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In addition to its enforcement responsibilities, the Department has taken a leadership role in educating the public concerning driver safety issues. The 1995 merger with the California State Police also increased the areas of responsibility to include protection of state property and employees, the Governor and other dignitaries.
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Today's responsibilities include truck and bus inspections, air operations (both airplanes and helicopters) and vehicle theft investigation and prevention. The span of enforcement responsibility has expanded dramatically and the CHP has continued to grow and change. In October 1947, the Department of the California Highway Patrol was established and the position of commissioner was created to After World War II, the legislature decided to consolidate and reorganize the Patrol's enforcement and administrative responsibilities. During its first ten years, the Patrol successfully grew into a highly respected, effective traffic safety force of 730 uniformed personnel.
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The CHP also provides disaster and lifesaving assistance. The primary mission of the California Highway Patrol is "the management and regulation of traffic to achieve safe, lawful, and efficient use of the highway transportation system." As a major statewide law enforcement agency, the secondary mission of the Department is to assist in emergencies exceeding local capabilities. The new law gave Statewide authority to the Highway Patrol to enforce traffic laws on county and State highways - a responsibility which remains in effect today. On August 14, 1929, the California Highway Patrol was created.