New CHP Officers Face Different Kind Of Challenges

INDIO – It’s been a few months since we last saw Miguel Diaz. He recently graduated from the California Highway Patrol training academy. It’s his third day on the job and he’s enjoying the freedom.

“I can start growing my hair back,” says Diaz. “Nothing to crazy but it’s nice to have hair back.”

Diaz is one of seven new CHP officers. Each live in, or near, the Coachella Valley. And they’re happy to be home for the holidays.

“You get to be home with family, the wife. She’s due in March so it’s nice to be home,” says Diaz.

These cadets could have worked anywhere in the state. Now they’re a part of one of the biggest groups the Indio station has seen in years.

“For many years the Indio office would not get any cadets,” says Ramon Perez, Public Information Officer with the Indio station. “That’s just the way the dynamics of the job worked.”

The new officers made it through the grind of the academy but their training isn’t over. They’re on a year long probation period, including a 3 to 4 month break-in period, where they ride with more experienced officers.

During the first few days of training the new officers have to learn the station’s computer systems and get re-certified in arrest techniques and shooting.

Some people thrive in the controlled environment of the academy. But only 1 percent of cadets make it through training,past the probation period. The next few months will challenge officers ability to think on their feet.

“Out here you just never know. A basic stop can turn into something you’re not ready for but, you have to be mentally prepared for it,” says Diaz.