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. Photo courtesy of California Highway Patrol

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - As the end of 2025 nears, Governor Gavin Newsom joins the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in celebrating the department’s final graduating class of the year.

The 137 new officers who were sworn in during a Dec. 5 ceremony at the California Highway Patrol Academy will be placed throughout the state to protect and serve communities.

This marks a significant achievement for the California Highway Patrol, which graduated 780 cadets in 2025 alone. California Highway Patrol 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,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “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.”

California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee said, "These cadets have been pushed to their limits and faced significant pressure but despite all the hardships, they never gave up.”

“Their determination to keep going, even when facing challenges, demonstrates their dedication to helping others and serving the people of California,” Duryee said. “The California Highway Patrol (CHP) proudly welcomes these new officers and looks forward to the remarkable achievements they will make throughout their decades of service.”

The new officers begin reporting to one of the California Highway Patrol’s 102 Area offices throughout the state on Dec. 15. Photo courtesy of California Highway Patrol

During their 26 weeks in the California Highway Patrol 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 last week, the cadets took part in a five-mile run as one of their training’s last parts. The new officers begin reporting to one of the California Highway Patrol’s 102 Area offices throughout the state on Dec. 15.

A Growing Force Protecting Californians

California Highway Patrol’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, which can be watched on the California Highway Patrol YouTube page (www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiGuz08MkSM) continue to drive strong interest in law enforcement careers.

Including the Dec. 5 newly-sworn members, the California Highway Patrol has brought on more than 2,300 officers from January 2022 through this December.

From 2022 to 2024, applications increased by more than 52 percent.

California Highway Patrol is on track to receive more than 33,000 applications by the end of the year, continuing the upward trend.

Enhancing public safety remains a top priority for Gov. Gavin Newsom, and in November 2024, California successfully achieved its multi-year California Highway Patrol recruitment goal of 1,000 new officers.

California Highway Patrol continues to actively recruit dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in communities throughout California. A career with the California Highway Patrol offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

To learn more about joining the California Highway Patrol, visit CHPMadeForMore.com to take the first step toward a rewarding career in law enforcement.

The California Highway Patrol mission is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.