CHP shoulder patch

The California Highway Patrol shoulder patch was adopted in 1948 when the Patrol became a Department. A long-standing tradition claims that an active-duty traffic officer designed the patch.

"Blue and gold are the official state colors. Centered in the blue field is the CHP's seven-point badge, each point representing the trait of a professional traffic law enforcement officer. The points at the top symbolize character and integrity. Those at the sides stand for knowledge and judgment. Upholding these are honor and loyalty, and sustaining all is the final tenet - courtesy.

"Superimposed on the badge is the Official Great Seal of California. Keeping watch over the tableau is the armed figure of Minerva, Roman goddess of arts and sciences, wise in peace and war. According to mythology, Minerva was born full grown, springing from the brain of Jupiter, father of the gods. California, one of the few states to be granted statehood without the usual probationary period as a territory, was similarly born "full grown".

"The California grizzly bear (now extinct) stands at Minerva's feet, symbol of strength and independence. The grape leaves represent agricultural production; the miner, industry; the San Francisco Bay, commerce. The Sierra Nevada, together with the desert cactus, depict geographical diversity. The official state motto, Eureka ("I Have Found It"), overshadows the entire scene.

From the official California Highway Patrol website (http://www.chp.ca.gov/depts_divs_offs/index.html):