California Highway Patrol

This article is about the California Highway Patrol (CHP). For the California State Police (CSP), see California State Police.
California Highway Patrol
Abbreviation CHP
CHP Patch
CHP Door Shield
CHP Badge
CHP Logo
Motto Safety, Service, and Security
Agency overview
Formed August 14, 1929
Employees 11,000+ (as of 2009)[1]
Annual budget $2.9 billion (as of 2013)
Legal personality Governmental: Government agency
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdiction* State of California, USA
Map of California Highway Patrol's jurisdiction.
Size 163,696 square miles (423,970 km2)
Population 36,553,215 (2007 est.)[2]
Legal jurisdiction As per operations jurisdiction.
Governing body California State Legislature
Constituting instrument Senate Bill 869
General nature
Specialist jurisdiction Highways, roads, and-or traffic.
Operational structure
Headquarters Sacramento, California
Officers 7,500+ (as of 2009)[1]
Civilians 3,500+ (as of 2009)[1]
Commissioner responsible Joseph Farrow
Parent agency California State Transportation Agency (CALSTA)
Facilities
Commands 8 Field Divisions
16 Commercial Enforcement Facilities
103 Area Offices
Patrol cars Ford Police Interceptor Utility ford crown victoria police interceptor
Planes Cessna 206
Website
http://www.chp.ca.gov
http://www.chpcareers.com
Footnotes
* Divisional agency: Division of the country, over which the agency has usual operational jurisdiction.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is a law enforcement agency of the U.S. state of California. The CHP has patrol jurisdiction over all California highways and also acts as the state police.

The California State Legislature established the California Highway Patrol as a branch of the Division of Motor Vehicles in the Department of Public Works, with legislation signed by Governor C. C. Young on August 14, 1929. It was reestablished as a separate department by Governor Earl Warren in 1947. The CHP gradually assumed increased responsibility beyond the enforcement of the State Vehicle Act and eventually merged with the smaller California State Police in 1995.[3] It is currently organized as part of the California State Transportation Agency (CALSTA).

In addition to its highway patrol duties, the CHP also provides other services including protecting state buildings and facilities (most notably the California State Capitol) and bodyguarding state officials. The CHP also works with municipal law enforcement agencies, providing assistance in investigations, patrol, and other aspects of law enforcement.

The California Highway Patrol is the largest state police agency in the United States, with more than 11,000 employees, 7,500 of whom are sworn officers, according to FBI data.[1]

Highway patrol duties

The agency has specific jurisdiction over all California state routes (including all freeways and expressways), U.S. Highways, Interstate Highways, and all public roads in unincorporated parts of a county. Local police or the local sheriff's department having a contract with an incorporated city are primarily responsible for investigating and enforcing traffic laws in incorporated cities, but the CHP can still enforce traffic laws on any public road anywhere in the state. While the agency's primary mission is related to transportation, it also possesses full law enforcement authority and can enforce any state law anywhere in the state. Furthermore, CHP officers act as bailiffs for the California Supreme Court and California Court of Appeal, as well as security at State of California buildings.

The Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle replaced the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor in 2013.

CHP officers enforce the California Vehicle Code, pursue fugitives spotted on the highways, and attend to all significant obstructions and accidents within their jurisdiction. They patrol in various vehicles including Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors, Dodge Charger (LX)s, Chevrolet Camaros, BMW R1150RT‑P motorcycles, Cessna 206 airplanes, and helicopters which include Bell OH‑58As, Bell 206L‑IVs and Eurocopter AS‑350B‑3s. Beginning in 2013, the CHP switched to the Ford Explorer-based Ford Police Interceptor Utility fleet vehicles because the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was being phased out of production.

CHP officers are responsible for investigating and disposing of car accidents, disabled vehicles, debris, and other impediments to the free flow of traffic. They are often the first responders at the scene of an accident (or obstruction), and in turn summon paramedics, firefighters, tow truck drivers or Caltrans personnel. The CHP files traffic collision reports for state highways and within unincorporated areas. The CHP responds to and investigates all accidents involving school buses throughout the state including incorporated cities.

