Ohio State Highway Patrol

[TireMan]

I took the test in Feb. Does anyone know if they announced the date of the next class? Has anyone started processing? It's June and still no word for me yet.

[RuthlessOne]

Wow, deva Vu. I'm an Ohio State Trooper and I also moved from Fort Wayne for the job. Small world. Miss that place but 10K/year more alone was well worth the move. (I don't miss the license plate fees!)

Well, I can't tell you about when the next class is going to be going on, try 1-866-Trooper or

try this: http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/contact_oshp.html

I hope this helps you but it took me exactly 1 year and 1 month to enter the Acedemy from turning in my application. Generally, you should expect about 6 months of testing to go through and they run it very close to the Academy entrance dates.

I would expect you should hear something within 6 to 8 months of the next Academy class starting date. If you could find out when they expect to start the next class, you could find out when you should be getting contacted.

I previously posted info here: http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39740

If you don't get in on the first try, try again. Most folks take 2 to 3 years to get in.

** Edit **

I just re-read that you took the test already. Well, I also had to wait a few months of no contact after taking the test. If you didn't score high enough you would have known by now.

So you are probably on the list of eligible folks but I know they prefer to take from residents vs non-residents. If you have to wait till the next class, that could be why. I got that impression when I got in so did the 4 others in with me.

[TireMan]

Ruthless, I actually live in woodburn. I lived in Paulding and Van Wert my whole life. I moved over here in 2004 to be closer to work. I'm 29 years old. Figured I should try to get in before the age limit.
I scored 92 overall with two 100s. They said the score is good for 3 years. If I don't get in on the next one I'll try till I'm 35. It's what I've wanted since I was a kid. Most of my family lives in Ohio. Well you know how it is living on a border county.

[cellison1460]

It took me almost 3 years from application date to academy start date. They say that the "pool" of applicants has diminished so it doesn't take much over a year now.

[TireMan]

I got word from my recruiter that they locked on a date early next year. He said they're doing a lot of testing to make the pool of applicants bigger. I'll keep posting what I find out.

[kdchamblin]

Hi Tireman, i took the test in april and i was told that the next academy date is set for early 2007. Keep me updated if you hear anything or begin processing.

[TireMan]

KD, nothing new yet. I'll post as I get info. They told us they would start with the highest score and work down according to the number needed. So, they might have started but maybe my score is to low. It's hard to stay focused when you have to go on working and stuff. I started this process in December, they say you have to be patient.

[kdchamblin]

TM- You have a good score, better than mine: 86. I called the them and the woman i talked to said that i should be processed next training date b/c the pool of applicants is low and so many fail in the processing phase. Very strict standards, but i am used to it i just got out of the army. Yea, i know what you mean about being patient i applied in November 05. I know the current academy graduates in Oct. The waiting is the hard part, i am not even working b/c i kept thinking that this would work out quicker than this!

[CPDjock]

My suggestion is to seek gainful employment while processing and apply to other departments. Don't put all your eggs in one basket nor wait for your OSHP egg to hatch. Good luck.

[RuthlessOne]

My suggestion is to seek gainful employment while processing and apply to other departments. Don't put all your eggs in one basket nor wait for your OSHP egg to hatch. Good luck.
+1 on that. But, find a job you really don't care too much about. I.E. one that won't be too offended if you have to leave them suddenly. Like a local smaller PD or Twp PD. I've seen it happen many times that there is a large number of folks quitting the first 1 or 2 weeks in an Academy class and they call you asking if you can start Tomorrow or next Monday.

I've talked with several Police Officers over the years that have said they got tired of waiting then joined their current department only to be contacted by the OSP 6 months to 1 year later. Most of them tell me they regetted it but financially they had no choice but remain.

I applied at several PD's, SO's, and state agencies in two states before I got into the OSP.

[kdchamblin]

I am trying to get on as a guard at the county jail. I know that it will be at least til January for the academy now so you know i have to do something. Keep your fingers crossed for me and thanks for the advice.

[trooperden]

lots of interest in becoming one of Ohio's finest. I retired 12 years ago and it seems just like yesterday. I enjoyed my many years as a Trooper. and yes the key word is be patient. I did many background investigations but I enjoyed being a Coach the most, the last troop I broke in was Lt Mike Black, you might know him Ruthless One, I believe he is at the Academy now. Best of luck to you all. For those of you waiting I would try and get as many college credits as I could. One never knows if they will have a career ending injury and will need a new vocation to fall back on. Feel free to contact me :cool:

[fastpenguin]

just took the entrance exam today up in highland hills. they told us it would be highly unlikely to get in the academy class starting in november. the applicants selected for that class have already started the background and psyche tests. they also said the next academy class should be in the first quarter of 07. a lot of it depends on how many retire. there were 81 applicants today and 22 went home due to not meeting vision or weight standards. i applied in may in canton,oh.

