California

United States

Updated - July 22, 2025

Picture By: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

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)		 Primary Jurisdiction Authority to enforce state vehicle codes?
California Highway Patrol Highways Yes
California Natural Resources Agency - California Department of Fish and Wildlife California's natural resources Yes
California Natural Resources Agency - California State Park Peace Officers State parks Yes
California Department of Justice - DOJ Agents State investigations No
California Alcohol Beverage Control - ABC Agents Alcohol related crimes Under certain conditions
California Department of Corrections Correctional facilities No
California Department of Motor Vehicles - Investigators California DMV related crimes Yes
California Exposition & State Fair Police California Exposition & State Fair Yes
Exposition Park - Department of Public Safety Exposition Park Yes
Department of Developmental Services - Office of Protective Services State parks Yes
Department of State Hospitals - Office of Protective Services State investigations No
California Department of Insurance - Fraud Division Alcohol related crimes Under certain conditions
Franchise Tax Board - Criminal Investigation Bureau Correctional facilities No
California Department of Motor Vehicles - Investigators California DMV related crimes Yes