Special responsibilities

The CHP also publishes data on traffic accidents in California from a database called SWITRS (Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System).

Members of the CHP Swat Team

After the September 11, 2001 attacks the CHP became responsible for securing and patrolling a number of potential terrorist targets in California. These sites include nuclear power plants, government buildings, and key infrastructure sites. The CHP also maintains a SWAT team on 24‑hour stand‑by to respond to any terrorist activity.

In September 2005, the CHP sent its two Mobile Field Forces (highly trained and equipped quick reaction/deployment teams for civil disturbances and/or disasters) to the Gulf Coast to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Before the United States National Guard arrived, the CHP had four patrol helicopters over New Orleans, more than forty vehicles on the ground, and more than 200 officers and other staff, including a SWAT team, deployed in New Orleans.[4]

The CHP also has officers assigned to drug task forces and other criminal investigative task forces throughout the state, and maintains highly trained Warrant Service Teams (WST) throughout each of its Divisions. These teams serve high-risk felony arrest and search warrants generated as a result of CHP investigations, and the WST assists local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to serve the same type of high-risk warrants. CHP investigators also work closely with agents of the state Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Attorney General.

Additionally, the CHP has dozens of narcotic patrol and explosive detection K‑9 teams stationed throughout the state.

One of the California Highway Patrol's additional responsibilities includes a governor protection detail.

Somewhat controversially, the cities of Oakland and Stockton have contracted with the California Highway Patrol to assist their police departments with local patrol duties, including traffic stops and responding to 911 calls.[5][6][7]

Organization

California Highway Patrol Headquarters in Sacramento, CA.
CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow

The CHP is led by the Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor of California. The Deputy Commissioner is also appointed by the Governor and the Assistant Commissioners are appointed by the Commissioner.

In 2008 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Joe Farrow to succeed Mike Brown as CHP Commissioner.[8]

Hierarchy

Rank structure

Title Insignia
Commissioner
Deputy Commissioner
Assistant Commissioner
Chief
Assistant Chief
Captain
Lieutenant
Sergeant
Officer
Cadet

Traditions

CHP uniforms are traditionally khaki-colored with campaign hat and blue-and-gold trouser stripe. The dress uniform includes a green jacket and royal blue tie (bow tie for motor officers). Cold weather and utility uniforms are dark blue.

California Highway Patrol campaign hat.

Standard traffic enforcement patrol vehicles are required by state law to have a white door with, in the case of the CHP, a star. The CHP operates traditional black and white as well as all-white patrol vehicles.

The California Highway Patrol is one of the few organizations to continue to use the older toll-free "Zenith 1‑2000" number. With the falling cost of telephone area codes 800 and 888. numbers, most organizations have chosen to switch to one of the newer numbers and discontinue use of the Zenith service which requires operator assistance. The CHP's traditions include its own radio codes, which are widely adopted by local agencies. The most important is 11‑99, which signifies that an officer needs emergency assistance or that an officer is down.

In 1981 a charitable foundation called the 11‑99 Foundation was founded to provide benefits and scholarships to officers and their families. The members of the Foundation's Board of Directors have provided over $16 million in assistance to current, retired and those fallen in the Line of Duty CHP employees and their families. The organization's name is taken from the radio code.[11]

Seven points of the CHP badge

CHP badge. This is for retired officer #11643. Active duty badges are exactly the same, with the "Retired" banner not applied.

Code of honor

A CHP Cessna 206 prepares to depart Meadows Field Airport, Bakersfield, California

The CHP has a code of honor. It states:

“ I, a member of the California Highway Patrol, subscribe in word and deed to the following:

To serve the United States of America and the State of California honestly, and conscientiously; and fulfill my oath as a soldier of the law;

To uphold and maintain the honor and integrity of the California Highway Patrol;

Be loyal to my fellow officers; respect and obey my seniors in rank; and enforce the law without fear, favor, or discrimination;

Assist those in peril or distress, and, if necessary, lay down my life rather than swerve from the path of duty;

My personal conduct shall at all times be above reproach and I will never knowingly commit any act that will in any way bring discredit upon the California Highway Patrol or any member thereof;

To all of this I do solemnly pledge my sacred honor as an Officer of the California Highway Patrol.

