A Little CHP History

[PapaBear]

I posted this in the Chippies Only section and decided that some of you aspiring to become CHP officers might enjoy the history.

This is an article about one of our earliest members, Justin W (Wally) Cheshire. Note the badges that were worn before the star was our symbol of authority. You can click on the pictures to enlarge them.

When the page opens, page down a little bit.........................

http://www.badgecollecting.com/traffic.htm


In 1923, a California Supreme Court decision made it illegal for counties to employ traffic officers which led to the formation of the modern CHP. The CHP was finally formed on August 14, 1929 and originally included 280 uniformed men, 80 cars and 225 motorcycles. The first Superintendent was Eugene W. Biscailuz who, when he was appointed by the Governor, was the Undersheriff of Los Angeles County. Wally Cheshire followed his Undersheriff to the newly created agency. The early CHP officers were paid a salary of $170 per month for a six day work week with no overtime pay and they had to supply all of their own equipment.

[gabriel]

I love history, this is a nice look back, thanks for posting it.

[Motor City Cop]

Any idea why the CA Supreme Court ruled counties could not employ traffic officers?

[x MAIT]

Any idea why the CA Supreme Court ruled counties could not employ traffic officers?

Because the county could require the officers to write a certain number of tickets in order to generate revenue or lose their job or motor (you know, like most cities do today). The CHP works for the state and the state does not receive revenue from citations issued by the CHP.

[Mac]

...also because there were inconsistencies between County Squads as to how the laws were enforced. LA County may have done things completely different from Orange County, which may have done things completely different compared to Riverside County, etc. Unifying the County Squads and putting them under one "umbrella" with common policies and procedures created the consistency which had until then been lacking.

[BT]

The CHP works for the state and the state does not receive revenue from citations issued by the CHP.

Hmm, the state does receive revenue from citations. Every ticket has a penalty assessment on it which is split amongst state, county and various other funds.

I think what you may have been shooting for is: Most of CHP’s budget is funded from the Motor Vehicle Account (MVA), which derives its revenues primarily from vehicle registration and driver license fees. This accounts for ~ 90% of funding.

Perhaps a chippy in the know could verify on this, but i think a good portion of the remaining ~10 percent, is paid from the state's general fund. I would venture a guess this is due to the absorbing of the California state police and the duties of protective services (ie: not traffic enforcement) which the MVA fund was not designed for.

The bottom line is that CHP as a whole does not benefit as far as funding is concerned from the number of tickets that are written.

[BT]

I wanted to add though on topic that the article was a very interesting read. It was very cool to see the different badges of the era and to have the photo history.

[PapaBear]

Fines and monies derived from traffic infractions, misdemeanors and felonies are set forth in Penal Code sections 1427 to 1465.8 et al. Those funds are distrubuted amongst the Counties and Cities of the State of California with very little designated to the State of California.

Those funds that are designated to the State are committed to educational programs for safe driving programs and DUI education. They are then used by Counties and Cities for those programs. Additionally, there are fundings for Alcohol and Drug testing and analysis programs.

There are fees which are designated for DMV to care for administrative services for maintaining a parkiing ticket database and warrants records.

There are no funds designated specifically for the California Highway Patrol.

Approximately 90% of all funding for the CHP comes from the Motor Vehicle Account. The remaining 10% comes from Federal Programs for Education, Enforcement and traffic related programs which address homeland security.

[TheForceCHP]

Fines and monies derived from traffic infractions, misdemeanors and felonies are set forth in Penal Code sections 1427 to 1465.8 et al. Those funds are distrubuted amongst the Counties and Cities of the State of California with very little designated to the State of California.

Those funds that are designated to the State are committed to educational programs for safe driving programs and DUI education. They are then used by Counties and Cities for those programs. Additionally, there are fundings for Alcohol and Drug testing and analysis programs.

There are fees which are designated for DMV to care for administrative services for maintaining a parkiing ticket database and warrants records.

There are no funds designated specifically for the California Highway Patrol.

Approximately 90% of all funding for the CHP comes from the Motor Vehicle Account. The remaining 10% comes from Federal Programs for Education, Enforcement and traffic related programs which address homeland security.


Thanks PapaBear, falls back on the reality that the state really doesn't make anything on citations

[BT]

The state makes a lot of $ on citations, if you need more info and verification PM me. This is a misnomer. I am not going to get into it on the forums. :tape:

[PapaBear]

I believe this thread is taking a route far to the extreme of its intent. May I suggest a separate thread for discussing the State's General Fund?

[Motor City Cop]

I believe this thread is taking a route far to the extreme of its intent. May I suggest a separate thread for discussing the State's General Fund?
I know right!! I didn't think my question about a Supreme Court decision would spark all this. I was interested in the history...not so much the money.