so you're not moving outta CA?
hondagrl
12-15-2007, 05:48 PM
so you're not moving outta CA?

Can't afford to sell the condo for the next couple of years due to the market. Plus, I spent a month in August in the area I was planning on buying at. Yeeeah I really don't like smoking. There's just something about restaurants that are still smoking or non that kinda bugs me. Maybe I will move to a cheaper part of the state one day.

For now, just playing this by ear and seeing where it goes. If for some reason I don't pass the psych :loco then we will see :)
spdt509
12-15-2007, 06:20 PM
cool,hope everything works out for you.....:thumbup
afm199
12-15-2007, 07:58 PM
Ditto and Oakland needs cops~
hondagrl
12-15-2007, 08:18 PM
Ditto and Oakland needs cops~

Somehow I don't think I would live past 6 months there. Something about being 6'0 and blonde, sticking out like a sore thumb in Oakland doesn't sound appealing...
Rel
12-15-2007, 09:05 PM
Try CHP. Apply, go on a ride along, and see what you think.
hondagrl
12-15-2007, 09:21 PM
Try CHP. Apply, go on a ride along, and see what you think.

Im about 3 phases away from academy :toothless
hondagrl
12-15-2007, 09:22 PM
Actually, the officer who let me into the office today for my appointment remembered me from a ride along I took 8 years ago.....
Rel
12-15-2007, 09:38 PM
Im about 3 phases away from academy :toothless

Where in the process are you with CHP?
hondagrl
12-15-2007, 09:46 PM
Where in the process are you with CHP?

Did my initial interview today. Officer told me that everything looked good. Gave me some tips. Said as long as I pass the psych and nothing weird comes up on my background, I should be set for a job offer. :)
Rel
12-15-2007, 10:05 PM
Did my initial interview today. Officer told me that everything looked good. Gave me some tips. Said as long as I pass the psych and nothing weird comes up on my background, I should be set for a job offer. :)

When you get your offer, let me know and I'll give ya some tips.
hondagrl
12-15-2007, 10:10 PM
When you get your offer, let me know and I'll give ya some tips.

I can hear it now.....

"when they told you in the video to be able to do 200 push ups and 300 sit ups without stopping....they weren't kidding. Try not to die" :teeth
Rel
12-15-2007, 10:14 PM
Considering that PT is 50% of your overall badge score, start working out now......
mnb
12-15-2007, 10:15 PM
Good luck! We're all thinking happy thoughts for ya! You gonna go for motors, 4 wheels or an office gig?
hondagrl
12-15-2007, 10:21 PM
Considering that PT is 50% of your overall badge score, start working out now......


I actually enjoy working out. My favorite classes at school are PE. I think I have actually taken more PE classes at school than academic classes. Can't wait for the next quarter to start. Taking Spanish 1, along with cross training and deep water running to help prepare. I also enjoy running already...

Is there any place in the bay area that does firearm training?
hondagrl
12-15-2007, 10:23 PM
Good luck! We're all thinking happy thoughts for ya! You gonna go for motors, 4 wheels or an office gig?

If all goes well, gonna start with a 4 wheeled office. Would like to try for the equestrian unit eventually.

Don't know about the motor unit, although the Sargent up at Golden Gate division office is trying his best to convince me I can do it :toothless
gnstalodz
12-15-2007, 10:27 PM
good luck bud
Rel
12-15-2007, 10:29 PM
You have a long way to go before an equestrian assignment. Lets work on passing the academy, break in, and probation.
hondagrl
12-15-2007, 10:33 PM
You have a long way to go before an equestrian assignment. Lets work on passing the academy, break in, and probation.

:thumbup
Hooli
12-15-2007, 10:55 PM
Something about being 6'0 and blonde...

:wow

You had me right there.

:drool
Papi-C
12-16-2007, 09:48 AM
Somehow I don't think I would live past 6 months there. Something about being 6'0 and blonde, sticking out like a sore thumb in Oakland doesn't sound appealing...

:hailYou're an amazon!!!:hail
L-2
12-16-2007, 10:18 AM
Regarding firearms. Some say to let the academy teach you from scratch as there won't be any bad habits to break. Others have criticized the lack of prior firearms exposure with the modern cop, bringing in a mediocre-level of combatant, generally.

I think it would be good to have a general interest & knowledge of firearms beforehand. Some people actually buy/invest in owing a firearm or two. This could allow somebody to become more comfortable when handling a gun, but hopefully, no negligent discharges (NDs) occur, which could get a person booted from an academy or background. At this point, perhaps take a few classes, using a rental gun from the range, but at the instructor's selection as some rental guns are in marginal shape.

Here are some local places I've heard have training, but can't attest to the quality or content:
http://www.jacksonarms.com/
http://www.reedsindoorrange.com/training.html
http://www.markleysguns.com/company/information.cfm
afm199
12-16-2007, 10:41 AM
Somehow I don't think I would live past 6 months there. Something about being 6'0 and blonde, sticking out like a sore thumb in Oakland doesn't sound appealing...

We've got THE most diverse department in the US, from six foot blondes like you to five foot 104 pound asians. Plus the pay and benefits have gone way up in the last several years! I promise not to :leghump :laughing
hondagrl
12-16-2007, 01:14 PM
:hailYou're an amazon!!!:hail

Hehehee thinking I need to get out more. If I can get one of my bikes to start, I will try to make the LEO meet next month. :)
antarius
12-16-2007, 02:05 PM
Wow! Congrats and good luck! Stick with it, endure, and I swear it'll all be worth it!