[kdchamblin]

just took the entrance exam today up in highland hills. they told us it would be highly unlikely to get in the academy class starting in november. the applicants selected for that class have already started the background and psyche tests. they also said the next academy class should be in the first quarter of 07. a lot of it depends on how many retire. there were 81 applicants today and 22 went home due to not meeting vision or weight standards. i applied in may in canton,oh.

I applied in Nov. 05 and took the test in April. I am still waiting to begin processing. They told me there would be no training until the first of 2007.

[kdchamblin]

Is anyone being contacted for processing? Its been since April for me, I passed to the exam and then they said we'll contact when a date has been set, but nothing yet.

[TireMan]

August 31st. Nothing for me yet.

[TireMan]

I just talked with my recruiter and he said that they're doing a class in November. Just like Fastpenguin siad. The recruits are left overs from '05 applicants that didn't get finnished. The '06 people are looking at early next year for a class date.

[pd821]

Must be nice...i sent an interest card to OSU for a state trooper position. I have quite a few years experience in Las Vegas in patrol. I recieved an email from recruiting stating a Ohio statute stateds you must be an Ohio resident to apply and be hired. Thought that was a bit odd.

[TireMan]

PD, i think your right, but on the paperwork i got it says "Must be an Ohio resident(Waivable)"...

[adams2311]

Do any of you know Major Anderson? I went to high school with his son and we joined the Marine Corps together back in 93. I, recently, applied to the SHP in November but haven't heard anything yet.

[Seven53]

December 11, 2006 - 34 cadets have begun training at Patrol’s Academy - On November 29, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 147th cadet class began their training toward becoming troopers at the Patrol’s Training Academy in Columbus.


http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/

[Bushum]

Down to 26 already :eek:

This is going to be the smallest graduating class in a while.

[jrhodes]

every time i click the link on their site it takes me to the ovi checkpoint news story, lol

[NativeTexan]

Those of you who are shooting for the OSHP Academy- let me give you some advice from someone who's been there. You'd better work your butt off before you get there and be IN SHAPE. I was running about five miles a day before I got there and lifting hard 4 days a week and it still kicked my butt! (Although I was top of the class in fitness assessment.) Just making the height/weight requirement is NOT ENOUGH! If I can give you another word of advice- go in knowing this info by heart:
-Names and locations of all 88 counties
-Know the alphabetical number that goes w/ each county (Adams = 1; Wyandot = 88) You get the idea
-Know all the post locations and the district HQ's
-I don't know if you can get a copy of these, but if you can get your hands on a copy of their signals, learn those. (i.e. Signal 79 = Mentally disturbed person) It will make your morning inspections much less painful.
-If you can get a copy of the Ohio Revised Code book- start memorizing the traffic law section and know it inside and out! You will be tested on all of this weekly and you will be given absolutely NO time to study while at the Academy so don't plan on doing anything on the weekends! You will be going home and studying and typing, typing, typing your notes.
-Start memorizing all the Academy's staff unit numbers- this will also make inspections a little more bearable.
The OSHP Academy is a LIFE CHANGING experience and those guys know what they are doing and are some of the best at it! If you don't think you can handle getting screamed at 24-5, don't waste their time. You'll be surprised at how many leave after a day or so. My advice- no matter how much you hate it, stick it out to at least the first weekend. Go home and tell your family how much you've put up with and you'll realize you can handle it and it's ALL worth it!
A few more parting pieces of advice: go in with a 'high and tight' military haircut. No gel or long hair. They will cut it for you and you don't want that! Take a plain colored swimsuit. No board shorts or anything like that! And if you aren't a strong swimmer, GET STRONG! Tank (pool) physical training or P.T. is the WORST and HARDEST P.T. you will do! Go get a very nice pair of oxford shoes (I recommend Thorgood) and break 'em in before you go- I mean run in 'em and everything b/c that's what you'll be doing there; trust me! And shine 'em to a mirror before you show up!!! Come up with some cadences. Something like (They say call an Ohio State Trooper man, the best state troopers in land!) Pay attention when they teach you how to make a rack (bed). Nothing gets your room tossed more than a poorly made bed. And they will throw EVERYTHING in your room in the hall! Take a silver sharpie marker and write your name small on the inside of your uniform b/c they will throw ALL of EVERYONE'S clothes in a big pile in the middle of the hall and give you like 2 minutes to get everyone's clothes back to the right person and changed. Tell EVERYONE to do this! I don't think I ever got the correct shirts/pants back after the first time they did that. Also, don't try to save time by not showering when you are told to- trust me, the consequences to this are NOT WORTH saving those couple of minutes! Finally, no matter where you are going (to class, P.T, wherever) go as a class. If you are done getting ready before your classmates, GO HELP THEM SOMEHOW!!!! Just yell, "Who needs help?!" Trust me, someone's rack will need made or something! Don't have 5 cadets sitting in class waiting for your classmates! If you're going to do it, do it together! And above all, be loud when you sound off, be it in class with the core values (you'll see how to do that) or while running- be loud. And especially when you are inside the building! They want to hear you screaming at the top of your lungs no matter where you are. If you can't be heard from the other side of the building, you aren't being loud enough! For some reason, there will be people who don't sound off??? Take them aside in the evening or sometime with a few other cadets and practice marching and sounding off at the same time! You'll probably need to practice marching a lot in the evenings in the beginning too. You military guys will know this- some people don't pick up on that quickly. I wish you all the best. You'll love Red-Man! Hope you can be mean! :)

[matty1098]

Wow...I'm not even trying for OSP but that was some serious insider info. Thank you very much for that Native!

