Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a highway patrol officer? Trainees, or cadets, go through intense training for 28 weeks to provide safety, service, and security to the public.
Founded in 1929, the California Highway Patrol, or CHP, celebrated its 90th anniversary by inviting the media to the CHP Academy in Sacramento for a one-day boot camp to experience what it is like to train as a CHP officer.
“A typical day at the academy, you may wake up at 4 in the morning, and get ready for physical training,” said Mayra Fabela, a cadet graduating this October.
The training is strict, and cadets are to endure outdoor training, rain, or shine. Physical exercise includes drills, warmups, and an obstacle course.
“Depending on the day and the schedule, we may be in the classroom for a few hours, or we be out doing the driving courses with the EVOC staff, or it could be range, shooting weapons,” said Fabela.
Cadets learn to maneuver a car making fast turns on a wet skid pan.
“Basically being able to recover, kind of like what you were doing out there. Inducing that skid, and being able to recover from that skid, consistently,” said Byron English, an officer at the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC).
Cadets also learn to properly fire a gun or rifle at the shooting range.
Enforcement scenarios are acted out realistically to help cadets decide what to do in a real-life situation.
The live-in requirements are equally strict. No food is allowed in the dorms, beds are made a certain way, and belongings are neatly stowed away.
Challenges come physically and mentally.
“It’s almost a 24/7 type of training, and it’s definitely a 24/7 type of mentality,” said Bert Diaz, a CHP officer.
Out in the real world, danger comes with a price.
Every Wednesday, cadets hold a CHP fountain ceremony at the center of their academy and clean the 231 plaques dedicated to fallen officers during duty since 1929. This is regarded as their most sacred ground.
“People would come over here and just place a memento to celebrate the life of the individual, the loved one that they lost, families come here,” said Captain Sven Miller.
The academy intends to hire about 400-600 cadets every year.
About 25 percent of cadets drop out due to the harsh training, and the level of professionalism demanded, that is why the academy is continually hiring. But those who keep on going say it pays off.
“When you’re here, and you’re struggling, you lean on each other, and you grow together. And when you graduate, put this badge on, it means everything,” said Ken Pack, CHP Officer.
All CHP officers in California go through this one academy in Sacramento to qualify as a certified CHP officer.
