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 formed as a separate department in 1947 by Governor Earl Warren. The CHP gradually assumed increased responsibility beyond the enforcement of the State Vehicle Act and eventually merged with the California State Police in 1995.
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.
Read more about California Highway Patrol: Highway Patrol Duties, Special Responsibilities, Organization, Rank Structure, Traditions, Seven Points of The CHP Badge, Code of Honor, Fallen Officers, Mexico Liaison Unit, Newhall Incident, Mergers, Duty Weapons, Vehicles and Patrol Cars, Rogue Officers, Media References, Programs, Origins of The California Highway Patrol's Name
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