With college graduations in progress across the state, the Highway Patrol is opening up a campaign to try and boost its ranks with young, adult men and women.
The CHP has launched a multi-year recruitment campaign — “Join the CHP 1,000” — to fill some 1,000 vacant positions. According to a press release, the campaign is “the Department’s attempt to appeal to a wide array of prospective applicants who may not be aware of the life-changing opportunity that awaits with a career with the CHP.”
CHP officers have statewide jurisdiction and, while concentrating on California’s roadways and freeways, have the authority to investigate crimes and make arrests anywhere, just like a Sheriff’s deputy or municipal police officer. It’s also a profession that doesn’t require a college degree.
CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said, “To meet the increasing demand for our services throughout the state, over the next few years our law enforcement family will be growing exponentially. We are excited to welcome new members to the team so that the CHP can continue to provide the level of service the public has come to expect.”
CHP officers attend a special academy for training and to qualify as a cadet you must be “a United States citizen or a permanent resident who has applied for citizenship; be between the ages of 20 and 35; possess a high school diploma or equivalent; be able to pass a physical abilities test and written exam; and complete a thorough background check with no felony convictions on record.”
A career with the CHP includes paid training, as cadets earn $5,563 each month throughout the 26-weeks at the CHP Academy, located in West Sacramento.
After graduation, new officers can be assigned anywhere in California and can expect to earn more than $100,000 in their first year. The job also comes with a generous benefits package and retirement plan, with lots of opportunities to move up the ranks over a career.
Commissioner Ray added, “If you are compassionate, driven to serve, and have a desire to learn, the CHP provides some of the best law enforcement training in the world and we will do all we can to ensure your success.”
For more information about Join the CHP 1,000, or to apply, see: www.chpcareers.com or call the statewide Recruitment Unit at (916) 843-4300.