 ”

Fallen officers

Since its establishment in 1929, 225 officers have died in the line of duty. The top three frequent causes of line of duty deaths to date are (in order of cause): Automobile/Motorcycle Accidents, Gunfire, and Vehicular Assault (i.e., struck by drunk driver, reckless driving, or hearing and/or visually impaired drivers).[12] 1964 was the deadliest year, in which eight officers died in the line of duty; 1970 and 1978 were the second deadliest years, in which seven officers died in the line of duty.

Mexico Liaison Unit

The "Mexico Liaison Unit" is a Border Division Unit based in San Diego. Since the CHP has no jurisdiction directly in Mexico, officers from the Unit work closely with Mexican authorities to recover stolen vehicles and assist with other law enforcement issues. The purpose of the "Mexico Liaison Unit" is to develop and maintain positive working relations with Mexican authorities in order to:

The unit was originally established in 1958 and only consisted of one officer. It was discontinued in the 1970s, and reestablished in 1980. The unit now consists of one sergeant and six officers, all of whom are fluent in Spanish.[13]

A CHP Officer on a traffic stop
A CHP unit at the scene of an accident



Officer Peyer Scandal

Further information: Craig Peyer

In 1988, CHP officer Craig A. Peyer, a six-year veteran of the CHP, was convicted for the first-degree murder of 20-year-old Cara Knott, who was pulled over for an alleged traffic violation by Peyer on December 27, 1986 in a marked CHP patrol vehicle. Peyer attempted inappropriate advances on Knott, but Knott rebuffed him, leading Peyer to bludgeon her with his flashlight, strangle her to death with a rope, and then toss her corpse over the abandoned bridge Peyer had directed Knott to stop her car on.

Subsequent investigative media efforts uncovered multitudes of young women who had experienced similar inappropriate advances from Peyer during traffic stops. A documented pattern in CHP records of Peyer stopping and detaining young women similar to Knott eventually surfaced during an internal investigation, but all complaints filed with the internal affairs department of CHP against Peyer by these women were dismissed due to Peyer's "stellar" reputation within CHP. The traffic tickets from the night of the Knott incident, as well the officer logbook, were discovered to contain false information authored by Peyer. As of 2014, Peyer is still in prison denying he killed Knott. His next parole hearing is set for 2027.

Newhall incident

Further information: Newhall massacre

On April 6, 1970, four California Highway Patrol officers were killed in a 4½‑minute shootout in the Newhall region of Southern California. The incident is a landmark in CHP history because of both its emotional impact and the procedural and doctrinal reforms implemented by the CHP in the incident's aftermath.

The shootout occurred in a restaurant parking lot just before midnight. Officers Walt Frago and Roger Gore had been alerted by radio of a vehicle carrying someone who had brandished a weapon. They spotted the car, fell in behind, called for backup, and began the stop procedure. When the suspects' vehicle had come to a halt in the parking lot, the driver was instructed to step out of the vehicle and spread his hands on the hood. Gore approached him and Frago moved to the passenger side. The passenger side door suddenly swung open and the passenger sprung out, firing at Frago, who fell with two shots in his chest. The gunman, who was later identified as Jack Twinning, then turned and fired once at Gore, who returned fire. In that moment the driver, Bobby Davis, turned and shot Gore twice at close range. Both officers died instantly.

When Officers James Pence and George Alleyn drove in moments later, they could not see suspects or other officers, but both immediately came under fire. Pence put out an 11‑99 call ("officer needs help") then took cover behind the passenger door. Alleyn grabbed his shotgun, and positioned himself behind the driver-side door. Both officers were mortally wounded in the ensuing exchange, and one suspect was hit.

