NCJ Number
213540
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 73 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 18-20
Date Published
March 2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes some homeland security initiatives undertaken by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Abstract
Since September 11, the CHP has spent more than 1 million hours in homeland security-related activities. On five occasions, the national terrorist threat level was raised to a heightened (orange) alert status. During these alerts, CHP officers were placed on extended shifts to maximize the number of personnel available for immediate deployment. In the area of patrol and traffic, aggressive traffic enforcement and visible patrol are key factors in homeland security efforts. Officers have increased patrol and surveillance of major freeway interchanges, including the areas surrounding and below major interchanges. The CHP participates in the Safe Delivery of Fuels Task Force, which is responsible for thwarting terrorist actions related to the theft or hijacking of commercial vehicles carrying flammable fuels. The CHP has also conducted site security survey at over 40 State buildings that house more than 160 agencies. In order to address threats to the State's computer infrastructure, the CHP established a cyberterrorism team to identify and investigate system vulnerabilities, close and lock firewalls, and monitor the security of various State-operated systems that contain sensitive material. Several multidimensional intergovernmental terrorism-related task forces have been created as well. The majority of these homeland-security initiatives and programs have been funded by CHP's existing budget. The key to efficient and effective homeland security preparedness and implementation has been qualified leadership and a commitment to the coordination of interagency partnerships.