[Bushum]

....

Way to go you just ruined all the instructor's fun :p

It's ok, no matter how much info you give there will always be a handful that just don't get it and get everyone else in trouble.

[NativeTexan]

Way to go you just ruined all the instructor's fun :p

It's ok, no matter how much info you give there will always be a handful that just don't get it and get everyone else in trouble.

That's true, and trust me, we had our share who didn't get it. But our instructors told us they were surprised that we didn't know a lot of that info. I guess recruitment is supposed to be telling cadets to be studying counties, post locations, etc. And some of that is just common sense- OSHP is a state organization and so they use the Ohio Revised Code.... duh. I had someone sit down and talk to me about the academy and although it was a serious kick in the pants, it was nice to know some of those things. Trust me, there is PLENTY they have waiting for you. It will still be interesting! :)

[TireMan]

Got a packet today. It had the online questionaire info and some forms to send to the academy. It didn't take long... I turned in my application December 9th, 2005. I took the test in February of 2006. Good luck to everyone!

[s10ryan]

Those of you who are shooting for the OSHP Academy- let me give you some advice from someone who's been there. You'd better work your butt off before you get there and be IN SHAPE. I was running about five miles a day before I got there and lifting hard 4 days a week and it still kicked my butt! (Although I was top of the class in fitness assessment.) Just making the height/weight requirement is NOT ENOUGH! If I can give you another word of advice- go in knowing this info by heart:
-Names and locations of all 88 counties
-Know the alphabetical number that goes w/ each county (Adams = 1; Wyandot = 88) You get the idea
-Know all the post locations and the district HQ's
-I don't know if you can get a copy of these, but if you can get your hands on a copy of their signals, learn those. (i.e. Signal 79 = Mentally disturbed person) It will make your morning inspections much less painful.
-If you can get a copy of the Ohio Revised Code book- start memorizing the traffic law section and know it inside and out! You will be tested on all of this weekly and you will be given absolutely NO time to study while at the Academy so don't plan on doing anything on the weekends! You will be going home and studying and typing, typing, typing your notes.
-Start memorizing all the Academy's staff unit numbers- this will also make inspections a little more bearable.
The OSHP Academy is a LIFE CHANGING experience and those guys know what they are doing and are some of the best at it! If you don't think you can handle getting screamed at 24-5, don't waste their time. You'll be surprised at how many leave after a day or so. My advice- no matter how much you hate it, stick it out to at least the first weekend. Go home and tell your family how much you've put up with and you'll realize you can handle it and it's ALL worth it!
A few more parting pieces of advice: go in with a 'high and tight' military haircut. No gel or long hair. They will cut it for you and you don't want that! Take a plain colored swimsuit. No board shorts or anything like that! And if you aren't a strong swimmer, GET STRONG! Tank (pool) physical training or P.T. is the WORST and HARDEST P.T. you will do! Go get a very nice pair of oxford shoes (I recommend Thorgood) and break 'em in before you go- I mean run in 'em and everything b/c that's what you'll be doing there; trust me! And shine 'em to a mirror before you show up!!! Come up with some cadences. Something like (They say call an Ohio State Trooper man, the best state troopers in land!) Pay attention when they teach you how to make a rack (bed). Nothing gets your room tossed more than a poorly made bed. And they will throw EVERYTHING in your room in the hall! Take a silver sharpie marker and write your name small on the inside of your uniform b/c they will throw ALL of EVERYONE'S clothes in a big pile in the middle of the hall and give you like 2 minutes to get everyone's clothes back to the right person and changed. Tell EVERYONE to do this! I don't think I ever got the correct shirts/pants back after the first time they did that. Also, don't try to save time by not showering when you are told to- trust me, the consequences to this are NOT WORTH saving those couple of minutes! Finally, no matter where you are going (to class, P.T, wherever) go as a class. If you are done getting ready before your classmates, GO HELP THEM SOMEHOW!!!! Just yell, "Who needs help?!" Trust me, someone's rack will need made or something! Don't have 5 cadets sitting in class waiting for your classmates! If you're going to do it, do it together! And above all, be loud when you sound off, be it in class with the core values (you'll see how to do that) or while running- be loud. And especially when you are inside the building! They want to hear you screaming at the top of your lungs no matter where you are. If you can't be heard from the other side of the building, you aren't being loud enough! For some reason, there will be people who don't sound off??? Take them aside in the evening or sometime with a few other cadets and practice marching and sounding off at the same time! You'll probably need to practice marching a lot in the evenings in the beginning too. You military guys will know this- some people don't pick up on that quickly. I wish you all the best. You'll love Red-Man! Hope you can be mean! :)
thank you for the advice as im currently in the hiring proccess of OHSP and will deffinatley take that to heart and prepare in the best way possible.
i take the test in february for OHSP and columbus PD like 3 days appart from each other

[TireMan]

Got a letter. I take the polygraph March 19. Getting closer.

