Calif. Highway Patrol Sees Highest Application Surge in Seven Years

The California Highway Patrol has seen a surge in applications, and January saw the highest number of applications in seven years, according to the agency. 

In the first month of 2024, the CHP experienced a 94% increase in applications compared to January 2022, the agency stated in a news release. The spike comes as the CHP has launched its 1000 recruitment campaign and other recent recruitment efforts and hiring investments, including a new recruitment web series, “Cadets.”

“The significant increase in the number of applications the California Highway Patrol has received since the onset of our recruitment campaign is encouraging,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee in a statement.

The CHP has been holding three academy classes at the same time to deal with the increase of applications. That's the first time that has happened in the agency's history, according to Duryee.

The total number of CHP cadets in training is currently at 332. A new class of over 100 cadets is expected to graduate from the CHP Academy next month.

"As we continue to uphold our mission of safeguarding California’s roadways and communities, the CHP is committed to identifying and recruiting qualified candidates who represent California and its diverse demographic makeup, and we welcome all those who share our dedication to join us in making a difference," he added.

In 2022, the CHP launched a multiyear campaign to fill its 1,000 officer position by hiring qualified individuals from California’s diverse communities. The campaign was part of the state's $1.1 billion investment to improve public safety.