75 learningexpress state police exam california complete preparation guide

WHAT TEST-TAKERS ARE SAYING ABOUT LEARNINGEXPRESS PREPARATION GUIDES "The information from the last two study guides I ordered from your company was invaluable . . . . Better than the $200 6-week study courses being offered . . . . After studying from dozens of books I would choose yours over any of the other companies." S. Frosch "Excellent . . . It was like having the test in advance!" J. Kennedy "Without this book, I wouldn't have understood the test." R. Diaz "Told me everything that was going to be on the test [and] gave me a good understanding of the whole process, too." J. Molinari "The best test-prep book I've used!" H. Hernandez "I felt 100% prepared when I took the Suffolk County exam this past June. I scored a 96 on it. I had taken it previously in 1992 and only scored an 82. Your guide helped me add 14 points to my score!" R. Morrell Page iii State Police Exam California Highway Patrol Page iv Copyright © 1996 Learning Express, LLC. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. Published in the United States by LearningExpress, LLC, New York. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Complete preparation guide. California State Police.1st ed. p. cm.(The LearningExpress law enforcement library) Includes index. ISBN 1-57685-005-6 1. Police, StateCaliforniaExaminations, questions, etc. 2. Police, State Vocational guidanceCalifornia. 3. Employment testsCalifornia. I. Series. HV7571.C2C66 1996 363.2'076dc CIP Printed in the United States of America 9 8 7 First Edition Regarding the Information in this Book We attempt to verify the information presented in our books prior to publication. It is always a good idea, however, to double-check such important information as minimum requirements, application and testing procedures, and deadlines with your local law enforcement agency, as such information can change from time to time. For Further Information For information on LearningExpress, other LearningExpress products, or bulk sales, please call or write to us at: LearningExpressÔ 900 Broadway Suite 604 New York, NY 10003 LearningExpress is an affiliated company of Random House, Inc. Distributed to the retail trade by Random House, Inc., as agent for LearningExpress, LLC. Page v Contents 1 The Work of a State Police Officer 1 2 State Police Officer Suitability Test 2 3 Becoming a California Highway Patrol Officer 3 4 The California State Police Exam Planner 4 5 The Secrets of Test Success 5 6 California State Police Exam 1 6 7 Reading Comprehension 7 8 Grammar 8 9 Writing 9 10 Vocabulary and Spelling 10 11 11 C a l i fo rn i a S t a t e P o l i c e E x a m 2 1 2Th e P h y s i c a l A b i l i t y T e s t 1 2 1 3Th e P e r s o n a l H i s t o ry S t a t e m e n t 1 3 1 4Th e O r a l I n t e r v i e w 1 4 1 5 P s y c h o l o g i c a l A s s e s s m e n t 1 5 1 6 I n d e x 1 6 Page vi List of Contributors The following individuals contributed to the content of this book. Susan Camardo is a business and careers writer and communications consultant based in New York City. Jan Gallagher, Ph.D., is a test-development specialist, editor, and teacher living in Jersey City, New Jersey. Mary Hesalroad, a former police officer for the Austin, Texas, Police Department, consults with police departments on recruiting efforts and is a freelance writer now living in Alameda, California. Karen Petty is a New York City-based writer specializing in career development issues. Judith F. Olson, M.A., is chairperson of the language arts department at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, where she also conducts test preparation workshops. Judith Robinovitz is an independent educational consultant and director of Score at the Top, a comprehensive test preparation program in Vero Beach, Florida. Judith Schlesinger, Ph.D., is a writer and psychologist whose background includes years ouf working with police officers in psychiatric crisis interventions. Jay Smith is an exercise physiologist and Director of Physical Fitness and Health Maintenance Programs for the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council. Page 1/1 Chapter 1 The Work of a State Police Officer Chapter Summary To help you determine if you're ready to make the commitment to become a state police officer, this chapter gives you an overview of what being a trooper is all about. You'll learn about the specific duties and responsibilities of the job, what it's like to be out there every day, what kind of strengths and skills you need, what you can expect to be paid, the upsidesand downsidesof the job, and important issues and trends in the field. And you will get some tips on how to develop a competitive edge before you even start the application process. The image of a state police officer is a strong one in the American imagination thanks to countless movies and TV series, from CHiPs to Highway Patrol, that portray troopers as tough, cool officers in high, shiny boots and impenetrable aviator sunglasses. The day-today reality of a state police officer's job, of course, is a lot less glamorous. But it is a tough job, requiring physical and mental agility, honesty and integrity, concern and dedication. And it is a cool job, because you're performing an important role in our society. Page 1/2 State police officers are known by a number of different namesincluding state troopers, highway patrol officers, and state traffic officersand their roster of duties varies from state to state. But the major responsibility that state police officers across the country share is ensuring public safety on their state's roadways. This involves patrolling the highways, enforcing traffic laws, dealing with accidents and other emergencies, assisting motorists, and conducting safety programs. In addition to highway responsibilities, state police in the majority of states also enforce criminal laws. In communities and counties that do not have a local police force or a large sheriff's department, state troopers are the primary law enforcement agents, investigating crimes such as burglary or assault. They may also help city or county police apprehend lawbreakers and control civil disturbances. A full 80 percent of all state police forces in the country operated a special drug enforcement unit in 1993. The New York State Police, for example, offers Community Narcotics Enforcement Teams, making undercover troopers and investigators available to work with local law enforcement agencies. In 1992, its members worked with local police in Buffalo in an operation that led to the arrest of nearly 100 drug dealers and customersone of the biggest roundups of streetlevel criminals in New York State history. (For specific duties related to state police officers, see sidebar on next page.) All states except Hawaii have some type of