California
United States
Updated - July 22, 2025
Picture By: California Highway Patrol
The primary agency is the California Highway Patrol (CHP), which oversees traffic enforcement on highways and provides assistance in emergencies. Other significant agencies include the California Department of Justice, which handles criminal investigations and prosecutions, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, responsible for enforcing laws related to wildlife conservation.
*Only agencies with police powers are listed.
-Clicking the agency's name takes you to their homepage-
State Agencies
| Agency (Click Me) |
Governing Body | Primary Responsibilities | Authority to write traffic tickets? |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Highway Patrol | California | Highway law enforcement, protects state officials | Yes |
| Wildlife Officers | California Department of Fish and Wildlife | California's natural resources | Yes |
| State Park Peace Officers | California State Parks | Security for state parks | Yes |
| California Department of Justice Special Agents | California Department of Justice | State investigations | No |
| ABC Agents | California Alcohol Beverage Control | Investigate alcohol related crimes | No |
| Correctional Officers | California Department of Corrections | Security for correctional facilities | No |
| California DMV Investigations Division | California Department of Motor Vehicles | Enforces laws, rules, and regulations relating to DMV violations and fraud | Yes |
| California Exposition & State Fair Police | California Exposition & State Fair | Security for the California Exposition & State Fair | Yes |
| Exposition Park Department of Public Safety | California | Security for the Exposition Park | Yes |
| Office of Protective Services | Department of Developmental Services | Security for Developmental Services properties | Yes |
| Office of Protective Services | Department of State Hospitals | Security for State Hospitals | Yes |
| Fraud Division | California Department of Insurance | Investigate insurance fraud | No |
| Criminal Investigation Bureau | Franchise Tax Board | Investigate tax fraud and evasion | No |