1.4 - CHP Standards

California Highway Patrol | Standard Operating Procedures

Troopers of the California Highway Patrol are expected to act with integrity and are open and truthful in their dealings with the public and their colleagues, so that confidence in the department is secured and maintained.

Troopers of the California Highway Patrol are expected to be honest, and act with integrity when performing their duties, CHP Troopers will never abuse their authority or the powers entrusted to them. CHP Troopers are well placed to protect the human rights of individuals and groups within society.

Troopers of the California Highway Patrol will not, under any circumstances inflict, instigate or tolerate any act of inhuman or degrading treatment to any citizen.

Troopers of the California Highway Patrol are expected to use appropriate language and behaviour in their dealings with their colleagues and the public. They do not use any language or behave in a way that is offensive or is likely to cause offense.

Troopers of the California Highway Patrol have a responsibility to exercise reasonable care to prevent loss of life or damage to the property of others (including police property). All Troopers will conduct their job with due regard to safety of persons and property at all times.

Troopers of the California Highway Patrol are not required to get a supervisor even if a subject requests it. If a subject asks for a supervisor you are allowed to deny their request unless you believe it is suitable. If another Trooper requests a supervisor and you are the highest rank onduty you may assist them.

Troopers of the California Highway Patrol are expected to justify their use of force when assessing the necessity of the action, all of the circumstances should be taken into account and especially the situation which the CHP Trooper faced at the time. CHP Troopers use force only if other means are or may be ineffective in achieving the intended result.

Troopers of the California Highway Patrol will not make themselves unfit for duty or mentally impaired as a result of drinking alcohol, using a substance for non-medical purposes or intentionally misusing a prescription drug. Those found in violation of this standard, or reasonably believed to be in violation of this standard shall be considered for demotion or removal pending investigation. This rule pertains to in character and out of character. If Troopers feel unfit for duty, they should refrain from patrolling.