CHP hiring seeking diversity

The California Highway Patrol says the racial diversity of its officers is much lower than of the state they patrol. 7 in 10 of its officers are white, compared to 4 in 10 Californians according to the agency. This weekend the CHP is holding informational recruitment seminars in each of its divisions throughout the state.

Senator Holly Mitchell says greater racial diversity of California’s officers is greatly needed. “I think, you know, years of studies have shown , from community policing, etc., to having a law enforcement entity that reflects the community that its attempting to protect and serve, bodes well for the community as well as the law enforcement officer and the entity as well.”

The CHP agrees that its relative lack of diversity complicates policing, especially in the wake of the police-involved shooting of a black man in Ferguson, Missouri last year which heightened racial tensions around the country. A Criminology professor at Sacramento State says the agency’s difficulty in recruiting minorities stems from a lack of trust within communities of color.

Online applications will be accepted starting on Monday at the CHP website. The CHP also is aggressively recruiting women to join its force. 5 new officers are coming to Monterey County soon, one of those will be a woman.

More information about the upcoming recruitment and the CHP’s efforts to diversify can be found at: www.CHPcareers.com.