By Joanna Putman
Police1
SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol has received its highest number of applications in seven years, a news release from the office of the governor stated.
Applications increased 94% from January 2022 to January 2024, according to the release. The spike follows the CHP 1000 recruitment campaign and the release of the recruitment web series “Cadets,” which followed recruits as they trained to become CHP officers. The increase also comes amid rising salary requirements as CHP keeps pace with other agencies in the state.
“The California Highway Patrol isn’t just one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the nation, it’s also the best — delivering unparalleled safety, service, and security to all Californians,” Gov. Gavin Newsom stated. “CHP’s successful recruitment efforts speak to the quality of this premier agency, and I encourage all Californians who wish to serve our diverse state to answer the call by visiting CHPMadeForMore.com.”
The CHP has more than 6,500 sworn officers, making it “the largest public-facing state law enforcement agency in the United States,” according to the release. A class of 100 recruits is expected to graduate from the CHP Academy in March.
“The significant increase in the number of applications the California Highway Patrol has received since the onset of our recruitment campaign is encouraging,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “To accommodate the surge of interest, the CHP has been holding three Academy classes simultaneously, for the first time in the Department’s history. As we continue to uphold our mission of safeguarding California’s roadways and communities, the CHP is committed to identifying and recruiting qualified candidates who represent California and its diverse demographic makeup, and we welcome all those who share our dedication to join us in making a difference.”