Question for CHP'ers

[ExSDSO]

So my family and I drove up to Disneyland not too long ago and we used the HOV lane from Del Mar pretty much up into Anaheim. I set my cruise control to 75 sometimes 80 mph around camp pendelton.

So you could say I was anywhere from 10 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit at any given time. I still had people riding my back bumper and cutting me off. Letter of the law would be I am speeding no if ands or buts about it.

SO my question for you Chp's on the forum is what else do you take into consideration besides speed when pulling someone over.

On a side note I respect you CHP men and women, I think you guys have the MOST dangers LE job in the world. If anyone disagrees visit there website and click to see the officer down section. I dont see how you guys can stand on the freeway while cars whizz by you, the few times Ive got out and had to be on the shoulder of the freeway freaked me out lol

[avalon42]

So my family and I drove up to Disneyland not too long ago and we used the HOV lane from Del Mar pretty much up into Anaheim. I set my cruise control to 75 sometimes 80 mph around camp pendelton.

So you could say I was anywhere from 10 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit at any given time. I still had people riding my back bumper and cutting me off. Letter of the law would be I am speeding no if ands or buts about it.

SO my question for you Chp's on the forum is what else do you take into consideration besides speed when pulling someone over.

On a side note I respect you CHP men and women, I think you guys have the MOST dangers LE job in the world. If anyone disagrees visit there website and click to see the officer down section. I dont see how you guys can stand on the freeway while cars whizz by you, the few times Ive got out and had to be on the shoulder of the freeway freaked me out lol
For that reason, most CHP are getting their traffic stops completely off the freeway or all the way across the shoulder as possible.

[SgtCHP]

SO my question for you Chp's on the forum is what else do you take into consideration besides speed when pulling someone over.


Officers are looking for the major causes of freeway accidents and other violations that people try to get away with:

1. Speeding
2. Following too closely
3. Unsafe Lane Changes
4. DUI's
5. Unsafe vehicles
6. Stalled vehicles
7. Reckless driving
8. Excessive window tinting
9. Registration violations
10. Cell Phone violations
11. Drinking Alcoholic beverages while driving.

There are a number of other violations that happen, but these are the ones that most officers look for when traversing freeways.

[willowdared]

I hate how some people think the HOV lane is the passing lane and ride your tail.

[Blackavar]

Just don't expect them to actually take a real crime report that occurs on the FWY (i.e. Their jurisdiction)

[SgtCHP]

Just don't expect them to actually take a real crime report that occurs on the FWY (i.e. Their jurisdiction)

The reason for that is called "Uniform Crime Reporting!"

Many years before you were born, the California Police Chiefs Association gathered and discussed the transition of freeways and Interstates through their areas. They were aware of the propensity for criminal activity on those highways and the opportunity for the criminal to escape. They were also very aware of the Federal monies available to assist in crime suppression and realized that if CHP officers actively investigated and reported the crimes as a matter of practice, they (the Chiefs) would stand to lose money and would have to reduce some programs. So, the State of California, Department of Highway Patrol, condescended and agreed to the locals taking the reports to maintain continuity of crime reporting.

Money is also why every ticket issued by a CHP officer on any roadway throughout the state indicates the city/county in which the violation took place.

Believe me when I tell you that nothing is more irritating than to call for an allied agency for criminal activity on the freeway and have to wait an inordinate amount of time! :rolleyes: CHP officers would much prefer to be sitting at Starbuck's enjoying a latte!:p

[Blackavar]

I would believe you but....it is CHP that is refusing to take the reports. We have very recently had 273.5, 211, carjackings, kidnappings on freeways that CHP REFUSED to take. All of these happened either on the freeway or on the on/offramps.

[Blackavar]

For what it is worth, I know it is not the line officer making these decisions. They have all expressed regret and embarassment over the situation. I get along very well with CHP officers in my area.

[Retired96]

I would believe you but....it is CHP that is refusing to take the reports. We have very recently had 273.5, 211, carjackings, kidnappings on freeways that CHP REFUSED to take. All of these happened either on the freeway or on the on/offramps.

