My main aim in writing this article is to give a brief introduction to our readers in India about the hit television show CHiPs, and to describe to readers the inner-workings of the California Highway Patrol.
Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox star in CHiPs' as officers Francis Poncherello and John Baker, with non-stop action and fun. So, get ready to strap on your helmets and goggles for a deadly chain-reaction crash, with the appearance of a pesky TV-news crew, Ponch's disco dancing, Halloween patrol and a caped biker dare devil.
Set in the sun-drenched sprawl of Los Angeles, California CHiPs combines action, heroics and fun in episodes whose event-packed story lines range from freeway gridlock (let's use a circus elephant to tow that broken axled truck!) to wild roadway pursuits, from spilled onions to pure venom! (crying time fellas.) to pure venom! (who's that beautiful woman lead-footing a Rolls Royce?) (c) CHiPs 1977, 1978, 1979 Turner Entertainment Co.
Nearly 4,000 people are killed in traffic collisions each year in California with an additional 266,000
injured. Faced with this alarming number, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) employs state of the
art equipment, aggressive safety campaigns, and comprehensive public education to make California
roadways safe. The statistics drive CHP officers to focus enforcement efforts on three primary safety
violations which are the factors in most traffic collisions:
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Programs
Among all traffic safety issues, impaired driving has perhaps the highest profile. In 2007, the CHP made
over 84,000 arrests for DUI. DUI has been vigorously enforced for decades with aggressive campaigns
in both the public and private sectors. DUI continues to be a major area of focus for the CHP. In 2007,
there were 1,173 alcohol-involved fatal traffic collisions and 28,116 alcohol-involved injury collisions in
California. To address this critical traffic safety concern, the CHP has used enforcement campaigns along
with effective educational programs to reduce the number of DUI incidents on California’s highways. In
a collaborative effort to reduce holiday and weekend DUI-related traffic collisions, the CHP coordinates
and participates in multi-agency DUI enforcement programs throughout the state. CHP DUI-related
programs include:
• Sobriety Checkpoint Operations • Nonconsensual Chemical Testing
• Proactive DUI Enforcement Programs • Every 15 Minutes
• DUI Task Force Operations • Sober Graduation
• Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) • Designated Driver Program
Speed Enforcement Programs
Reducing the number of traffic fatalities is a primary goal of the Department. In addition to traditional
traffic enforcement, specialized traffic safety programs play a key role in the Department’s efforts to
achieve this goal. In 2007, the CHP issued over 1,100,000 citations for speeding alone. CHP speed
enforcement programs include:
Radar Speed Enforcement Program: The Department has achieved the goal of equipping every
departmental enforcement vehicle with mounted radar. Radar allows officers to measure speed using
radio waves.
Lidar Speed Enforcement Program: The Department deployed 485 new lidar units to the field.
Lidar allows officers to measure speed with laser light, which is more accurate and definitive than radar.
Ongoing Evaluation of Enforcement and Speed Measurement Technology: The Department
continually evaluates new and emerging speed measurement and enforcement technology, including
new developments in radar and lidar.
Occupant Restraint Compliance
Considered to be one of our most important life saving laws, California instituted a primary safety belt
law in 1993. The CHP used both education and enforcement of occupant restraint laws to reinforce
that safety belts save lives. The national goal was 90 percent compliance by the year 2000. California
achieved that level of compliance in June of 1998. Since then, the CHP has been vigorously involved
in a statewide effort to enforce seat belt laws and conduct a statewide public awareness campaign to
further increase safety belt compliance. As a result, California compliance rate rose from 90.4 percent in
June 2004, to 94.6 percent in June 2007, significantly higher than the national average of 82 percent. In
2007, the CHP issued over 220,000 occupant restraint citations (child safety seat included).
Commercial Vehicle Safety Programs
California, along with the entire nation, relies heavily on the commercial vehicle transportation industry
for the flow of goods. Nothing is as devastating and causes as much congestion as a commercial vehicle
traffic collision. California has seen a reduction in commercial vehicle collisions over the last five years.
Reductions can be attributed to the CHP’s programs aimed at improving the commercial transportation
industry and educational awareness campaigns for the public. CHP programs regulate commercial
vehicles on the highway and at their place of business. In 2007, over 10,000,000 trucks were weighed
at inspection facilities and over 525,000 were inspected. Additionally, officers across the state issued
over 213,000 enforcement documents for commercial violations.
