CHP and Homeland Security

[uoplax13]

For the last year I've been working on an M.S. National Security and Public Safety. I finish the degree program in December, and am planning on applying for a job with CHP. I've been on several ride-alongs, and have met an officer up at STAC in Sacramento. I'm pretty excited to start the hiring process, but still have a few questions. I'd like to know how the CHP is involved with Homeland Security in California, and what job opportunities are available for officers in that general area. I'd sure appreciate any information.
Thanks.

[Darth Choke]

I know there is a SMALL group in the CHP at headquarters that are assigned to a terrorist/homeland security network. I know they have special federal powers and work with the FBI.

I am sure there are so more knowledgeable officers on here that can inform you better.

[Mac]

The primary component of our Homeland Security network is ENTAC (Emergency Notification and Tactical Alert Center). It's staffed 24 hours a day, and interfaces with the FBI and State Dept., along with various other Homeland Security entities. We also have officers detailed to regional JTTF (Joint Terrorism Task Forces) who work hand-in-hand with the FBI. I'm sure there are other details I'm not familiar with, too - hopefully one of the officers more 'plugged in' to HQ can fill in the blanks.

[carcop]

Unfortunately we do not have a HUGE roll in H.S. As stated our HQ for emergencies, is ENTAC. Entac is 24/7 and they mainly monitor radios. computers and phones. If something big happens in the state, they hear about it. It is not a "high speed" position but it does get you into the high visibility HQ element. As far as "field officers" for JTTF (anti-terrorism ), our department has recently reduced the number of officers in that group. We literally have a small handfull of officers state wide that fill those positions ( something like a dozen) . Since the Feds are responsible for the mission of anti-terrorism they do the majority of that type work, investigations, intel...etc. They feed it to the state level. When you speak of Homeland Security on the state level it is generally an admistrative position.