Civilian Gary Kness saw the gunfight as he drove along The Old Road and stopped to help. Kness ran toward the gun battle as shots were still being fired.

"I was driving to work as a computer operator when I turned the corner on the Old Road and saw the gunfire, I saw two CHP cars and a red car. I always say my brain said to get out of the way, but my feet ran the wrong way."[14]

Kness tried to drag the mortally wounded Alleyn out of the line of fire. When one of the two assailants began firing at him, Kness grabbed a CHP shotgun lying on the ground and aimed it at one of the gunmen. The shotgun was empty, however. Kness grabbed Alleyn's service pistol from the ground, aimed with both hands and fired, hitting gunman Bobby Augusta Davis in the chest. When Davis kept advancing toward him, Kness tried to shoot again, but the CHP pistol was out of bullets.

"I was upset there weren't four or five more rounds in there. After that, I ran and jumped in a ditch. The dumbest thing is, I still had the service revolver in my hand. I was afraid when more police came they'd think I was one of the gunman. So I put it behind me and said, 'They went that way.'"[14]

Suspects Jack Twinning and Bobby Davis escaped, later abandoned their vehicle and then split up. For nine hours, officers blanketed the area searching for the killers. Twinning broke into a house and briefly held a man hostage. Officers used tear gas before storming the house, but Twinning committed suicide with the shotgun he had stolen from Frago. Davis was captured, stood trial and convicted on four counts of murder. He was sentenced to death, but in 1972, the California Supreme Court declared the death penalty to be cruel and unusual punishment and in 1973, the court commuted Davis' sentence to life in prison.

Of the incident, Ronald Reagan, who was governor of California at the time, said the following words: "If anything worthwhile comes of this tragedy, it should be the realization by every citizen that often the only thing that stands between them and losing everything they hold dear ... is the man wearing a badge."[15]

An emotionally charged follow-up investigation followed the incident, but eventually led to a complete revision of procedures during high-risk and felony stops. Firearms procedures have also changed fundamentally due to this incident, and physical methods of arrest have been improved. The police baton and pepper spray have been added to the officer's arsenal, with more in‑depth training in their use.[16]

The 25th anniversary of the Newhall Incident was observed on April 6, 1995, at the present Newhall Area office, where a brick memorial pays tribute to Officers James Pence (6885), Roger Gore (6547), Walt Frago (6520) and George Alleyn (6290). The memorial once stood at the former Newhall office, but was rebuilt at the new site, about one mile (1.6 km) from the scene of the slayings.[17]

Mergers

On July 12, 1995, the California State Police, which was a separate agency, was merged into the CHP, thus greatly expanding the agency's mandate.[3] In addition to safety on the state highway system, it is now responsible for the safety of all elected state officials and all people who work in or are utilizing a state building in California, such as the State Capitol Building in Sacramento.

It has also been discussed to merge the Law Enforcement Division of the California Department of Fish and Game into the California Highway Patrol.[18][19] By doing so, this may allow for better protection of California's environment and natural resources. The underfunded DFG Law Enforcement Division[20][21][22] has faced low numbers of Game Wardens also known as Conservation Police Officers for the last ten years; a similar idea is already in place in Oregon and Alaska, where the Oregon State Police[23] and Alaska State Troopers[24] serve as game wardens under a separate fish and wildlife division within the two departments.

Duty weapons

The current standard issue firearm for CHP officers is the Smith & Wesson Model 4006 TSW in .40 S&W. Each CHP patrol car is equipped with a Remington 870 Police Magnum 12‑gauge shotgun and a Sig Sauer M400 AR-15 rifle in 5.56mm. Less Lethal options for officers include OC Pepper Spray and the Expandable Straight Baton. Additionally, some officers are authorized to carry a taser. As of early 2009, officers have been allowed to mount tactical lights to their Smith & Wesson 4006 TSW pistols.