Vehicle Th eft Programs
On average, a vehicle is stolen every three minutes in California. In 2007, there were over 227,000
vehicle thefts costing Californians nearly 1.4 billion dollars. Despite these alarming numbers, 2007 saw
an 8.3 percent reduction in vehicle thefts over 2006. Some of the ways in which the CHP has helped
spur this reduction is through the following programs:
• Cargo Theft Interdiction Program • BAIT Vehicles
• Foreign Export and Recovery Program • Mobile and Fixed License plate Readers
• Salvage Vehicle Inspection Program • Insurance Fraud Task Force
• Vehicle Theft Task Forces
Drug Enforcement Programs
A majority of property crimes, domestic violence, and assault incidents have a nexus to illegal drug
distribution and abuse. The CHP participates in task forces and employs various programs to fight this
problem. Programs include:
• Departmental Canine Program: The CHP uses dual purpose canines, narcotic detection canines,
and explosive detection canines.
• Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP)
Gang Enforcement
• Regional Gang Task Forces: CHP provides additional officers in specific high crime areas to assist
local allied agencies.
• CalGRIP: A statewide campaign to combat gang activity.
• Operation Safe Streets: CHP assists allied agencies with focused enforcement in high crime areas.
State Security
• Protection of State Employees and Assets
• Security of State Appelate and Supreme Courts
• Governor’s Protective Detail
• Capitol Protection•State Officials Threat Assessment Unit
Community Outreach Programs
The educational component of the CHP’s mission was established to prevent, deter, and reduce the
tragic results of traffic related incidents. Our programs reach a broad range of individuals from different
age groups and diverse backgrounds. Some of the programs used to reach Californians include:
• Explorer Program: Introduction to law enforcement for youth ages 15-20.
• El Protector Program: Outreach to the Spanish speaking community with traffic safety messages
including child safety seat requirements.
• Start Smart: Educational program for new and soon-to-be licensed drivers aged 15–19 years and
their parents/guardians.
• Child Passenger Safety Program: CHP inspects approx. 1,900 car seats a month at over 133 car
seat events annually.
• Right Turn: School based anti-drug and alcohol campaign for youth ages 11-14.
• Designated Driver Program: Designed to encourage adults to designate a sober driver.
• Senior Volunteer Program: Retired persons volunteer to assist CHP with various duties.
• Impact Teen Driving: CHP works with public schools to teach teens about the dangers of distracted
driving.
Recruitment Program
Information on the Department’s recruitment program for the Cadet or Public Safety Dispatcher
classifications may be found at www.chpcareers.com, or by calling 1(888) 4A CHP JOB. The minimum
qualifications for Cadet are:
• 20-35 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• No felony convictions
• United States Citizen
Information on nonuniformed classifications may be found at the California State Personnel Board
website at www.spb.ca.gov.
Homeland Security-Related Activities and Programs
Since September 11, 2001, the protection of lives, critical infrastructure, and the economic well-being of
the country from terrorist attacks, have challenged law enforcement as never before. The CHP has risen
to the challenge to meet this need for vigilance, taking significant protective measures within the state.
These measures include:
• In-View Patrol and Traffic Enforcement
• Inter Agency Mutual Aid Agreement: All 58 counties are included.
• Emergency Notification and Tactical Alert Center: Emergency information and notification
conduit including the statewide AMBER Network.
• State Terrorism Threat Assessment Center: A partnership with the state Cal-Emergency
Management Agency facilitating the exchange of terrorism-related information with federal, state,
and local law enforcement as well as the public sector and medical first responders.
• FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force: A combination of local, state, and federal law enforcement
agencies working together to establish open lines of communication regarding possible terrorism
activities in California.
Air Operations Programs
The Departments aircraft fleet provides an invaluable service to both officers and the public. The fleet
includes:
• 16 Fixed Wing Airplanes • 15 Helicopters
In 2007, the CHP flew over 8,100 search and rescue missions, 571 emergency medical missions, took over
31,000 enforcement related actions, assisted in the arrest of over 2,300 felons and misdemeanants, and
saved 72 lives.
