General Info

The California Highway Patrol, founded in 1929, is a law enforcement agency that acts to prevent the loss of life, injuries and property damage resulting from traffic collisions through enforcement, education and engineering. The agency promotes the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout California and seeks to minimize exposure of the public to unsafe conditions resulting from emergency incidents and highway impediments. It engages in operations to protect the public, their property, state employees and the state's infrastructure, as well as collaborates with local, state and federal public safety agencies. The California Highway Patrol provides police services, conducts criminal investigations and enforces traffic laws on county and state highways. The organization assists in emergencies that exceed local capabilities and provides disaster and lifesaving assistance. Its services include truck and bus inspections, air operations of airplanes and helicopters, and vehicle theft investigation and prevention. The California Highway Patrol additionally offers education in various public forums concerning driver safety issues. Headquartered in Sacramento, Calif., it conducts public awareness campaigns that promote the use of safety belts, motorcycle helmets and child safety seats, as well as encourage designated drivers. The agency maintains a presence in Los Angeles.