Vehicles

Origins

When motor vehicles in California were first seen as needing legislation, law enforcement agencies began to patrol using motorcycles, cars and trucks.[25]:9 Motorcycle officers in 1920 Fresno, started a group to assist each other and promote road safety - the Joaquin Valley Traffic Officer's Association - led by Harry Wilson who they elected as president. They renamed themselves the California Association of Highway Patrolmen in 1921, and became the California Highway Patrol in 1927 under the auspices of the Department of Motor Vehicles.[25]:10

Motorcycles

A motorcycle sergeant on the San Tomas Expressway near Benton Avenue in Santa Clara, California.

Through the public competitive bidding process, the Harley Davidson motorcycle was selected as the primary enforcement motorcycle for the California Highway Patrol in 2013.

These replacement enforcement motorcycles will replenish the Department’s aging motorcycle fleet. In a cost-saving move, the CHP previously deferred the purchase of replacement motorcycles and has not purchased enforcement motorcycles since January 14, 2011. As a result, approximately 20 percent of the current fleet has logged 100,000 plus miles – well exceeding the manufacturer’s warranty.

CHP’s motorcycle program enhances public safety. Motorcycle officers are able to effectively enforce traffic laws in areas in which enforcement by four-wheel vehicles is impractical. Motorcycles are able to access scenes of accidents and natural disasters more quickly and work commute traffic in way that is unique to the motorcycle. Additionally, motorcycles play a special role in dignitary protection.

The CHP has approximately 415 enforcement motorcycles working the roads throughout California. The CHP purchased 121 of the Harley Davidson enforcement motorcycles to replace motorcycles that have high mileage or have been damaged in traffic collisions. As of June 2013, approximately 22 percent of the CHP’s motorcycle fleet is over 100,000 miles with more than half of those over 125,000 miles. On average, a CHP enforcement motorcycle is driven 14,000 miles per year.

The Harley Davidson FLHTP Enforcement Motorcycle price per unit is $28,381.00. This includes a 3 year/60,000 mile warranty that covers all service and repairs.

Early motorcycles used included Indian, Harley-Davidson and Henderson manufactured bikes during the 1920s and 30s;[25]:18, 20, 23 though by 1941 the main manufacturers used at the training academy were Harley-Davidson and Indian.[25]:30

In the seventies CHP decided to renew their Harleys fleet and tested many motorcycles such as Honda 750 four, Suzuki 850, Moto Guzzi and finally Kawasaki Z900 and then 1000C1 made famous in CHiPs.

In 1998 CHP began using the BMW R1200RT-P, with features including a Bluetooth helmet interface for communications, two batteries, and a top speed of 130 miles per hour (210 km/h).[26]

Cars

California Highway Patrol cruiser on display at Public Safety Day in Lakewood, California.

The Department of General Services is responsible for selecting a vehicle based on price, performance and payload capacity for the CHP. The bid specifications require a pursuit-rated, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that can carry at least 1,500 pounds, the approximate weight of four officers, their equipment, and the police vehicle equipment.

As of July 2013, CHP had not purchased patrol vehicles since January 2011 and their fleet was rapidly aging. On average, CHP patrol vehicles are driven 33,000 miles per year. Half of their 2,153-vehicle fleet had over 100,000 miles as of June 2013. After 100,000 miles the warranty on CHP vehicles expires, forcing CHP to pay for maintenance costs. In July 2013, the CHP was authorized to purchase up to 751 new vehicles to begin replacing its aging fleet, starting with cars that have the highest mileage.

Through a public, competitive bidding process, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle was selected as the new enforcement vehicle for the CHP in 2013. The Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle is All Wheel Drive and powered by a V6, 3.7 Liter engine. It is a Flex Fuel vehicle that can use gasoline or E85 and gets 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor averaged 14 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. The new Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle costs $26,578, which includes a 5-year, 100,000-mile warranty. The Department was paying $24,043 for the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors and recently spent hundreds of thousands of dollars per month to maintain all vehicles no longer covered by warranty.

Several vehicles were allocated to public affairs officers and are used for recruiting purposes. An example of these vehicles can be seen at the California State Fair and other venues. CHP also uses Chevy Silverados, Dodge Rams (for commercial vehicle enforcement), Ford Expeditions, and Dodge Durangos for their divisions that snow frequently or have certain terrains to permit off road driving.

