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Antelope Valley CHP: full staffing ahead, stepped up enforcement on mini‑bikes after crash
Summary
The Antelope Valley CHP commander said the unit reached full authorized staffing and described enhanced enforcement and community outreach on mini‑bikes and off‑highway vehicles following a CHP vehicle rollover.
James Richards, commander of the Antelope Valley California Highway Patrol, told the Lancaster Criminal Justice Commission he has been in post about 90 days and that CHP Antelope Valley is at full staff on paper, with a wave of trainees in the academy.
Richards said seven new trainees arrived the previous Monday and four more are mid‑training, for 11 officers in training overall; he said the unit expects to see the full operational benefit in the fourth quarter when trainees complete their field months. "While we're training, it takes another officer to shadow that person, for about 90 days," Richards said.
Richards also detailed a recent collision on State Route 14 near Soledad in which a CHP vehicle rolled several times. He said the agency determined their officer caused the crash and that the officer is recovering after hospital release. Richards said the rollover has prompted additional emphasis on driver awareness and defensive driving before returning officers to patrol vehicles.
On off‑highway vehicles and pocket/mini‑bike activity, Richards described coordinated patrols with the Lancaster Police Department and said a pursuit led deputies to a residence where officers found mini‑bikes being manufactured and repaired. Lancaster Police later told the commission that the location appeared to be selling and servicing the bikes. Richards said CHP and local partners have taken vehicles off the street; police later reported seizing six mini‑bikes and a go‑kart during an operation.
Richards said CHP has increased focus on unbelted motorists after noticing an uptick in unbelted fatalities; he reported an 18% increase in seat‑belt citations since the targeted emphasis began. He said enforcement will be combined with education and that CHP will continue outreach to build legal, controlled opportunities for enthusiasts, working with the Fairgrounds and local groups to develop sanctioned meetups and an eighth‑mile venue for safe events.
Ending
Richards asked the commission to consider supporting a future staffing request to increase authorized guide strength for the Antelope Valley CHP to reflect population and traffic growth; he and a lieutenant said they are preparing a proposal and would welcome local support.
