Governor’s Office announces graduation of 130 new CHP officers
Graduation marks the completion of a 26-week training program in West Sacramento
– The Office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that 130 cadets graduated from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy and were sworn in as officers. The graduates will report to communities across the state on Aug. 11.
“The women and men joining the state’s law enforcement family today are the very best of California. May they continue protecting our communities, promoting our values, and staying safe in the line of duty,” Newsom said in the statement.
The graduation marks the completion of a 26-week training program in West Sacramento. Cadets receive instruction in traffic enforcement, collision investigation, defensive tactics, firearms proficiency and emergency vehicle operations. The program also emphasizes legal responsibilities, communication skills and ethical conduct.
In November 2024, California met its multi-year CHP recruitment goal of adding 1,000 new officers to the force. The CHP continues to recruit individuals interested in law enforcement careers, offering training, benefits and opportunities for advancement.
Since 2019, California has invested $1.7 billion to improve public safety, hire more police and fight crime. In 2023, the state launched its largest investment to combat organized retail crime, increasing proactive operations by 310% and coordinating special operations statewide.
Last August, Newsom signed bipartisan legislation aimed at cracking down on property crime, including smash-and-grab robberies, retail theft and auto burglaries. The bills expanded tools to hold offenders accountable, building on existing laws and funding.
The state has also strengthened regional partnerships between the CHP and local law enforcement agencies in areas including Oakland, Bakersfield and San Bernardino. These efforts target vehicle theft and organized crime, with operations disrupting repeat offenders and criminal groups.
According to California Department of Justice data, crime in the state declined in 2024 in nearly every major category, including violent crime, property crime, homicides, aggravated assaults, motor vehicle theft, burglary and robbery. The homicide rate was the second lowest since at least 1966, with homicides down nearly 12% from 2023. Full-time criminal justice personnel increased 1.9% over the same period.
Vehicle thefts also dropped 13% from 2023 to 2024, the first decrease since 2019. Of the stolen vehicles, nearly 92% were recovered.
