California Highway Patrol Protective Services Division

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History and Development

On August 14, 1929, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was created through an act of the Legislature and the CHP was granted statewide authority to enforce traffic laws on county and state highways. Over the past 83 years the CHP’s role has expanded significantly to include a myriad of additional responsibilities undreamed of in 1929. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security to the people of California. This is accomplished through five departmental goals: Preventing the loss of life, injuries, and property damage; maximizing service to the public and lending assistance to allied agencies; managing traffic and emergency incidents; protecting public and state assets, while improving departmental efficiency.

On July 12, 1995, under the direction of then Governor Pete Wilson, 271 uniformed officers of the California State Police (CSP) merged with the CHP and became part of the 5,713 sworn officers of the CHP.

As a result of the merger, the CHP assumed responsibility for those services that were provided by the CSP. In June 1995, all state agencies and departments were provided details about the merger and the enforcement responsibilities assumed by the CHP.

Local police departments and sheriffs’ offices were also contacted to discuss procedures for responding to calls on state facilities located in their jurisdictions. The primary focus of the Highway Patrol has always been California's freeways and the highways in the unincorporated areas of our state, but the merger with the CSP changed and broadened the scope of the Department. The CHP assumed the responsibilities for protecting the Governor and other constitutional officers, various components of the state infrastructure, and all who work in or visit a state building. To accomplish this new mission, the CHP absorbed the CSP units into its organizational structure and created a statewide Safety Service Program and Protective Services Division which encompasses the following sections:

 Dignitary Protection Section (DPS) - DPS provides protection to seven state constitutional officers including the governor and other dignitaries as appropriate. DPS also includes a threat assessment unit which evaluates threats and conducts investigations

 Judicial Protection Sections (JPS) - JPS consolidates reimbursable court security services provided throughout the state under one command. JPS is responsible for providing security services to the Supreme and Appellate Courts at various locations in California.

 Capitol Protection Section (CPS) - CPS, formerly known as the CSP Capitol Corps, is responsible for providing security and protection on the grounds of the State Capitol including the Legislative Office Building adjacent to the Capitol and over 400 state buildings within the downtown Sacramento Area. The Department's Equestrian Unit, Bicycle Patrol Unit, Hazardous Device Disposal Unit (HDD) and Special Weapons and Tactics Team are assigned to CPS as well. Additionally, CPS is responsible for coordinating security efforts with the Senate and Assembly Sergeants- at-Arms for security of the legislature.

Capitol Protection Section - Daily Operations CPS personnel protect the State Capitol twenty-four hours a day seven days a week; guarding entry doors, monitoring video surveillance systems, and patrolling the interior and exterior of the building. CPS is also responsible for providing law enforcement services to over 40,000 state employees and 400 state buildings in the Sacramento area. CPS law enforcement responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 Patrolling by car, foot, horseback and bicycle.

 Responding to and investigating crimes against state employees and property within CPS jurisdiction.

 Providing crowd control and order during large and/or high profile demonstrations, rallies, and other events.

 Conducting community oriented policing efforts cooperatively in and around state facilities. CPS SWAT Team: Resolves or mitigates high-risk or potentially hazardous incidents occurring at state facilities. SWAT also serves as a rapid deployment force and provides counter-assault team support to the Dignitary Protection Section. Furthermore, the SWAT team serves as a departmental resource for tactical training and response. CPS Mounted and Bicycle Patrol Units: Officers assigned to these programs patrol the State Capitol Building, as well as state facilities throughout the downtown area. CPS also has an active Crime Scene Investigation program.

CPS Hazardous Device Disposal: Consists of investigators with specialized skills and training in the detection, recognition and disposal of explosive devices. With the assistance of explosives detection canines, HDD is the CHP's front line response to incidents at the State Capitol Building or state agencies that report suspected explosive hazardous devices.

Capitol Protection Section takes pride in insuring state property is safe and enjoyable for all employees and visitors. Professionalism, exemplary standards, and dedication are just a few of the traits essential for daily duty of a CPS Officer. Additional information about the CHP can be found online at www.chp.ca.gov.