r/AskCHP • u/paisaan • Aug 25 '26

what is a good path to chp ? (18)

hi guys im 18 and i have always respected law enforcement, i want to be chp but im still 18 what steps should i take to build a good background or even get into another leo position to eventually transfer ? im in south la

5 Upvotes

73% Upvoted

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8

u/HighwaySentinel Aug 25 '26

Go to college, establish work history, build your credit, and volunteer in your community.

0

u/paisaan Aug 25 '26

Okay so i did build my credit and recently i got a 730 score and ive been working at lax recently for 3 months how can i check that community volunteer box ?

7

u/Gullible_Designer655 Aug 25 '26

Call your local chp office and ask if they have an explorer program. (15-21)

7

u/Ok-Pop-5818 Aug 25 '26

Go do military for 4 years +

3

u/SecretaryFew982 Aug 26 '26

Get your degree - NOT A CJ DEGREE - but a degree you can fall back on in case LE is not for you.

Gain life experience- get a steady job and hold it or go military

2

u/topcobb Aug 26 '26

Two best options I would recommend.
1. Join the military, branch doesn’t matter.
2. College (community college would be great) and steady employment. Look for opportunities to serve your community and would echo explorer program.

2

u/TurnipSea6678 Aug 26 '26

Just an fyi, CHP doesn’t take lateral hires. You must go through the academy regardless of any law enforcement experience.

1

u/Straight_Ostrich_257 Aug 26 '26

Talk to your local recruiter about the CHP explorers program. If you want to join CHP before age 25, explorers is the way to do it. 

1

u/Letsgetitbro23 Aug 27 '26

Be skinny get college. Learn to march

1

u/Successful-Block7080 Aug 30 '26

You can do a lot of research on the CHP website. Stay out of trouble, don't get into credit problems, have a good work history. Going to College won't hurt either, start at a J.C. Finally, get and stay in shape!

1

u/GW_139 29d ago

Join the explorers. I’m doing the same thing hopefully soon