On Duty with the CHP: Officer feels honor of wearing the badge

Since 1929, California Highway Patrol officers have worn the same badge while performing their duties. Have you ever wondered what the CHP badge means? What is the significance of each of the seven points on the star? How do officers get assigned their badge numbers? Why do officers take so much pride in what their numbers mean? Why is it such an honor to wear the CHP badge and the uniform? I get asked these questions everywhere I go.

The CHP Code of Honor states: “I, a member of the California Highway Patrol, subscribe in word and deed to the following; To serve the United States of America and the State of California honestly, and conscientiously; and fulfill my oath as a soldier of the law; to uphold and maintain the honor and integrity of the California Highway Patrol; Be loyal to my fellow officers; respect and obey my seniors in rank; and enforce the law without fear, favor, or discrimination; Assist those in peril or distress, and, if necessary, lay down my life rather than swerve from the path of duty; My personal conduct shall at all times be above reproach and I will never knowingly commit any act that will in any way bring discredit upon the California Highway Patrol or any member thereof; To all this I do solemnly pledge my sacred honor as an Officer of the California Highway Patrol.”

Just 150 words, but they mean so much more.

Fifteen years ago, I took this oath and received my badge. I am honored and take pride every morning I place my badge upon my chest. The badge means more than, “I’m able to write you a ticket.” It is a lifestyle change, a family, a group of people from different backgrounds striving to attain one goal – making the roadways safe for the motoring public.

My badge and uniform are on loan to me from the people of California who allow me to wear it. I owe you a debt of gratitude for allowing me to serve you. I believe in this and live my life by the same principles of our badge.

The badge was designed with seven points. As with everything with the CHP, those seven points were given meaning to remind officers what they stand for and what is expected of them. The points are these: character, integrity, knowledge, judgment, honor, loyalty and courtesy. Our badge is worn proudly displayed over our hearts and reminds us who we are and for what we stand.

When we received our badges on the day we graduated from the academy, we knew how hard we worked and how dedicated to our department we had to be to earn this badge.

Badge numbers are the identification numbers for California Highway Patrol officers. They are issued to an officer upon their graduation and the badge number remains with the officer throughout their career. The badge number also indicates the seniority of an officer. The badge number is earned in accordance with how you place with academics and physical training in your academy class.

The ability to transfer from office to office throughout the state is also determined by seniority. For example, badge number 14000 would be senior to badge number 14001. As an officer, the number of your badge is a source of pride and seniority to your fellow officers. At times, the badge number can be bragging rights.

We often joke about our seniority and can’t wait until the next graduating academy class, because – you guessed it – more seniority! Additionally, the number assigned to an officer can never be used again and when an officer retires, dies, resigns from the department or is separated for any other reason, their badge number is also retired.

The next time you see a few CHP officers at a non-emergency event, ask them about their badge number. Then ask them who is senior to who. As they smile, joke and tease one another, you will quickly find out who is the senior officer!

This story was originally published September 6, 2015 at 10:06 AM with the headline "On Duty with the CHP: Officer feels honor of wearing the badge."