About the California Highway Patrol

On August 14, 1929, the California Highway Patrol was created through an act of the Legislature. The new law gave Statewide authority to the California Highway Patrol to enforce traffic laws on county and State highways - a responsibility which remains in effect today, along with many additional functions undreamed of in 1929.

The primary mission of the California Highway Patrol is "the management and regulation of traffic to achieve safe, lawful, and efficient use of the highway transportation system." As a major statewide law enforcement agency, the secondary mission of the Department is to assist in emergencies exceeding local capabilities. The CHP also provides disaster and lifesaving assistance.

During its first ten years, the California Highway Patrol successfully grew into a highly respected, effective traffic safety force of 730 uniformed personnel. After World War II, the legislature decided to consolidate and reorganize the Patrol's enforcement and administrative responsibilities. In October 1947, the Department of the California Highway Patrol was established and the position of commissioner was created to head the new Department.

The span of enforcement responsibility has expanded dramatically and the CHP has continued to grow and change. Today's responsibilities include truck and bus inspections, air operations (both airplanes and helicopters) and vehicle theft investigation and prevention. The 1995 merger with the California State Police also increased the areas of responsibility to include protection of state property and employees, the Governor and other dignitaries.

In addition to its enforcement responsibilities, the Department has taken a leadership role in educating the public concerning driver safety issues. The CHP has received state and national recognition for its innovative public awareness campaigns promoting use of safety belts, a Designated Driver when drinking, securing small children in safety seats and wearing motorcycle and bicycle helmets.

Source:

chp.ca.gov/html/history.html

Organization of 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