(c)Graphic Services Unit - CHP 091 Academy
For more info on CHP programs, visit: www.chp.ca.gov
California Highway Patrol
P.O. Box 942898 • Sacramento, CA 94298-0001
(916) 843-3210 • (800) 735-2929 (TT/TDD) • (800) 735-2922 (Voice)
Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox star in CHiPs' as officers Francis Poncherello and John Baker, with non-stop action and fun. So, get ready to strap on your helmets and goggles for a deadly chain-reaction crash, with the appearance of a pesky TV-news crew, Ponch's disco dancing, Halloween patrol and a caped biker dare devil.
Set in the sun-drenched sprawl of Los Angeles, California CHiPs combines action, heroics and fun in episodes whose event-packed story lines range from freeway gridlock (let's use a circus elephant to tow that broken axled truck!) to wild roadway pursuits, from spilled onions to pure venom! (crying time fellas.) to pure venom! (who's that beautiful woman lead-footing a Rolls Royce?) (c) CHiPs 1977, 1978, 1979 Turner Entertainment Co.
Nearly 4,000 people are killed in traffic collisions each year in California with an additional 266,000
injured. Faced with this alarming number, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) employs state of the
art equipment, aggressive safety campaigns, and comprehensive public education to make California
roadways safe. The statistics drive CHP officers to focus enforcement efforts on three primary safety
violations which are the factors in most traffic collisions:
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Programs
Among all traffic safety issues, impaired driving has perhaps the highest profile. In 2007, the CHP made
over 84,000 arrests for DUI. DUI has been vigorously enforced for decades with aggressive campaigns
in both the public and private sectors. DUI continues to be a major area of focus for the CHP. In 2007,
there were 1,173 alcohol-involved fatal traffic collisions and 28,116 alcohol-involved injury collisions in
California. To address this critical traffic safety concern, the CHP has used enforcement campaigns along
with effective educational programs to reduce the number of DUI incidents on California’s highways. In
a collaborative effort to reduce holiday and weekend DUI-related traffic collisions, the CHP coordinates
and participates in multi-agency DUI enforcement programs throughout the state. CHP DUI-related
programs include:
• Sobriety Checkpoint Operations • Nonconsensual Chemical Testing
• Proactive DUI Enforcement Programs • Every 15 Minutes
• DUI Task Force Operations • Sober Graduation
• Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) • Designated Driver Program
Speed Enforcement Programs
Reducing the number of traffic fatalities is a primary goal of the Department. In addition to traditional
traffic enforcement, specialized traffic safety programs play a key role in the Department’s efforts to
achieve this goal. In 2007, the CHP issued over 1,100,000 citations for speeding alone. CHP speed
enforcement programs include:
Radar Speed Enforcement Program: The Department has achieved the goal of equipping every
departmental enforcement vehicle with mounted radar. Radar allows officers to measure speed using
radio waves.
Lidar Speed Enforcement Program: The Department deployed 485 new lidar units to the field.
Lidar allows officers to measure speed with laser light, which is more accurate and definitive than radar.
Ongoing Evaluation of Enforcement and Speed Measurement Technology: The Department
continually evaluates new and emerging speed measurement and enforcement technology, including
new developments in radar and lidar.
Occupant Restraint Compliance
Considered to be one of our most important life saving laws, California instituted a primary safety belt
law in 1993. The CHP used both education and enforcement of occupant restraint laws to reinforce
that safety belts save lives. The national goal was 90 percent compliance by the year 2000. California
achieved that level of compliance in June of 1998. Since then, the CHP has been vigorously involved
in a statewide effort to enforce seat belt laws and conduct a statewide public awareness campaign to
further increase safety belt compliance. As a result, California compliance rate rose from 90.4 percent in
June 2004, to 94.6 percent in June 2007, significantly higher than the national average of 82 percent. In
2007, the CHP issued over 220,000 occupant restraint citations (child safety seat included).
Commercial Vehicle Safety Programs
California, along with the entire nation, relies heavily on the commercial vehicle transportation industry
for the flow of goods. Nothing is as devastating and causes as much congestion as a commercial vehicle
traffic collision. California has seen a reduction in commercial vehicle collisions over the last five years.
Reductions can be attributed to the CHP’s programs aimed at improving the commercial transportation
industry and educational awareness campaigns for the public. CHP programs regulate commercial
vehicles on the highway and at their place of business. In 2007, over 10,000,000 trucks were weighed
at inspection facilities and over 525,000 were inspected. Additionally, officers across the state issued
over 213,000 enforcement documents for commercial violations.
