In a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13, a total of 119 new officers took the oath to serve and protect the people of California during their graduation ceremony at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy in West Sacramento. This latest class represents a significant step forward in the CHP’s ongoing effort to hire 1,000 officers as part of a statewide recruitment initiative to attract diverse and qualified candidates.
“I am grateful to these officers for their service and commitment to protecting Californians and our neighborhoods. As this class advances to posts throughout the Golden State, they should do so with pride, knowing that they represent the best of California as public servants dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
“These individuals have chosen a path of public service and have undergone months of intense training to prepare,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “This career is one of the biggest challenges they will ever undertake, but it is by far the most rewarding. We are honored to welcome them into the CHP family.”
The swearing-in ceremony marks the conclusion of a rigorous 26-week training program at the CHP Academy. The new officers will soon begin their assignments at one of California’s 102 CHP Area offices, serving communities throughout the state.
Training at the CHP Academy is comprehensive, beginning with a foundation in nobility in policing, leadership, ethics, and cultural diversity. Cadets also receive specialized instruction in responding to mental health crises, vehicle patrol, crash investigation, first aid, and apprehending impaired drivers. Additional training covers traffic control, report writing, stolen vehicle recovery, assisting motorists, emergency scene management, and mastery of the California Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.
The CHP has seen an outpouring of interest in joining the ranks since the onset of a multiyear recruitment campaign in June 2022. Last year more than 19,500 applications were submitted to the Department by people interested in a career serving the public as an officer. With more than 16,000 applications submitted in the first eight months of 2024, the CHP is on track to surpass the total from last year. To accommodate the increased number of applicants, the CHP began conducting three concurrent cadet classes at the live-in training facility, resulting in six classes graduating per year. The next cadet graduation from the CHP Academy is scheduled for Nov. 15, 2024.
For more information about a life-changing career or to get involved with the upcoming hiring seminar on Saturday, Sept. 21, visit the CHP website.
