More than 100 new officers officially joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on Friday, Jan. 17 during a swearing-in ceremony that marked a significant step in bolstering public safety across the state. One-quarter of the graduating class will be deployed to Los Angeles County, where their service is urgently needed as the region grapples with the devastation from the ongoing wildfires. They will help augment the over 800 CHP officers on tactical alert in the area since the onset of this tragedy.

“These officers are stepping forward at a critical time for California,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Their training, dedication, and commitment to service will strengthen our ability to support communities statewide, especially in times of crisis.”

The CHP’s 106 new officers have completed 26 weeks of comprehensive and rigorous training to prepare them for law enforcement challenges, including emergency response and disaster relief. Their assignments to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices throughout the state reflect a focused effort to address the immediate needs of communities while maintaining safety and security throughout California.

During their CHP Academy training, cadets receive broad-ranging training in areas including traffic enforcement, collision investigation, defensive tactics, firearms proficiency, emergency vehicle operations and community policing. The instruction also focuses on laws and regulations pertinent to highway patrol responsibilities, communication abilities, ethical conduct and awareness of cultural diversity. The CHP Academy’s curriculum is designed to provide cadets with the indispensable knowledge and skills required to serve and safeguard the public on the roads of California effectively.

To learn more about a career of service with the CHP or to start the journey towards becoming a CHP officer, visit the recruitment page at www.chpmadeformore.com.