Vehicle Th eft Programs
On average, a vehicle is stolen every three minutes in California. In 2007, there were over 227,000
vehicle thefts costing Californians nearly 1.4 billion dollars. Despite these alarming numbers, 2007 saw
an 8.3 percent reduction in vehicle thefts over 2006. Some of the ways in which the CHP has helped
spur this reduction is through the following programs:
• Cargo Theft Interdiction Program • BAIT Vehicles
• Foreign Export and Recovery Program • Mobile and Fixed License plate Readers
• Salvage Vehicle Inspection Program • Insurance Fraud Task Force
• Vehicle Theft Task Forces
Drug Enforcement Programs
A majority of property crimes, domestic violence, and assault incidents have a nexus to illegal drug
distribution and abuse. The CHP participates in task forces and employs various programs to fight this
problem. Programs include:
• Departmental Canine Program: The CHP uses dual purpose canines, narcotic detection canines,
and explosive detection canines.
• Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP)
Gang Enforcement
• Regional Gang Task Forces: CHP provides additional officers in specific high crime areas to assist
local allied agencies.
• CalGRIP: A statewide campaign to combat gang activity.
• Operation Safe Streets: CHP assists allied agencies with focused enforcement in high crime areas.
State Security
• Protection of State Employees and Assets
• Security of State Appelate and Supreme Courts
• Governor’s Protective Detail
• Capitol Protection•State Officials Threat Assessment Unit
Community Outreach Programs
The educational component of the CHP’s mission was established to prevent, deter, and reduce the
tragic results of traffic related incidents. Our programs reach a broad range of individuals from different
age groups and diverse backgrounds. Some of the programs used to reach Californians include:
• Explorer Program: Introduction to law enforcement for youth ages 15-20.
• El Protector Program: Outreach to the Spanish speaking community with traffic safety messages
including child safety seat requirements.
• Start Smart: Educational program for new and soon-to-be licensed drivers aged 15–19 years and
their parents/guardians.
• Child Passenger Safety Program: CHP inspects approx. 1,900 car seats a month at over 133 car
seat events annually.
• Right Turn: School based anti-drug and alcohol campaign for youth ages 11-14.
• Designated Driver Program: Designed to encourage adults to designate a sober driver.
• Senior Volunteer Program: Retired persons volunteer to assist CHP with various duties.
• Impact Teen Driving: CHP works with public schools to teach teens about the dangers of distracted
driving.
Recruitment Program
Information on the Department’s recruitment program for the Cadet or Public Safety Dispatcher
classifications may be found at www.chpcareers.com, or by calling 1(888) 4A CHP JOB. The minimum
qualifications for Cadet are:
• 20-35 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• No felony convictions
• United States Citizen
Information on nonuniformed classifications may be found at the California State Personnel Board
website at www.spb.ca.gov.
Homeland Security-Related Activities and Programs
Since September 11, 2001, the protection of lives, critical infrastructure, and the economic well-being of
the country from terrorist attacks, have challenged law enforcement as never before. The CHP has risen
to the challenge to meet this need for vigilance, taking significant protective measures within the state.
These measures include:
• In-View Patrol and Traffic Enforcement
• Inter Agency Mutual Aid Agreement: All 58 counties are included.
• Emergency Notification and Tactical Alert Center: Emergency information and notification
conduit including the statewide AMBER Network.
• State Terrorism Threat Assessment Center: A partnership with the state Cal-Emergency
Management Agency facilitating the exchange of terrorism-related information with federal, state,
and local law enforcement as well as the public sector and medical first responders.
• FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force: A combination of local, state, and federal law enforcement
agencies working together to establish open lines of communication regarding possible terrorism
activities in California.
Air Operations Programs
The Departments aircraft fleet provides an invaluable service to both officers and the public. The fleet
includes:
• 16 Fixed Wing Airplanes • 15 Helicopters
In 2007, the CHP flew over 8,100 search and rescue missions, 571 emergency medical missions, took over
31,000 enforcement related actions, assisted in the arrest of over 2,300 felons and misdemeanants, and
saved 72 lives.
(c)Graphic Services Unit - CHP 091 Academy
For more info on CHP programs, visit: www.chp.ca.gov
California Highway Patrol
P.O. Box 942898 • Sacramento, CA 94298-0001
(916) 843-3210 • (800) 735-2929 (TT/TDD) • (800) 735-2922 (Voice)
