What you need to know: Governor Newsom congratulates 133 cadets who graduated from the CHP Academy, answering the call for service and stepping up to protect and serve Californians.

SACRAMENTO - Governor Newsom today recognized a momentous achievement for 133 graduates who proudly graduated today from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy in West Sacramento during a swearing-in and badge pinning ceremony. In the coming days, these graduates will join CHP offices throughout the state - ready to protect and serve Californians.

We're continuing to make our communities safer by investing in the next generation. These CHP graduates embody a deep commitment to service-stepping up to protect and support their communities, and reflecting the very best of California.

Governor Gavin Newsom

"Behind every badge lies a story of sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication. Today, we honor not only what these graduates have accomplished but also the responsibility they now bear as guardians of public safety across our state," said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. "As they join the ranks of the California Highway Patrol, they do so with a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and service - values that will guide them as they protect our roads, support our communities, and uphold the public's trust."

During their time at the CHP Academy, cadets underwent extensive training in over 40 law enforcement topics, including traffic enforcement, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, and community policing. The curriculum, which surpasses the standards set by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), prepares officers to handle the wide range of calls they may face in their careers, thereby ensuring the ongoing safety of California's roads and communities.

Following graduation, the new officers will report to one of the CHP's 102 Area offices across the state, where they will begin their field training program alongside experienced officers. As they advance through their careers, they will have opportunities to pursue specialized assignments within the department, including investigations, air operations, canine units, commercial enforcement, and more.

The CHP cadets come from all walks of life, truly embodying the California spirit of answering the call to service and lending a hand where help is needed. In today's graduating class, Irene Ragland is one of the many graduates who will be positively making an impact in communities across the state.

Ragland is from Arbuckle, CA, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an avionics electrician shortly after graduating from high school, deploying to Afghanistan, Japan, and Thailand. She served in the military for 11 years, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. After completing military service, she went on to work in the aviation industry for several years.

"Growing up in Northern California and serving 11 years in the Marine Corps, service has always been a part of who I am. A career with the CHP lets me give back to the community, be someone my kids can look up to, and go home each day knowing I made a meaningful difference," said CHP Officer Ragland.

She is also the mother of two children, attributing her motivation at the CHP Academy to her children and her family's support, which helped her achieve her goals. Stories like hers remind us that Californians continue to step up to protect the safety of our communities.

Join the CHP today

The CHP continues to seek motivated individuals interested in a challenging and rewarding career in public service, offering opportunities to serve communities across the state while pursuing a wide range of specialized assignments. A career with the CHP offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Visit here to learn more about career opportunities, benefits and the hiring process.

California's significant public safety investments

California has invested $2.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California's Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

In 2024, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state's robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills offer new tools to bolster ongoing efforts to hold criminals accountable for smash-and-grab robberies, property crime, retail theft, and auto burglaries. While California's crime rate remains at near-historic lows, these laws help California adapt to evolving criminal tactics to ensure perpetrators are effectively held accountable.