SACRAMENTO, Calif. — This year marks a significant milestone for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as it celebrates 50 years since women first joined its ranks.
In 1974, the Women Traffic Officer Program (WTOP) was introduced as a trial to assess the fitness and capability of women to serve as CHP officers. Of the 40 women who participated in the program, 27 completed the training and were sworn in as CHP officers in January 1975.
Over the past five decades, women have contributed to every aspect of the CHP, from motorcycle units to investigative roles and leadership positions. In 2020, Amanda L. Ray made history as the first female commissioner of the CHP, leading an agency of more than 11,000 members.
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, members of the inaugural WTOP class reunited to reflect on their experiences and share their stories of service.