[Bushum]

Congrats! You got lucky and have a long time to prepare. I had mine like a week after I got my letter so I had to scramble to get everything in order :(

[TireMan]

Thanks Bush

Question to anyone, i'm wondering if i will do the medical or psycological while i'm waiting for the polygraph. I'm hoping to do them one at a time, in the order that the manual states. It's easier for scheduling vacation, my boss is expecting the order i showed him. I want to be able to give him a heads up. Thanks all.

[Bushum]

They should all three be on different days. Admittedly I can't remember the order but you will do the medical one-day, a multiple choice psych test one day, and have a visit with a psychologist one day. (I think that’s the order.)

Another thing, this thread is 8 months old already. You better not make a post saying you quit the academy because it's too hard :p

[RuthlessOne]

Got a letter. I take the polygraph March 19. Getting closer.Congrats. The polygraph doesn't disquinsh between small stuff vs big stuff. It just sees deception. So relax. Just be honest. Completely honest. You actually spend more time talking about things than you do hooked up to the machine.
Thanks Bush

Question to anyone, i'm wondering if i will do the medical or psycological while i'm waiting for the polygraph. I'm hoping to do them one at a time, in the order that the manual states. It's easier for scheduling vacation, my boss is expecting the order i showed him. I want to be able to give him a heads up. Thanks all.Honestly, I don't remember everything way back then in 1992 but I'm pretty sure I did the psy test in the morning, then I went outside and did a vision test in the hallway. I remember this because I failed it (uncorrected vision test) and had to go see my personal Optomatrist for a new vision screening & waiver. I don't remember when I did the rest of the physical.

...Another thing, this thread is 8 months old already. You better not make a post saying you quit the academy because it's too hard :pThink of the Academy as a big "We are going to break you!" game. Don't let them win. Those same guys who beat on you down in Redman, want to go hang out with you at the bar when you graduate.

If you quit after hearing that, you don't really deserve it.

[TireMan]

Thanks Ruth,

I'll keep posting my progress, or elimination, if that would be the case. I'm doing Fort Wayne PD now as well. I turned in my Background Questionaire today for that. So it looks like i'm doing both at almost the same pace. We started the FWPD process with over 600. We are down to 80 after only 3 events.

[Youngstown]

hey tireman i was just wondering if the state gave you a call and told you when the next academy would start. I got a call from S/Lt. telling me they were going to start a class in may and asking me if i was still interesed. I was supposed to leave for the 147 class but got deferred because they already had it filled. It's such a long process. Well let me know how everything is going. I need someone to talk about this stuff because it gets a little stressful at times if you know what i mean.

[TireMan]

Young, No they have never called, i just started processing though. I suppose that I would be done in time for a May class. Did they tell you specificly May? I figured June-July. My polygraph is on March 19th. I've heard it goes by quickly after that. You're allready a lock, that rocks! Hope if I get past all the screening I'll get in the next class. But i'll wait on the next one If i have to. Whtever it takes.

[Youngstown]

Hey tireman ya she told me they are going to start one in may. Believe me it doesn't go fast enough. I went through my polygraph and everything in less than a year, then waiting for a class. It will be two years exactly if i get in May. Good luck on the polygraph it's not that bad, just three hours of facing a wall thats all. After that the background check and everything goes by fast, it's not that bad either. Hope to hear back from ya.

[osubucks22]

Wow, this process seems lengthy, but worth it. I am scheduled to take the written exam in a couple of weeks. Can anyone please let me know what to expect, since the packet says to expect to be on site for four hours. How should I dress and what happens during the pre-physical? Any help would be appreciated. Also, does anyone know if the class in May is the only class this year? I talked to some local pd guys that were saying something about an August class.

[cellison1460]

Wow, this process seems lengthy, but worth it. I am scheduled to take the written exam in a couple of weeks. Can anyone please let me know what to expect, since the packet says to expect to be on site for four hours. How should I dress and what happens during the pre-physical? Any help would be appreciated. Also, does anyone know if the class in May is the only class this year? I talked to some local pd guys that were saying something about an August class.

Written exam is pretty easy really, it just covers the basics. When I took the test we didn't start until 7:30p.m. and didn't get out of the academy until after midnight. They don't test that late anymore, they only did that a few times trying to see if they could get more people to test. By the time the four hours are up you are so tired and bored you will mark just about anything just because you want to finish. I did very well on all parts of the tests, I don't remember the exact scores but over 95% on all and 100% on two parts. The pre-physical is a height-weight check and a vision screening. If you don't pass both they will put your application on hold, I had to have lasiks eye surgery to pass the vision screening.

