Rules and Regulations at the CHP Academy

Mission Statement
The Department’s mission is to provide safety, service, and security to the public as they utilize the highway transportation system and to assist local government during emergencies when requested. The Department has established the following values to accomplish its mission: respect for others, fairness, ethical practices, and equitable treatment for all.

The Academy is designed to be very stressful, testing each cadet’s ability to adapt to various situations and manage stress. You must be prepared to handle a tremendous workload while being able to maintain your appearance, demeanor, and professionalism. When you first report to the Academy, you will feel overwhelmed by the amount of studying and physical exercise you will perform. From the beginning, you are held to the highest of standards. The staff will push you to perform and assist you if and when you need it.

Graduation
Graduation will be a proud day for you and your family. On graduation day, the Academy grounds will be opened to families and friends accompanied by graduating cadets.

Cadets who excel in training are recognized during the graduation ceremony. The cadets who achieve the highest point score in Academics, Physical Training, and Weapons Training will receive awards. Awards will also be given to the cadet(s) selected as the Most Inspirational Cadet and the Outstanding Cadet in each class. Each cadet receiving an award will have his/her name permanently displayed in the Recreation Building.

Badge numbers will be assigned based upon the overall Academy performance. The highest point total will be assigned the first badge number for that class.

Cadets should prepare to relocate and report to any area within California. The assignments will be given prior to graduation day.

Assignment
Shortly after graduation, you will report to your Area office and meet your first commander. Upon arrival, you will be shown around the office, receive briefings about procedures and policies, and meet key personnel. Upon reporting to your first command, you will also meet your field training officer (FTO) and begin your field training.

Each new officer works with three different FTOs during their first 55 days of ‘break-in’ training. Your FTOs will help you apply the knowledge and training you gained at the Academy to real life situations. FTOs ensure that all new officers are capable of performing the job, keeping officer safety paramount, with a high emphasis on service to the public.

The training you receive from your FTOs will remain with you your entire career. Every FTO has his/her own unique style. A new officer takes the best from each FTO and then tries to improve on those qualities.

The following is information you will be required to know as a cadet. You may wish to get a head start by preparing now.

"CHP Cadets do not lie, cheat or steal, nor do they tolerate those who do."

This is the motto that all cadets are expected to live by. Cadets must conduct themselves honorably and are held to higher standards of conduct both on and off duty.

Physical fitness is a must, so start getting into shape now and be at your best when you report. The ability to organize your time and manage many tasks is essential for survival at the Academy.

Professional Values

Courage	Stand up for what is right despite the threat of adversity.
Honesty	Uphold the truth, and maintain the trust and confidence placed upon us by the citizens of California.
Professionalism	Constantly strive for quality and excellence.
Principles	Adhere to the highest conduct which promotes moral and ethical ideals.
Respect	Display a positive, service-oriented attitude towards the public and each other.
Integrity	Be honorable, open, and fair; this is the cornerstone of our profession.
Dedication	Commit to the mission of the Department and our oath.
Esprit de Corps	Encourage personal and organizational success through group effort and team spirit.

CHP Star
The California Highway Patrol "Star" has seven points, each point representing the qualities that each member of this Department must possess.

 

California Highway Patrol Code of Honor
I, a member of the California Highway Patrol, subscribe in word and deed to the following:

"To serve the United States of America and the State of California honestly, and conscientiously; and fulfill my oath as a soldier of the law;

To uphold and maintain the honor and integrity of the California Highway Patrol;

Be loyal to my fellow officers; respect and obey my seniors in rank; and enforce the law without fear, favor or discrimination;

Assist those in peril or distress, and, if necessary, lay down my life rather than swerve from the path of duty;

My personal conduct shall at all times be above reproach and I will never knowingly commit any act that will in any way bring discredit upon the California Highway Patrol or any member thereof;

To all this I do solemnly pledge my sacred honor as an Officer of the California Highway Patrol."

Chain of Command   (C.O.C.)

Commissioner	Executive Officer of the CHP.
Deputy Commissioner	Second in command, responsible for the operation of the Department.
Assistant Commissioner, Field	Director of Field operations, responsible for delivery of service to the motoring public.
Assistant Commissioner, Staff	Responsible for five Headquarters Divisions.
Personnel & Training Division (P&TD) Chief	Responsible for the overall planning, organization, direction and control of P&TD.
Academy Commander	Captain in charge of the Academy.
Tactical Program Manager, Lieutenant	Responsible for all tactical training at the Academy.
Academic Program Manager, Lieutenant	Responsible for all academic training at the Academy.
Staff Office Supervisor	Supervises the Officers, and controls all actions of the Staff Office.
Staff Officer or Counselor	Directly responsible for cadet supervision and evaluation.