Aircraft

CHP AS 350 B3 in flight.

The CHP utilizes both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. In 2011 the fleet consisted of:[27]

Rogue officers

Media references

Programs

The CHP hosts or partners with numerous programs for public safety education and community involvement.

Youth programs

Other Programs

Origins of the California Highway Patrol's name

When the CHP was formed, there were discussions as to what to call this new agency. The consensus was for the name "California Highway Patrol". The American Automobile Association (AAA) is a private organization which provided, among other things, roadside assistance to their members. At that time, the AAA had a fleet of trucks which patrolled the roads so they could assist their members. These trucks carried a sign which said "Highway Patrol". The CHP organizers decided it would be best to contact the AAA to see if they would object to the state using this name. The AAA considered the idea, and gave their consent.[33]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to California Highway Patrol.


References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Crime in the United States, 2009, Table 76, Full-time State Law Enforcement Employees by State, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  2. ↑ 2007 Population Estimates
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 History of CHP; the CHP-CSP Merger
  4. ↑ News Release 05-42, Media Relations Office, California Highway Patrol, 29 September 2005
  5. ↑ Richards, Kathleen. "Are CHP Patrols in Oakland Worth It?". East Bay Express. Retrieved 2014-08-19.
  6. ↑ "Oakland Approves Extra Patrols From CHP « CBS San Francisco". Sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com. 2013-05-08. Retrieved 2014-08-19.
  7. ↑ Berton, Justin (March 11, 2013). "Oakland's use of CHP help draws critics". The San Francisco Chronicle.
  8. ↑ "Embattled CHP Patrol Commissioner Brown Steps Down". www.ktvu.com. 2008-02-13. Retrieved 2014-08-19.
  9. ↑ http://www.chp.ca.gov/switrs/pdf/2009-credits.pdf
  10. ↑
  11. ↑ "Chapter 2 - Chaplaincy Responses". Web.archive.org. Retrieved 2014-08-19.
  12. ↑ The Officer Down Memorial Page
  13. ↑ CHP-Mexico Liaison
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-chp5apr05,0,2233857.story. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  15. ↑ Anderson, John; Marsh Cassady (1998). The Newhall Incident: America's Worst Uniformed Cop Massacre. Quill Driver Books. ISBN 978-1-884956-01-0.
  16. ↑ "CHP: The Newhall Incident". Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  17. ↑ "CHP: The Newhall Incident". Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  18. ↑ California Fish and Game Commission Meeting March 6 2008
  19. ↑ A how-to guide in revamping woeful DFG Tom Stienstra San Francisco Chronicle December 8 2002
  20. ↑ A world without game wardens? ESPN March 6 2008
  21. ↑ Game-warden shortage is about to get worse San Francisco Chronicle September 23 2007
  22. ↑ Lots of ocean, but few game wardens! Sacramento Bee August 23 2007
  23. ↑ Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division
  24. ↑ Division of Alaska Wildlife Troopers
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 Mattos, Rick (2008). California Highway Patrol. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub. ISBN 9780738556208. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  26. ↑ Carpenter, Susan (25 June 2013). "BMW's R1200RT-P: Big, bad and packing heat". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  27. ↑ "FAA Registry". Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  28. ↑ "790 F.2d 1378: United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. George Michael Gwaltney, Defendant-appellant :: US Court of Appeals Cases :: Justia". Cases.justia.com. Retrieved 2014-08-19.
  29. ↑
  30. ↑ Winton, Richard (January 24, 2012). "CHP officer collapses after she's found guilty in husband's death - Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  31. ↑ "Former CHP officer to be sentenced for murdering her husband - latimes.com". Los Angeles Times. March 9, 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  32. ↑ "CHiPs (2009)". The Internet Movie Database. IMDb.com, Inc. 3 September 2008. Retrieved 2 January 2009.
  33. ↑ CHP Terms Explained

Further reading

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to California Highway Patrol.