As you go in to this process just remember that you are apply for a career and a calling not just another job. If you go in to the process looking for a job you will be washed out.

[osubucks22]

I'm taking the written this thursday, how should I dress? The packet says business attire, but how much? Shirt and tie, or khakis?

[cellison1460]

I'm taking the written this thursday, how should I dress? The packet says business attire, but how much? Shirt and tie, or khakis?

Wear what you would consider acceptable to wear to church or a funeral. Khakis and polo at the very least, dress shirt/ pants and tie at the most. There is no need to wear a jacket to this.

[osubucks22]

Thanks. Do you know where I should report when I get there. I go to OSU, so I know where the academy is on 17th, but I don't know exactly what building to go to?

[cellison1460]

Thanks. Do you know where I should report when I get there. I go to OSU, so I know where the academy is on 17th, but I don't know exactly what building to go to?

The recruitment entrance, it faces the east (IR71) just south of the main entrance.

[TireMan]

The main front (public access) parking lot. There will be a line of others testing. Just jump in line. They'll come out and tell you when to enter. When you enter you'll show ID and they'll give you a packet. Then you go in to the classroom and wait. Then one of the recruiters will talk for a while. Then you get in line for the weight test, followed by eye exam. You will then get your picture taken and sit back down, they'll talk some more and then you take the test. You'll get the results back within a few weeks. There will be 50+ others with you when you take it. I think there was 68 for mine. Probably close to ten didn't test. Mostly over weight.

No pressure but, this score is your everything. Unless your a woman or minority, you can kiss getting to process goodbye if you don't get in the 90s. So my advice is to take practice exams if your old but, if you just left school or are currently enrolled then you should be good. I think the horror stories of it taking 2 tests and 6 years to get in, are from people that didn't score high enough, even a score in the 80s and you could be on the list for years. I'm sure you'll do fine, but bring your A-game.

Good luck!

[osubucks22]

Thanks for the good info. I'm graduating from OSU next sunday so I SHOULD be good with the written exam, then again, you never know. If I score in the high 90s, do you have any guess as to how long the whole process will take? I know it depends on when they have the academy. I think that I am pretty high up on one of the local pd's list, so I am trying to piece together timelines for each position. Thanks in advance for the response.

[TireMan]

I can tell you my story. I tested Feb. 2006. I scored 92 overall. They Started a class in March 2006, but my group was the one of the first groups to take the test for classes that started after the March class. Then I was told they did a very small class around Nov 2006 comprised of the people left over from the March class. Then in Jan. 2007 I got my packet(questionaire), and letter stateing I was selected to start processing. I'm now scheduled for the Polygraph in March 2007.

I believe I was selected relatively quickly. If your in the 90's I would say you have a good chance of being choosen for processing within a year or so. I believe once you are selected for processing your in, IF you pass all the things. i.e. your not competeing with other canidates. Your number comes up and you start to process, if you pass all the requirements then you wait until they tell you to show up for an academy.

Good Luck!!

[Rio]

Thanks for the info Native! I'm currently in the beginning of my application process (just had the group interview yesterday) and this has really jumpstarted my studying.

Side focus:
I was told that with a Bachelors degree that you will receive a payraise with enrollment. How much is this (if you know)? I'll be graduating this May with my Bachelors in Education and am curious. Also, how important is it to have previous formal education?

[TireMan]

RIO,

I have no post-high school education, and I was selected to process. I do have military but like I said in prior posts, all you need is a good score. If you score well on the written test your number will be called to start processing. If your score is low it wouldn't matter if you were special forces with a masters degree. This process isn't very personnal. If you process and you meet their criteria you'll get hired. Thats the best way to put it. It's not like a most other depts. you don't start with 800 and widle it down by things like military or not, or degree or not.

Good Luck!

[fastpenguin]

nice to see somone on their way. by what you have said it sounds like my time could be the fall class in 07. i applied in may of 06 and scored a 92 overall. i just hope 32 is not too old for them.

[osubucks22]

Does anyone think if it would be possible for someone that took the written this week to make a fall class?

[TireMan]

yes, it all depends on score/gender/race.

[osubucks22]

Gender and race? I thought it all depended upon the written score, or am I that naive?

[TireMan]

They have to be diversified. Not many minorities or women apply. So when one does and they pass the test then they'll go to the front of the list. If they scored a 70 or 100 it doesn't matter. My budy is half Mexican and it took him less than 6 months from application to academy and he had a 77. He said he asked around the other cadets and they all had 90+. When I first went in to my local post I talked with a liutenant and he said being a white male is a real speed bump in getting on and my chances were limited unless i scored really high.