statewide police force. Fourteen states, mostly in the west and south, have highway patrols, 27 have state police departments, and eight have departments of public safety. JUST THE FACTS The first modern statewide police agency was the Pennsylvania State Constabulary, established in 1905. Demographics, Salary and Job Security There were approximately 52,000 full-time sworn state police officers in the United States in 1993. This still tends to be a man's world95 percent of these state officers were male. The force with the largest percentage of female troopers was the Wisconsin State Patrol, with 12.4 percent, followed by the Michigan State Police (9.7 percent) and the Florida Highway Patrol (9.4 percent). The North Carolina State Highway Patrol employed the least percentage of women (0.6 percent). State police forces also tend to be predominantly white. The average percent of white state police officers in 1993 was 89 percent; 7 percent were black, 3 percent Hispanic, and 1 percent other races. The pay of a state police officer varies widely, but on average, the base annual starting salary of an entrylevel officer in 1993 was $23,300. The states paying the highest to troopers just starting out were Alaska ($42,192) and California ($35,016). The lowestpaying states were Vermont ($18,720) and Wyoming ($18,828). As far as benefits go, state troopers often get a package that includes such standard elements as vacation, sick leave, holiday, and overtime pay; insurance (life, medical and disability); a uniform allowance; tuition reimbursement; and a retirement plan. Since the public sector, like so many other employers, has been "downsizing" in recent years, what's the job outlook for state police officers? The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of all types Page 1/3 Specific Duties of State Troopers While the activities of state troopers vary from state to state, here are some of the specific duties they may be called on to perform: Patroling state and interstate highways Enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws Monitoring traffic to: arrest or issue tickets or warnings to those violating motor vehicle regulations and safe driving practices, including speeding and driving while intoxicated; identify unsafe vehicles; detect stolen vehicles Providing information and assistance to motorists Observing and reporting public safety hazards, such as obstacles in the road or unsafe driving conditions Directing activities at the site of accidents or emergencies Providing first aid Investigating conditions and causes of accidents Directing traffic in congested areas Serving as escort for officials and dignitaries, funerals, processions, military convoys, parades Appearing in court as a witness in traffic violation and criminal cases Keeping records and making reports regarding activities, such as daily patrol occurrences or ongoing investigations Assisting law enforcement officers not under state jurisdiction Conducting safety programs for the public and at schools Inspecting automobiles and school buses for safe operating conditions Enforcing commercial vehicle weight laws Conducting driver exams of police officers is expected to increase through the year 2005. An increasingly fearful society is demanding more police protection of all kinds. But employment growth will be tempered by continuing budgetary constraints faced by law enforcement agencies in many states. Turnover in police jobs is among the lowest of all occupations, and most job openings come from the need to replace retiring officers. Rewards and Risks State police officers, like other law enforcement officials, have one of the most challenging yet rewarding jobs in our society. Being a state trooper offers you the chance to do responsible, worthwhile work. Each day holds the promise of making a positive difference in people's lives, right on up to saving lives. Other pluses include the variety of duties you perform and the personal challenges you undergo. It's also a profession known for a great spirit of camaraderie. State troopers are enormously proud of the work they do, and strongly supportive of each other. But there's another, darker side to the job of a state police officer. While most days are quiet "business as usual" times, there is always the threat of danger. Ran- Page 1/4 dom acts of violence, fueled by ready access to guns and drugs, have become daily occurrences and number among the expected crimes that a state trooper must confront. High-speed car chases are certainly not the norm, but when they do occur there's the possibility of cars crashing and burning. Unfortunately, the injury rate among law enforcement officers is higher than in many occupations and reflects the risks taken in pursuing speeding motorists, apprehending criminals and dealing with emergencies. And even when state police officers aren't directly in harm's way, they often have to perform duties that are difficult or unpleasant, such as confronting a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or heartbreaking, like assisting at a bloody accident scene. Stress is a way of life for the state police officer as well as for his/her family. And this stress comes from a number of sourcesthe danger inherent in this line of work; a changing schedule that disrupts sleeping habits as well as family and social life; dealing with the perception of some citizens that law enforcement officials of all kinds are corrupt or racist. And since state troopers are as human as the next person, there is a tendency to take these tensions home, which can sometimes lead to additional problems. It's important to think about this tough side of state policing if you plan to enter the field. But remember, too, that there's a lot of support available to help troopers handle the pressures of the job. Many departments actively provide training and assistance, ranging from stress management programs to confidential counseling services. And you can also rely on fellow troopers for understanding and encouragement. They, better than anyone else, know how stressful state police work can be. A Day in the Life Now that you have an idea of "the big picture, " you probably want to know what it's like to be a state police officer on a day-to-day basis. State police officers generally work a basic five-day, 40-hour week, with rotating shifts. Some states (New Jersey, for instance) use a "4/10" shift rotationfour days a week, 10 hours a day, which many troopers find better for their health and productivity. Since protection is needed on a 24-hour basis, you'll sometimes have to work nights, weekends and holidays. You may be required to work overtime, and you have to be prepared to be on call any time your services are needed. Most troopers patrol the highways and byways of their states in cars and motorcycles, although some use pl