It is not the CHP'S responsibility to handle those type of crimes on the freeways. I went to patrol in 1973, and even back then CHP did not handle those type of calls. They would call for the local Sheriff or PD.

[leif]

It is not the CHP'S responsibility to handle those type of crimes on the freeways. I went to patrol in 1973, and even back then CHP did not handle those type of calls. They would call for the local Sheriff or PD.

That's on an area by area basis. At our office we take DVs that happen on the freeway. Talk about a fish out of water writing that one! I felt like a deputy trying to take a t/c :p

[Retired96]

In my patrol days, If the CHP arrested a drunk driver and during booking at our Sheriff station they found some pot ( which was a felony back then), A deputy was called in from the field to write the complaint report. It got to be a real pain in the butt being called in from the field to write the marijuana report. Thankfully, many of the on duty jailers ( Deputies) would write the report instead of calling in a field unit.

My station had 3 freeways that CHP patrolled and we got alot of their bookings.

[Blackavar]

And I think that is a bunch of crap! If it happens in your jurisdiction you should take the paper! If you are a full time peace officer you should be able to perform the duties of one. And yes, I can take TC's.

[QRF]

And I think that is a bunch of crap! If it happens in your jurisdiction you should take the paper! If you are a full time peace officer you should be able to perform the duties of one. And yes, I can take TC's.

Last I checked, the I-101 and the I-10 ran right through the heart of Los Angeles. That doesn't mean I want to go onto the freeway and take a 10 car TC. You may think it is crap, but the policy comes from various MOUs that YOUR Department entered into, giving the CHP traffic jurisdiction and your Department criminal jurisdiction.

[SgtCHP]

I would believe you but....it is CHP that is refusing to take the reports. We have very recently had 273.5, 211, carjackings, kidnappings on freeways that CHP REFUSED to take. All of these happened either on the freeway or on the on/offramps.

I started as a LEO in 1963. I don't blow smoke and I am not in the habit of presenting false information. Ergo; I do not appreciate it being suggested that I may be lying as you have done in your open.

I spent three years as a city cop before going to the CHP. My career spanned thirty years and I am well aware of the issues dealing with reports.

I spent ten years as a field supervisor and battled the higher ups for reporting issues.

It is the MOUs that have been written over the years between the department heads; and, it is not the CHP that is refusing to subscribe to the practice, it is Chiefs and Sheriffs throughout the state who fear losing jurisdiction, power and money.

Rather than yield to the street level mentality, try to see the BIG picture. At the higher levels of command, common sense and reasonable thought processes are overshadowed by the need to survive. Political power is strong and egos are stronger.

We have had Commissioners on the CHP who were very forward thinking and have strived for more diversification only to be stepped on by self absorbing, egomaniacal Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police.

Are you aware of the movement a few years ago by a number of Sheriffs in the state who wanted the CHP to forego patrolling unicorporated sections of their counties? They wanted their own traffic departments because they could draw more federal funds. Are you aware that a certain COP wanted the take back the freeways through his city because of federal funding?

My suggestion is just go with the flow. Promote, become a viable part of your department's command level and seek changes that are common sense and spread the labor.

Trust me, CHP officers would just as soon take a report when they encounter an issue on the freeway, instead of having to wait for an allied agency to respond and then have the disagreeable exchange such as that you have put forth in this forum.

[Blackavar]

Sarge, it was not my intent to insinuate you were lying. I don't think you were. I was just saying that the reality in my area is much different than what you stated.

As far as, "Trust me, CHP officers would just as soon take a report when they encounter an issue on the freeway, instead of having to wait for an allied agency to respond and then have the disagreeable exchange such as that you have put forth in this forum."

I posted the previous day,


For what it is worth, I know it is not the line officer making these decisions. They have all expressed regret and embarassment over the situation. I get along very well with CHP officers in my area.

I would also like to add that I have spoken to these same officers and my statements stands. They would like to take the paper. It is their brass who is refusing it. It is also my brass who is allowing us to be bitched out to the CHP on this. I also still stand by my statement that if it happens in your jurisdiction you should take the paper! If you are a full time peace officer you should be able to perform the duties of one.