I put it on my last post because i didn't know if you fit one of those criteria. If not, like i said you'll need a high score to compete against the other white males. The women and minorities still have to pass the test and the other criteria. Pretty much any dept. that is EO does this same practice. Like I said it's important for them to be diversified. If more women and minorities would apply i suppose you wouldn't need this policy. But for now it's good because without it we would have even less diversity. The academy class will still be 90% white male.

Good luck on your test score!

[osubucks22]

Yea I'm aware of the need for diversity by many departments. I just didn't know if the OSHP was different. It just makes me discouraged that I have to place so high to even get looked at.

[TireMan]

osu, your in like flint man. good luck!

[Bushum]

My budy is half Mexican and it took him less than 6 months from application to academy and he had a 77. He said he asked around the other cadets and they all had 90+.

Pretty much any dept. that is EO does this same practice.

It seems to me that "equal opportunity" is a misnomer.

Like I said it's important for them to be diversified.

Why?

[osubucks22]

Took the written exam today and everything seemed to go well, just waiting to hear back about the score. There was something that caught my eye today. On our packets that stay with us throughout the process there were two initials written at the top corner in darks letters. Mine said "WM." It took me a minute, but I realized that I was being put into the huge pile along with all of the other white males. I thought that was hilarious that they wrote your race and gender at the top in bold letters so they can sift through the pile. Honestly, I am not trying to complain, just making an observation.

[TireMan]

Bush, i think it's good to mirror population. but, i do think it's unfortunate that it's not "best person for the job".

OSU, thats funny with the WM. i never noticed it.

[semaj23]

I took my polygraph on March 7th, 2007 and haven't heard anything yet. I'm hoping that's normal. The waiting is the hardest part. I had a spike on the question about stealing from work. That concerned me because I felt as if I were answering honestly. After taking the poly I think the tactic is not to see if you will pass the test but to find out all your dirty secrets. I don't think I have many and I had no problem talking about them. I hope I make it in. I hope to see some of you there. In the mean time I'll be taking some advice that was given here and try to get as prepared as possible for the six month training. I'm hoping I can get my old *** in good enough shape not to die the first couple days.

[cerwinvegaX]

For those of you guys who have taken the OSP polygraph, do they really take the questions for the poly off of the Personal History Questionaire like stated in the recruitment pamphlet?

[cellison1460]

For those of you guys who have taken the OSP polygraph, do they really take the questions for the poly off of the Personal History Questionaire like stated in the recruitment pamphlet?


The polygraph is 100% based off the questionaire, in fact the person giving the polygraph will look at your questionaire almost the whole time he is talking to you.

[semaj23]

For my polygraph there were pre-test questions based of the questionnaire. The actual poly was ten questions plus two "baseline" questions. The interview portion is to get as much info from you as possible and in order to pass the poly (or so they will tell you) you have to tell them everything leaving no gray area. The poly will be pretty much "are you now lying about your alcohol use? about sex crimes? about stealing? about stealing from work? about drug use? about violent crimes?" I don't remember them all but they are broad questions about particular topics. Just relax, spill your guts in the pre-test interview so you can honestly answer no on the poly. The unfortunate thing is that I think the decision is based more on the info you give than the poly but you do need to pass it. Don't bother trying to hide things. Relax, be honest.

[TireMan]

Passed the polygraph today. He said it would be a few weeks before I get any word about the background investigation.

[TireMan]

Passed the polygraph today. He said it would be a few weeks before I get any word about the background investigation.

[semaj23]

So, he actually told you a time frame to hear something? Which guy gave you the poly? I hope the fact that he didn't tell me when to expect to hear something isn't any indication that I won't hear anything. Grrr. This is so frustrating. I felt like I was being very honest and still I'm concerned.

Well, glad to hear you passed your poly. Where are you as far as being able to pass the physical part? I think I may be border line on the running. I've never been a runner but I'm running every day to try and get the time as low as possible.

Ahh, anyway, I should stop worrying and know that I'm a good candidate and let things happen the way they happen.

[Matto]

Why would they seperate and label the test based on race?

[TireMan]

i dont remember his name it was in cincinnati. he said you passed and you'll likely hear from the selection board in a few weeks. he also said the board will vote on me and then tell me in the form of a letter.

[cellison1460]

i dont remember his name it was in cincinnati. he said you passed and you'll likely hear from the selection board in a few weeks. he also said the board will vote on me and then tell me in the form of a letter.


If you took it in Cincinnati it was Tpr. Jim Slusher

[semaj23]

Ok, I see. I took mine in Columbus. There are two examiners there.

[TireMan]

yes thats it. thanks cellison.

[TireMan]

semaj23,

I got my packet for the medical exam today. It has a health questionaire and a letter that says to show up the 26th of April at the academy for the exam. Also, it says to bring swim trunks? I emailed Tpr. Brady (my area recruiter) to find out what kind of swiming we have to do. The Doc is Dr. Fernandez.

Did you get word yet?

