The
California Highway Patrol (CHP) is a
state agency
that acts as the
state police
force of
California.
It was originally created in 1929 as a
highway patrol
agency to ensure
road safety
in
California
but assumed greater responsibility with the passage of time. It now also
provides
security police
services while protecting state buildings and facilities, conducts
criminal investigations, and assists local law enforcement agencies. It
is the largest State Police agency in the country with about 9800 sworn
officers, according to data provided by the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation. After the
September 11, 2001
attacks the CHP became responsible for
securing and patrolling a number of potential terrorist targets in the
State of California. These sites include the
Bay Bridge,
nuclear power plants, government buildings, and key
infrastructure
sites. They also maintain a
SWAT
team on 24 hour stand-by to respond to any terrorist activity. |