[IE Copper]

On a side note I respect you CHP men and women, I think you guys have the MOST dangers LE job in the world. If anyone disagrees visit there website and click to see the officer down section. I dont see how you guys can stand on the freeway while cars whizz by you, the few times Ive got out and had to be on the shoulder of the freeway freaked me out lol


The reason they have so many officers down, compared to other organizations, is because they are such a large organization. If California had a municipal Police force as large as CHP, then you could compare them.

CHP does not have a more dangerous job than Municipal Police. They rarely every make stops on the freeway. The majority of their job is to take TCs and enforce traffic control. Municipal Police are tasked with much more dangerous work. I'm not putting CHP down, but your comments are comical.

[Blackavar]

The reason they have so many officers down, compared to other organizations, is because they are such a large organization. If California had a municipal Police force as large as CHP, then you could compare them.

CHP does not have a more dangerous job than Municipal Police. They rarely every make stops on the freeway. The majority of their job is to take TCs and enforce traffic control. Municipal Police are tasked with much more dangerous work. I'm not putting CHP down, but your comments are comical.

My thoughts exactly. Incl not trying to put CHP down.

[ExSDSO]

The reason they have so many officers down, compared to other organizations, is because they are such a large organization. If California had a municipal Police force as large as CHP, then you could compare them.

CHP does not have a more dangerous job than Municipal Police. They rarely every make stops on the freeway. The majority of their job is to take TCs and enforce traffic control. Municipal Police are tasked with much more dangerous work. I'm not putting CHP down, but your comments are comical.

Brother I dont know about rarely....I see them all the time in So cal...San Diego area on the Freeway. Your entitled to your own opinion, but I STILL think they have one of the most dangerous LE jobs. They deal with a lot of the stuff you city cops deal with as well? You mean to tell me 245s, DVs, and 211's dont happen on the freeway? Theres nothing comical about my comment, Deuced drivers, speeding cars, people not paying attention on the road=CHPs problems.

[FJDave]

Part of the reason they have a very dangerous job is that when they conduct t-stops, they never (or rarely, if ever) call in the plate prior to stopping it, or even run it on the MDT prior to the stop. When they contact the driver, their sole intent is to give a ticket, and they rarely, if ever, run the driver for criminal wants. They deal with drug runners, thugs, and dregs all day long, and their supervisors chew them out if they run a check on cars and people. Simple officer safety practices like this are looked down upon. I feel bad for the CHP officers....they have a tough, uphill battle.

[SgtCHP]

Not taking sides and not being judgemental, just posting facts:

CHP..........216 officers killed since their earliest records
LASD........95 deputies killed from their earliest records.
LAPD........200 officers killed since their earliest records.

All three agencies are similar in strength. LAPD has been around since the mid 1800s. LASD since the early 1800s. CHP from the early 1920s.

For further statistics on Officers Down, visit the Officer Down Memorial Page:

http://www.odmp.org/browse.php

[pulicords]

This thread has kind of digressed into a childish "whose jobs more dangerous" area that isn't really quantifiable. I've worked for a small town, specialized LE (College Police), medium sized city (230+ officers) and on a countywide task force (run by a large sheriff's department). Every one of those agencies' officers/deputies were in positions to either have increased or decreased levels of risk.

While it's easy to say school/college/university cops aren't usually facing much danger, active shooter situations have occurred and other risk are frequently encountered. It was while I was working as a college police officer, that I experienced my first robbery "gone south"-hostage situation. Even in that job, there's risks to be had. There's also plenty of "low risk" assignments for those working in large agencies, and departments that cover large geographical areas have quiet districts, just like they have busier ones.

While the CHP is a very large agency, it's officers are tasked with a primary duty of traffic enforcement. They regularly encounter other criminal activity (and the associated risks), but vehicle code related enforcement issues are their "bread and butter." Reporting and arrest policies agreed to (under MOUs) with departments who share their jurisdictions with CHP are intended to make all the departments involved work more efficiently. If they don't, then it's up to line personnel to inform their managers of any problems, so they can be addressed. Regardless, we all share those streets and highways with dangerous people and should appreciate that fact.

