El Protector

CHP's Traffic Safety Community Outreach Program

Since 1987, the CHP has been proactively involved in a traffic safety outreach program, El Protector, directed at the Hispanic community. It places special emphasis on educating through dialogue with the community, instead of focusing on enforcement measures. Such community opportunities arise at local neighborhood/town hall meetings, educational functions, media and at other community related forums.

The goal of the El Protector Program is to reduce the disproportionate number of Hispanic surnamed drivers and victims involved in traffic related collisions. Activities are designed to educate and encourage positive traffic safety behavior and to build better community relations between the community and law enforcement agencies.

The driving force and focus of this programis the use of a CHP officer of Hispanic ancestry or officers that are bilingual and bicultural - known as the El Protector Program Coordinator. The coordinator organizes community events, provides traffic safety education presentations and serves as a Hispanic role model.

Presently, the Statewide El Protector Coordinator can be contacted at Community Outreach and Marketing Unit at (916) 657-7237. The following is a list of local locations in your area and their telephone numbers:

Northern Division Northern California Area	(530) 225-2715
Valley Division Sacramento Area	(916) 464-2090
Golden Gate Division San Francisco Bay Area	(707) 648-4180
Central Division Fresno / Modesto Area	(559) 277-7250
Southern Division Los Angeles County	(818) 240-8200
Border Division San Diego / Orange County	(858) 650-3600
Coastal Division Gold Coast Area	(805) 549-3261
Inland Division Inland Empire	(909) 806-2400

Please feel free to contact our Community Outreach Program representatives with any comments or traffic related concerns affecting your community. It is our mission to find solutions to local traffic problems and to provide service to the public we serve by developing community partnerships.

Did you know that in California:

Fatal motor vehicle accidents involving Hispanic children under the age of four comprise up to 61% of all fatal accidents (involving children under the age of four) due to not using a child seat or using it improperly.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and or drugs continues to be a concern amongst the Hispanic community.

Help us solve these problems. Invite us to be part of your community.

Call us at 1(800) TELL-CHP