8 Things you may not know about the CHP

As an officer of the California Highway Patrol, your job is providing safety, service, and security to Californians and visitors to our state. Officers do much more than write tickets.

The CHP is a very diverse agency that performs many different duties ranging from patrolling the streets to protecting the Governor. Some special CHP assignments include, but are not limited to, drug interdiction, auto theft, accident investigation, DUI enforcement, K-9 units, Air Operations, and motorcycle patrol, to mention a few.

Former English teachers, construction workers, delivery truck drivers, single moms, single dads, insurance salespeople, realtors, bank clerks, DMV clerks, pharmaceutical reps and accountants have all become CHP officers. High School graduates, College graduates from many different disciplines (not just Criminal Justice) and Military personnel from every branch of the service have become CHP officers.

These are ordinary people making an extraordinary choice to serve and protect.

Officers are well trained to be safe, aware and smart in all situations. However, with any other law enforcement career, being a CHP officer can be dangerous. As first responders, they provide public safety to those who are in need of assistance, whether in a hazardous or less dangerous situation. The rewards are immeasurable.

It is possible to be an officer and still maintain a work-family balance even while sometimes working nights, weekends and holidays. Many officers, both male and female, have started families and have found that the Department is very supportive of this personal and very important decision. With the CHP, you are entitled to 12 weeks of bonding time after the birth or adoption of a child, with the option of pay. By state law, you are also allowed up to a one-year leave of absence without losing your present position. The CHP also offers great insurance benefits that will assist with the high cost of medical bills that can be incurred by having a child.

You are trained to work anywhere in the state. As personal or family needs change, officers can transfer to any of the 140 different locations statewide. In other words, you won’t have to spend your whole career working in the same location unless you want to.

You will attend the 28-week CHP Academy and get paid during training, learning the skills needed to save lives and provide protection in a variety of scenarios

There is a very strong esprit de corps at the CHP. Both when going through training at the Academy and when working with others in sometimes high stressful and difficult situations. You will develop a great sense of camaraderie with your fellow members of the Highway Patrol. The sense of family is strong at the CHP.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage is provided for CHP Officers and their families, with an annual leave program that accumulates with years of service in the Department.