California Highway Patrol Change Makes Hiring Qualified Candidates Easier
By Kelly Ryan
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The California Highway Patrol is looking to hire hundreds of candidates, and it's changing its recruitment process to bring in more qualified candidates.
The CHP is making some changes, because it doesn't want to lose out on getting the best candidates who in the past had to wait to apply.
Jennifer Pinnow is hoping to become one of 600 cadets the CHP is looking to accept across the state. She's already well into her training to get into the academy and work her way to become a CHP officer.
"A lot of working out, reading up whenever I can on what the job entails," she said.
The CHP recently announced it's looking to hire 600 cadets throughout the state, but there are some changes in the application process.
Capt. Rodney Ellison says the CHP went from testing three times a year to a continuous open enrollment to make sure it wasn't losing out on top applicants who were ready to get going with their careers, but because the test wasn't available might have moved on to another agency.
"We wanted to give them an opportunity to apply and not have to wait six months or three months," he said.
CHP cadets applying now will need to up to speed on technology.
"If you're not technically savvy, you're not going to be able to survive in this environment," he said.
The CHP is also reaching out to potential candidates who may be interested in more than the traditional patrol duties.
"Not only do we work the highways and the roadways we work at the Capitol, we provide protection for elected officials, we have investigative component, we have canine, air operations. SWAT, there's a host of different things.
While being in shape mentally and physically is high on the list, Ellison says the CHP also wants candidates who are good citizens who want to play an important role in their community.
"We're looking for someone who wants to make a difference who wants to wear the badge for the right reasons," he said.