Officer Kellie Riley
Careers to Watch
Officer Kellie Riley
by Sergeant Angela Ditzenberger
Kellie Riley was destined to be an officer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Just ask her father, Sergeant Pat Riley, a 29-year veteran with the CHP. Or ask her brother, Officer Scott Riley, also a member of the CHP. For Kellie, the CHP has always been a family affair.
Kellie was born in Upland, California, and grew up in Running Springs near Big Bear. She started playing soccer at the age of three, and took her love for the sport with her to college at California State San Bernardino (CSSB), where she played the sport for her five-year stay. 
She always had the influence of her father to gear her toward a career choice, so she decided on a major in Criminal Justice to prepare her for the CHP. She successfully attained her Criminal Justice degree at CSSB in 1999. A year prior to graduating, Kellie joined the CHP Explorer Program to get the hands-on experience she felt would make her a strong candidate for CHP cadet. She also encouraged her college roommate, Summer Weathers, into taking a look at the CHP for a career choice. Officer Weathers is now a CHP officer in the Southern California area. After graduating from CSSB, Kellie began the CHP testing process.
Kellies first attempts at the CHP examination were unsuccessful. "I did not make it through the process the first two times I tried, however, I decided I was not going to give up. I was willing to take the test as many times as it took to reach my goal," she said. Her perseverance paid off and she passed the test on her third attempt. 
The rest of the process was smooth sailing for Kellie, and she entered the Academy in February 2001.
Academy life proved to be a challenge for Kellie, especially in the area of academics. She again relied on her strong will to succeed by studying in her spare time, even during most weekends. She considered herself to be in fairly good shape, but found the physical training at the Academy one of the most strenuous workout programs she ever had to follow.
Kellie (center) graduated from the Academy on August 27, 2001, with Pat, Scott, a fellow classmate, Tim, and Summer cheering her on (pictured). Her first assignment was to the East Los Angeles Area, close to her family and friends. She's now assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga CHP Area Office in Inland Division. Her plans for the future are to enjoy all aspects of being a road patrol officer, and to someday work on the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) Program. Her hobbies include soccer, hiking, and biking. Regarding her CHP career she says, "I am so excited to finally be a part of the CHP family, since it has always been a big part of my family. I am looking forward to having the time of my life in the career I have always dreamed of having."
Like to learn more about opportunities for women as Officers in the CHP?
See our Women CHP web page, or call our special women's toll-free recruiting line
and talk to a female officer - 1 - 877 - WOMEN CHP
For additional information and applications, contact the CHP at:
1-888-4A CHP JOB
(1-888-422-4756)
TT/TDD
1-800-735-2929
EOE/ADA
or by e-mail