Fingerpointing and putting down members of other departments isn't just counterproductive, it fails to show respect for fellow officers that earned and deserve it. Respect needs to be shown on a daily basis, not just during the funerals where we all happen to be in attendance.

[ExSDSO]

Funny thing is I started this thread a while back because I felt I was speeding one day on the 5 freeway. Then I saw this thread start talking about who doesnt take crime reports and blah blah blah for whatever reason blah blah blah.

In reality I think every LE agency has its dangers. I respect everyone who puts on the uni,badge and gun. I just wanted to know what CHP looks for when conducting a T-stop or if theres things they look at more closely than others.

SO anyway take care everyone.

[FJDave]

I don't see anywhere in this thread where CHP is dissed at all. If you want to see dissed, just hang out with me on any particular shift and day. We get dissed by mall ninjas. Seriously.

[ExSDSO]

HAHAH mall ninjas?! What are those?

[avalon42]

HAHAH mall ninjas?! What are those?

People who wear every single type of tactical gear they own as part of their daily garb, like they were going on a raid or to war .

You know you've seen at least one.

[Blackavar]

You mean to tell me 245s, DVs, and 211's dont happen on the freeway?

They do happen on the fwy but the CHP brass in my area will not let their officers take the paper. The CHP officers are embarassed by this. The worst part is that my brass allows us to get crapped on. In the end this is causing an us vs. them mentality (right or wrong) and it is going to get worse.

[pappabacon]

Anyone who puts on a badge and risks their life in defense of the public at large is a hero to me. Same with the military, some people think that they are above other people just because of the branch they joined. I was with a Navy friend of mine and we ran into a Marine and he told my friend "thanks for trying, and for the ride." It was in a real condescending tone, but my friend shrugged it off. Anyone (and I am not saying that anyone is) that argues that the CHP doesn't do real police work, or aren't real police (the whole AAA with a badge thing) just needs to visit the Officer down memorial page, and see those who have died in the line of duty. I'm sure their families would care to argue about it.

[LAC_LE]

Cool. Well, if you have any questions, this is the place for them!

[Retired96]

The way I see it, a very large majority of officers are killed on traffic stops and the CHP overall probably makes more stops than the other depts. so to me it would seem reasonable that their tolls for LODD could be higher.

One problem I have with LODD is many officers were not actually doing police work at the time. I had a good friend killed in a accident going home after a 18 hour shift in his personal vehicle and that is listed as a LODD. To me that incident was a fatal traffic accident for someone that is assumed fell asleep at the wheel, not a LODD.

[QRF]

One problem I have with LODD is many officers were not actually doing police work at the time. I had a good friend killed in a accident going home after a 18 hour shift in his personal vehicle and that is listed as a LODD. To me that incident was a fatal traffic accident for someone that is assumed fell asleep at the wheel, not a LODD.

Yes, but Gaussian Distribution (Bell Curve) would show that it would equally apply to all agencies. Normal distribution of all officers killed in the line of duty would cluster around the mean, with traffic collisions being an outlier.

In other words, while TCs may be a misleading statistic, it is misleading equally to all studied agencies and should not affect the overall statistic.

- I didn't major in Criminal Justice. :D

[SgtCHP]

Why the freakin argument about who has the most dangerous job, the most killed, the more tickets, the more exposure, etc., etc., etc.?

I spent over thirty years in the business. I worked as a city cop and CHP officer. I chose CHP because that is what I wanted to do. My status as a peace officer did not change when I changed jobs, only my title. My badge changed from being a "Policeman" to being a "Traffic Officer" and from a Shield topped with an eagle to a seven point start. I still carried a weapon, maintained the powers of arrest, service of warrants, powers of investigation, patrol responsibility and service to the public. I still drove a black and white patrol unit equipped with red lights and siren. I had to qualify at least quarterly at the range. I attended two academies (Orange County and CHP) and had to attend in-service training all during my career.

I faced the same types of criminals on the freeway as I did when I was on the surface streets. I was involved in the Watt's riots, UC Santa Barbara Riots, East LA riots and Pomona Riots. I worked overtime, testified in court, worked investigations other than traffic accidents (in both agencies), and, I retired with all of my body parts!

