In a milestone ceremony at West Sacramento, 125 newly graduated California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers were sworn in after completing their rigorous 26-week training program. Governor Gavin Newsom personally congratulated the latest cohort of officers who will now serve communities throughout California.
The graduates underwent comprehensive training at the CHP Academy, mastering critical skills in traffic enforcement, collision investigation, defensive tactics, firearms handling, and emergency vehicle operations. Their curriculum also focused heavily on legal knowledge, professional communication, and ethical conduct standards.
This graduation marks the successful achievement of California's multi-year recruitment initiative, reaching its target of adding 1,000 new CHP officers by November 2024. The state has steadily increased its investment in law enforcement since 2019, bolstering both personnel and resources.
"The men and women of the CHP represent the best of us," noted Governor Newsom during the ceremony, highlighting their role in addressing various challenges from crime prevention to emergency response, including recent Los Angeles fires.
This expansion of the CHP force aligns with California's Real Public Safety Plan, which launched in 2023. The plan represents the state's largest-ever investment in combating organized retail crime and has led to a 310% increase in proactive operations targeting criminal activities.
The newly deployed officers will join existing CHP units across California, strengthening the state's ability to maintain public safety and respond to emergencies effectively.