About the
California Highway Patrol
The California Highway
Patrol is a statewide law enforcement organization. It is lead by the Commissioner, assisted by the Deputy Commissioner. The
organization is divided into two major operations, Staff and Field. Each is lead by an Assistant Commissioner. The Staff operations
is comprised of headquarter commands. The Field operations are divided into eight
separate field Divisions located throughout the state. Also included in field operations are Office of Air Operations, State
Terrorism Threat Assessment Center, and Protective Services Division.
The Office of Air Operations
is responsible for the management of the Department's Air Operations Program. Among
its many responsibilities, the Office of Air Operations is charged with administering the aviation program budget, formulating
departmental policy relative to air operations, coordinating the aviation safety program, conducting initial and recurrent
pilot and flight officer testing, coordinating departmental paramedic training, determining departmental aircraft specifications,
conducting departmental aircraft accident/incident investigations, and performing liaison duties with the Federal Aviation
Administration.
The State Terrorism Threat
Assessment Center is a partnership of the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Justice, and the Governor's
Office of Homeland Security. Located in Sacramento, this multi-agency state fusion center was created for the purpose of terrorism/criminal
intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination. The plan to detect, deter, and prevent terrorism in California is based
upon federal, state, and local law enforcement and public safety partnerships with direct connections to the national terrorism
intelligence agencies and resources. The STTAC works in conjunction with four Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Centers.
Protective Services Division
(PSD) is one of the most unique operational Divisions within the CHP. PSD is made up of three commands which include the Dignitary
Protection Section, Judicial Protection Section, and the Capitol Protection Section. These offices are responsible for operations
pertaining to the protection of the Governor, constitutional officers, dignitaries and judges, as well as, the State Capitol,
state employees, and state facilities. PSD also works with state agencies within the downtown Sacramento area to provide them
with training on mail handling, bomb threats, and personal safety. PSD also serves as a liaison between state agencies and
the CHP in coordinating various events such as Child Passenger Safety Seat fittings, Safety Fairs and Career Fairs.
Source
chp.ca.gov