A Brief History Of The California State Police
Some trace the agency to [1854] when the state legislature authorized a law enforcement body called the [California State Rangers]. The Rangers mission was to capture the notorious gang leader Joaquin Murrieta. Joaquin Murrieta was captured, shot, killed and beheaded by Capt. Harry Love at the Arroyo Cantua. The California State Rangers were then disbanded.
On March 15, 1887, the California State Legislature authorized a law enforcement body with Captain Harry Love and one other ranger, as it's sole members to protect the State Capitol and grounds. They were paid $100.00 monthly and grew to a force of 12 officers. In 1911 the legislature approved more positions, uniforms, and defined the department giving it the official name of, "California State Capitol Police". Eventually as the department grew and it's duties expanded, the word "Capitol" was dropped from the agencies name. Once part of the
Department Of Finance, in 1968 the State Police were transfered to
become a separate division within the Department Of General
Services. The California State Police employed 351 sworn and 72
non-sworn personnel in over 20 field offices from Redding to San
Diego. In March, 1987, the State Police celebrated 100 years of
service, making it the oldest State Law Enforcement Agency in
California.
The California State Police provided a full range of police services to 400,000 state employees and millions of users of state property. This included providing protective services for the Governor and Constitutional officers, performing patrol duties, and investigations of crimes and accidents occurring on state property, maintaining order at public events, explosive ordance disposal, air surveillance and ground patrol of the State Water Project, bailiff services, crime prevention training, protection of public officials training to outside agencies and assisting outside agencies during emergencies and disasters.
ARROYO DE CANTUA - This was said to be the headquarters of notorious bandit Joaquin Murieta who made a career of terrorizing mining camps and stage operations. He was killed here July 25, 1853 by a posse of state rangers led by Captain Harry Love. Location: Site is three large rocks in foothills SW of Cantua Creek Bridge, plaques located on State Hwy 198, 9 mi N of Coalinga
In 1911 the legislature approved more positions, uniforms, and defined the department giving it the official name of, "California State Capitol Police"
California State Police 1939 World Fair
The California State Police provided security for the 1939 World Fair.
Black Panthers Storm California State Capitol