So, why is it necessary to espouse who is best, who is laziest, who does this, who does that? Come on gang, we all wear the badge and do similar jobs with the same responsibility to the public and one another. Quit the ^#()(#& bickering.

Oh, yes, not one time in my career, when I was backing an allied officer or one was backing me, was the question asked: What are you doing here or are you a cop? It was understood and appreciated both ways.

OK, off my soapbox. Back to popcorn and sodas.

[ExSDSO]

I should have never started this thread =(

[ExSDSO]

So anyway Baseball is starting soon. I do about 100-200 traffic stops a day, is my job dangerous than anyone elses??? I dont think so.

You are all entitled to your own opinion. Fact of the matter is the nation is going to *****s and more LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS (Hence I said LE OFC's) are being challenged more and killed.

Pittsburgh PD just lost 3 great officers.

Federal, local, state, full time, part time, or reserve we are never promised tomorrow. We are well trained but if the lord jesus christ thinks its your time to protect & serve up above theres no way of stopping that.

I urge everyone to come quick when your needed, stay alert, and be safe.

[rusty57]

Speeding, following too close and driving recklessly are dead giveaways.

Last weekend on my ride along, we got a couple DUI's off the street. One was handed over from the sheriff department, because they don't do DUI's in that county. Officer never complained. Then we got a big 100 mph + crash on a city street with injuries and we had to take it from the local PD. Same !@#$ different uniform. I have done around 10 ride alongs with PD's, Sheriff's and CHP. I have never had the opportunity to patrol a freeway with the CHP. It's always city and county roads, but i can imagine the dangers of doing so.

Other easy probable causes for pull overs are, tinted windows,cracked windshields and other equipment infractions. Anther classic is the front license plate not mounted or a tow hitch ball blocking the rear plate. These i picked up by watching the officers do their jobs, other than that i'd have no clue.

[andy5746]

About 20 years ago during a traffic stop in Willowbrook, folks started comming out of the woodwork - and they weren't there to exchange brownie recipies. A CHP unit backed us up - after 2 Housing Authority PD units drove past without so much as slowing down. The four of us (both 2-man cars) stood together, shoulder to shoulder, against almost 15 angry residents of the Imperial Courts housing project as they made threats and taunted us. Although back-up was only a few minutes out, those minutes might not have turned out so well had these fellow Law Enforcement Officers not stopped and backed us up.

We are all on the same team. We may have different missions, but make no mistake we have the same goal when all is said and done. Lets keep politics seprate from the folks on the front line, and remember, at least the CHP can still chase the suspect for us after our W/C has 10-22'd our pursuit!!

Thanks for you service, SgtCHP.

[SgtCHP]

Thanks for you service, SgtCHP.

And to you for your's. My service was an experience unlike any I could have ever imagined before my career started. My only goal was to make certain all of my fellow officers, and I, went home safely at the end of the shift. Looks like we made it!

[Webfur]

Separate question, don't want to start another thread.

I'm working on a PHS for an agency, and they are asking for contact information of the CHP, since I got as far as background, should I give them my BI information. I am lost on who to call at the CHP, about contact information

[willowdared]

We have a story in our department about a lone rural deputy responding to a bar fight (biker bar/Hell's Angels) with a victim with possible broken leg.

His cover was from a distance, so the dispatcher asked CHP to cover. The dispatcher was told they were in the middle of shift-change, so they weren't sure how long it would take.

Wouldn't ya know, about 50 Chippies showed up, from both Imperial and San Diego county (this was in the middle of nowhere) with both outgoing and incoming shifts responding.

The patient was airlifted for treatment, and an arrest was made.

[SgtCHP]

Separate question, don't want to start another thread.

I'm working on a PHS for an agency, and they are asking for contact information of the CHP, since I got as far as background, should I give them my BI information. I am lost on who to call at the CHP, about contact information

Your contact information with the CHP is your BI. Provide his/her name, office address and telephone number.

[Webfur]

Your contact information with the CHP is your BI. Provide his/her name, office address and telephone number.

Thank you!