The CHP Northern Division

Rush-hour gridlock is unknown in the towns, farmlands and coastal highways of the 13 counties in the Northern Division. However, that doesn't mean the Division is exempt from traffic problems. The CHP serves as a major law enforcement presence in an effort to address traffic enforcement problems on the 36,000 miles of Interstate 5, State Routes and county highways it patrols.

With just two percent of California's population, the economy in Northern Division is based on agriculture, ranching, wood products, and an array of recreational activities. The rugged North Coast area also contributes towards the State's economy through the fishing industry.

 Providing invaluable assistance to the many North-state emergency service agencies, the Northern Division Air Operations is the only law enforcement agency providing air support to Northern California. Covering approximately 40,000 square miles, the Northern Division Air Operations Unit employs two Aerospatiale A-star helicopters and two Cessna 206 airplanes. The unit provides assistance to CHP Areas, search and rescue teams, allied law enforcement agencies, and fire agencies as requested. Additionally, following 9/11/2001, the Northern Division Air Operations Unit's role has expanded to patrolling identified key homeland security targets throughout the North-state.