[semaj23]

Yep, got word today. I won't be there.

[Youngstown]

hey tireman, i took the medical about two weeks ago, i didn't do any swimming. I would say bring the trunks just incase. The medical isn't bad at all, the only thing that sucks is not being able to eat for 10 hours prior. I think it took about 4 hours to complete. They have you drive to two other places that are about 5 miles from the academy for a chest x-ray, and another urine sample. I'm waiting for my letter to do the run, and the push ups, and sit ups. Sgt. Johnson told me it would be sometime in mid april. I just cleared my second background check because it was over six months since my last one. so good luck to ya, you will do fine.

[Magicman]

Just curious.....How often does Brady Respond to you? As in emails? By the way hope you enjoy the runs to the big oak! Also, working the State Fair...I hear that is a breath of fresh HOTT AIR! Parking lot work is wonderful
LMAO! Yeah have fun working the fair!

[Magicman]

Hang in there. It's hard to get on OHSP but I think it's one of the finest depts in the country. It put food on our table when I was growing up. It also ****ed off my parents when I didn't go there. Be prepared! My wife took our kids down recently and _______ (unamed higher up) asked them when they wanted to join the legacy, get a stetson and go on the road. My girls talk about that too this day. He asked them why dad wasn't a troop and they said "because he's a city kitty not a flying tire". I think my wife's heart was having serious palpitations! But he said they'd have a place open for them and can't wait til they're old enough.
I wish you luck! Let us know how things go. It's a rough process with them. They're very staunch but you'll do fine. Just be prepared for anything they want from you.
OH and if you get into the academy, don't quit! Unless you are absolutely 100% sure that all the stuff you've been interviewing for is not what you want. It is hard and will wear on you but you can make it through. There is a method to the madness and it only lasts so long. Then the really hard stuff starts. When my wife was there, a cadet checked out. She ran over to tell him to rethink it. (of course she was stopped) He left and gave up a spot someone eager and worthy would have taken. You have to be strong!

[semaj23]

I took my polygraph on March 7th, 2007 and haven't heard anything yet. I'm hoping that's normal. The waiting is the hardest part. I had a spike on the question about stealing from work. That concerned me because I felt as if I were answering honestly. After taking the poly I think the tactic is not to see if you will pass the test but to find out all your dirty secrets. I don't think I have many and I had no problem talking about them. I hope I make it in. I hope to see some of you there. In the mean time I'll be taking some advice that was given here and try to get as prepared as possible for the six month training. I'm hoping I can get my old *** in good enough shape not to die the first couple days.

Do you think those things actually work?

The short answer is nope. The long answer is in my rejection letter.

[TireMan]

Just curious.....How often does Brady Respond to you? As in emails? By the way hope you enjoy the runs to the big oak! Also, working the State Fair...I hear that is a breath of fresh HOTT AIR! Parking lot work is wonderful



He responds every time i write him.

Also, he said to disregard the swim trunks. It's still on there from when they used the dunk tank for body fat%.

[osubucks22]

Sorry to break from topic, but I finally got my written exam score back; got a 97. From past experiences, should I hear anything back soon, or do I need to play the waiting game. I heard people talking about a May class and an August one, would the August class be the first one that I could get into? I'm excited about this opportunity. Any info would be appreciated.

[TireMan]

OSU,

Awesome score! I'd say you will certainly be processed. When? Who knows. May class? I would guess not. I'd say that I'm cutting it close on the May class and I started "processing" in Jan. The pamphlet you got says it takes 4-6 months to "process". Mine will be done just in time for May. However, I think I'm(if i get accepted) going to be overflow for the next one.
I'd bet you get processed for the next one. REMEMBER, just getting processed is half the battle. With a 97 you will get your shot to do so. Good luck with the other stuff and keep us informed.

Also, I'm in the middle of my background investigation now. If I pass, I'm scheduled for the medical/physical fitness assesment April 26th. I'll keep you'll posted.

[Lawenforcer72]

well osu it also depends on your ethnicity. If your white you may have a longer wait than those that are not white, being that the statistics have to be met for equal hiring of all ethnicities. I know some white males that have waited 3 years to get into an academy class. So it all depends.

[osubucks22]

I hope it doesn't take that long, but who knows. Tireman, when you say that getting processed is half the battle, what do you mean. Are you implying that I just have to pass all the phases? I am kind of confused on the whole process for the OSHP, I have heard that it is different than local pd's, process wise.

[TireMan]

This is purely my opinion...

