California: A commitment to serve: 3,200 CHP officers sworn in since 2019

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Oct 16, 2026

A commitment to serve: 3,200 CHP officers sworn in since 2019

What you need to know: Reiterating California's commitment to public safety, more than 3,200 CHP officers have been sworn in to protect California communities since 2019. Today's graduation of 120 cadets at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento is the last one of the year.

SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom congratulates 120 new California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, joining the more than 3,200 officers who have been sworn in since 2019 to protect and serve all California communities. These cadets have passed an intensive 26 weeks of training at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento and are set to be assigned to regions statewide.

I applaud the women and men who have answered the call to public service. They represent the very best of California – their courage, commitment, and willingness to put the needs of others ahead of themselves. California is deeply grateful they have chosen this career to help build a safer, stronger future for all.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The CHP Academy prepares cadets for the demands of a public safety career through about 1,275 hours of academic, tactical and scenario-based instruction. Cadets train physically and academically to build the skills, knowledge and judgment needed to protect California communities and the motoring public. The curriculum, which surpasses the standards set by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, 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.

"The badge represents the trust the people of California place in these officers. Throughout their careers, they must earn that trust every day through integrity, professionalism and service," said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. "These men and women showed discipline and dedication throughout their Academy training. I know they will carry those values into the field as they serve communities across California."

After completing field training, CHP officers may pursue specialized assignments such as canine handling, air operations, investigative services, and motorcycle enforcement.

Following graduation, the new officers will report to one of the CHP's 101 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, Officers John Merrick and Nathan Mundine are some of the many graduates who will be positively making an impact in communities across the state.

Officer Merrick speaking at the CHP graduation ceremony

Officer Merrick, from Paso Robles, Calif., has been assigned to the San Jose Area office. Prior to joining the academy, he served in the United States Army National Guard for six years and earned the California Achievement Medal. He has mentored over 800 at-risk youths and was nominated as Class President for CTC I-26.

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"Serving as a combat medic in the Army National Guard gave me a sense of purpose and showed me how meaningful it is to be there for others," said CHP Officer John Merrick. "I chose the CHP because I wanted to serve with the best, and I'm excited to put my training into practice on the road. In the future, I hope to complete my paramedic license and work toward joining a CHP flight crew."

Officer Mundine getting pinned at the CHP graduation ceremony

Following the CHP graduation, Officer Mundine, from Lemoore, Calif., will be assigned to the Hayward Area office. After his father passed away, Mundine became homeless during high school from ages 14-19. Yet, Mundie persevered to continue his education, while playing varsity high school basketball at Lemoore High School. He was a first-generation college graduate, earning his Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences at California State University, Fresno.

"Coaches and teachers in my community took the time to reach out when I needed support, and their example stayed with me," said CHP Officer Nathan Mundine. "After coaching sports, I wanted to serve on a larger scale and help strengthen the communities I'm part of. I chose the CHP because of its high standards and the opportunity to make a difference. At the end of my career, I hope to be someone my family can be proud of."

CHP Academy marks 50 years in West Sacramento

The CHP dedicated its Academy in West Sacramento on July 23, 1976, and welcomed its first cadet class the following year. For five decades, generations of CHP officers have lived and trained at the facility before beginning their public service careers. With this class, the CHP has sworn in 382 officers in 2026. Two cadet classes remain at the live-in Academy and are scheduled to graduate in 2027.

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.

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

California crime rates fall to historic lows

California's latest statewide crime data show declines across every major category in 2025. Compared with 2024, California saw:

• Homicide: ↓ 18.6%
• Robbery: ↓ 19.9%
• Property crime: ↓ 14.3%
• Motor vehicle theft: ↓ 25.8%
• Violent crime: ↓ 10.2%

Since Governor Newsom took office, homicide is down 20%, robbery is down 31%, property crime is down 24%, motor vehicle theft is down 19%, and violent crime is down 3%.

The Governor's public safety strategy has included investments in law enforcement, partnerships with local agencies, organized crime enforcement, gun safety, drug interdiction and violence prevention.

A public safety strategy built around what works

From historic investments in law enforcement to community-based violence prevention, California is taking a comprehensive approach to making communities safer. Governor Newsom began making public safety a priority from day one — building the foundation for safer communities through stronger gun laws, expanded violence prevention, tougher action against organized crime and fentanyl trafficking, and deeper partnerships between state and local law enforcement.

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Year after year, his Administration added capacity: more CHP officers, new Crime Suppression Teams, expanded counterdrug operations, record investments in community violence prevention and stronger tools to hold offenders accountable.

Then, he took that strategy statewide – and that sustained commitment is now delivering results. Crime is falling, law enforcement capacity is growing, deadly drugs and illegal firearms are being seized, stolen property is being recovered, and new research is showing that targeted violence prevention can save lives.

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