(545) Antelope Valley

Phone: (661) 743-6060

Address:
2041 West Avenue 'I'
Lancaster, CA 93536

Hours:
Monday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

The California Highway Patrol (CHP), Antelope Valley Area is responsible for patrolling approximately 30 miles of State Route 14 from Acton, CA to the Kern County line and approximately 1400 miles of unincorporated roadways located in various communities throughout the Antelope Valley including: Angeles Forest Highway, Angeles Crest Highway, State Route 138 and State Route 18.

The Antelope Valley is host to several annual events that bring thousands of visitors to our area and upon our highways as drivers or as passengers.  Every Spring, thousands of visitors flock to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve and attend the Annual Poppy Festival held at Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park.  The annual Los Angeles County Air Show is held at our very own William J. Fox Airfield and brings in thousands of visitors from all over Southern California.  Edwards Air Force Base, the second-largest air force base in the United States, also calls the Antelope Valley “home” and brings in thousands of visitors both military and civilian.  Mountain High Ski Resort is the most visited resort in Southern California and brings skiers, snowboarders, and snow players to our area every Winter.     

The Antelope Valley CHP is dedicated to keeping each of our residents and visitors as safe as possible.  We are committed to saving lives by preventing traffic collisions before they happen through education and enforcement efforts.  Our traffic safety education programs are offered in local schools and at community events on a continual basis in an effort to educate the public. These educational programs combined with our enforcement efforts are designed to prevent collisions, thereby reducing the tragic loss of life and serious injuries caused by unsafe driving.  Programs such as:

• • Start Smart (a program for new teen drivers and parents);
  • Every 15 Minutes (a program to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence at local high schools)
  •  Impact Teen Drivers (a program for teens and their parents to address the dangers of driving reckless, distracted or while under the influence)
  • Age Well Drive Smart (a program for senior drivers) are designed to educate the public and help reduce the number of tragedies caused by traffic collisions.
  • Free child safety seat instruction/demonstrations for anyone who transports children younger than 8 years old or under 4’9” tall.

The Antelope Valley Area is proud to be a thriving Explorer post which is designed for young men and women between the ages of 15 and 21 who are interested in a career in law enforcement.  We also have an outstanding Senior Volunteer Program for members of our community who are 55 or older and would like to volunteer their time to assist CHP employees in the performance of their duties.  We are very committed to our community and pride ourselves on the relationships we build and maintain.

Check back often for information about when these events are taking place. You can also check our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages at CHP Antelope Valley or call our office for more information.

COMMANDER'S MESSAGE

Captain James Richards was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey, and raised in Hamden, Connecticut, where he lived and attended Southern Connecticut State University prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1995.  While stationed at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, CA, James served as a member of the 77th Security Police Squadron and deployed to Saudi Arabia twice in support of Operation Southern Watch, and he received the Air Force Achievement metal before separating in March of 1999.

 

He was accepted into the California Highway Patrol Academy the same month and upon graduation, he started his career in Santa Barbara.  He enforced traffic laws along Highway 101 on a motorcycle for more than a decade and served as a Public Information Officer before being selected for an analyst position within the CHP’s Office of Special Representative.  He prepared comprehensive written analysis on proposed legislation affecting law enforcement programs and operations.  He promoted and returned to Santa Barbara where he served as the Area’s Motor Sergeant, Division Protective Services Detail Commander, and Drug Recognition Expert coordinator until his promotion to Lieutenant. 

 

Since 2021, Captain Richards was the Lieutenant Commander of the Department’s Uniformed Hiring Section, which oversees among other things, the statewide Recruitment and Cadet Hiring programs.  He and his team worked tirelessly to overcome challenges recruiting and retaining qualified personnel while streamlining the hiring process from application to academy appointment.

 

Captain Richards was briefly the commander of the Crescent City Area CHP office before being promoted and assigned to the Antelope Valley Area.     

 

Under Captain Richards’ leadership, the Antelope Valley Area will continue focus on reducing the mileage death rate in the region, lowering crime, and strengthening communication with local communities.  “I am dedicated to upholding the State of California’s commitment to the people of Los Angeles County by enhancing communication, anticipating workforce needs, recruiting talented candidates from diverse backgrounds, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, service, and security.”

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