I have a couple different pamphlets. Combined and with stories I've heard I think i have an understanding of the process.
Everyone takes the test. They run the test continuously. If you score low they might not get to you.
Hypathetical: You score 85 and there is 1000 on the list. You are number 250. They need to fill a class of 70 so they take the first 150 and start processing. They want to probably have 100 pass everything and waiting for the academy to start. So theres 100 to get to you. and as the 150 get weeded out they start processing the other 850 in order so they will get to you soon right? maybe not because another 70 take the test at least once a month, and more get higher spots than you. So you can see why the score is so important. Yours is 97. you shouldn't have to wait to long. If you got a 71 you would probably stay on the list 3 years and have to retake the test and if you scored low you could be on it for 6 years total and maybe not ever get started.
Now that being said, Once you are selected to process. You do your questionaire and polygraph. then if it's acceptable you get a conditional offer of employment. And at that point if you meet the standards you get accepted.
All this info is current and taking into account the 2 classes a year tempo they're doing lately. But, like i said, this is how i see it. i'm probably missing something. Hope this helps.

[drewsy64]

I got a 94 on my test and it took them two years to send me my PHQ, it all just depends on your score and how many recruits they're going to need. I'd say that with a 97, you should be towards the head of the pack. Best of luck to you.

[osubucks22]

Thanks Drewsy. Do they still do background investigations and panel interviews like local pd's? I posted a question on another forum, but no one responded. The question was whether or not a pd can see specific answers that an applicant gave during a panel interview for another department. Any help would be appreciated.

[Bushum]

OSP does not do panel interviews. The closest you will come to an interview is the few hours the polygrapher spends asking you questions.

[TireMan]

OSU,

I just finished my BGI. It was VERY VERY thorough. I did Fort Wayne PD's last month and that was in depth, but this one was very indepth. He talked to Ft. Wayne and got info from them, then another Dept. I use to work for. He checked all their records too. Polygraph report ect.

He wanted more names than what i had on my questionaire. I pulled all kinds of names out of my rear. He talked to the officers that have cited me. He talked to the chief of police where i grew up and the chief deputy of the sheriff's dept. He talked to court officials and school officials. He wasn't messing around. He wasn't concerned to much with my references, he wanted to find some bad stuff and get the real scoop.

Anyways, I talked to him today and he said he thinks i'm going to pass but it's still up to the majors.

When i meet with him i brought all my questionable areas up before he did and explained them. I wasn't tring to hide anything. I think thats the approach to have. He was a plain clothes investigator. He is definately there to do a job.

So, i'd say be up front with everything. because if he finds something big and you haven't said anything up to that point your probably finished.

GOOD LUCK!

[HHPD77]

I was there for training today. They had potential recruits in for PT tests if it applies.

[osubucks22]

I assume the PT was for the may class? I still haven't heard back yet...I would like to know when they will start processing people for the August class.

[BlackedOut]

Not to change the subject, but lately, as I've been driving through northwestern Columbus, I've been seeing an old-style gray OSHP cruiser! I was told by a troop awhile back that all cars are changed and/or sold at the 80,000-100,000 mile mark... so what's the story with that one? Just an extra? Every time I see that thing, I just laugh, thinking that theres a high-ranking trooper somewhere that just likes that old color a little better than white! Oh, and I'm sure that it makes for a nice suprise for motorists up there on 270 that are on the lookout for a bright white car in traffic. ;)

[Bushum]

The gray cars are put out of service at 100K. There are still some around that are driven by brass and statehouse troopers so they are hardly driven. You probably won't see any outside of Franklin county since those cars are actually used on patrol.

[BlackedOut]

Interesting! So not having uniform cruisers wouldn't violate ORC 4549.13, 4501:2-3-01, or 4549.14? Obviously they aren't going to be used for traffic stops, but I saw one up in the median on 270, and it made me think... is that legal? I had always thought that 4549.13 meant that all cars needed to be identical in order to make a stop, otherwise you'd be in violation of 4549.13 or rather deemed "incompetent" by 4549.14. Sorry for the law questions.

[TireMan]

Well as far as I know I passed the Medical and VO2/other stuff on the 26th. They gave me a letter to show up for the PT test/Psych test on May 4th. They gave it to me instead of mailing it. They also said that I passed barring any wierd blood or urine results which they'll get back today or tommorrow, so it's not "official" yet.

May 4th PT test will be the last one for the May 16th class. They said it's not filld yet. They are expecting to have 60ish. So, I could be in the May class or held over until the next one. Or I could bolo something and not do any.

[cellison1460]

Well as far as I know I passed the Medical and VO2/other stuff on the 26th. They gave me a letter to show up for the PT test/Psych test on May 4th. They gave it to me instead of mailing it. They also said that I passed barring any wierd blood or urine results which they'll get back today or tommorrow, so it's not "official" yet.

May 4th PT test will be the last one for the May 16th class. They said it's not filld yet. They are expecting to have 60ish. So, I could be in the May class or held over until the next one. Or I could bolo something and not do any.

Do what you have to do to get in this class! The state it on a hiring freeze so if you don't get in this class it is hard to say how long it might be for another class to get started. As long as you pass the PT tests you will be fine, I've never heard of anyone failing the psych test.

Good luck

[ar15shrty]

The state is on a hiring freeze for everyone except dispatchers, troopers and drivers license examiners and other essential persons. Or at least that's what we were told at our post.:)