Department posts major gains in hiring, applications and reduced vacancies as 2025 comes to a close
SACRAMENTO — As we near the end of 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom joins the California Highway Patrol (CHP) today in celebrating the Department’s final graduating class of the year. The 137 new officers who were sworn in during a ceremony at the CHP Academy will be placed throughout the state to protect and serve communities. This marks a significant achievement for the CHP, which graduated 780 cadets in 2025 alone. The CHP continues its efforts to recruit highly qualified individuals to protect the state’s community safety.
“I’m proud to see the young women and men stepping up to keep our communities safe. As we close out the year, California continues to make real progress — strengthening protections across the state while staying focused on the needs of the people we serve.” Governor Gavin Newsom
Before family and loved ones, the cadets took their oath and received their badges, officially joining one of the nation’s largest law enforcement agencies.
“These cadets have been pushed to their limits and faced significant pressure, but despite all the hardships, they never gave up,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Their determination to keep going, even when facing challenges, demonstrates their dedication to helping others and serving the people of California. The CHP proudly welcomes these new officers and looks forward to the remarkable achievements they will make throughout their decades of service.”
During their 26 weeks in the CHP Academy, cadets trained in vehicle code enforcement, crash and criminal investigations, emergency vehicle operations, and officer safety. The Academy’s curriculum also focuses on legal responsibilities, communication, ethics, and cultural awareness, in order to prepare cadets to serve California’s diverse population. Earlier this week, the cadets took part in a 5-mile run as one of the last parts of their training. The new officers begin reporting to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices across the state on December 15.
A Growing Force Protecting Californians
The CHP’s recruitment initiatives over the past few years — including the launch of the 2022 statewide “Join the CHP 1000” campaign and the “Cadets” web series — continue to drive strong interest in law enforcement careers.
Including today’s newly sworn members, the CHP has brought on more than 2,300 officers from January 2022 through December 2025.
From 2022 to 2024, applications increased by more than 52%.
The CHP is on track to receive more than 33,000 applications by the end of the year, continuing the upward trend.
- 2022: 16,077 applications
- 2023: 19,590 applications
- 2024: 25,477 applications
Join the CHP Today
Enhancing public safety remains a top priority for the Governor, and in November 2024, California successfully achieved its multi-year CHP recruitment goal of 1,000 new officers.
The CHP continues to actively recruit dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in communities throughout California. A career with the CHP offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit CHPMadeForMore.com to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
