Commanding Respect at CHP Boot Camp

What’s life like for a California Highway Patrol Academy cadet? Five a.m.—roll out of bed and hustle to the gym for a serious workout, then a two- to five-mile run. No profanity. Follow the dress code. Listen up in your classes on accident investigation, cultural diversity, ethics, professionalism, and Spanish.

In August 2000, Cathy Sulinski (B.A., Physical Education, ’81) became the CHP’s first female commanding officer of the academy. As a cadet, she never anticipated that she would one day return as commander.

Discipline is crucial for cadets, along with learning respect, says Sulinski. “Respect is our overall theme,” she notes. “Everybody is treated with respect regardless of who they are, their lifestyle, gender, or color. There’s no margin for error in how you treat people—that’s my philosophy.”

Sulinski considers being a role model for women an essential part of her job because she believes women add invaluable skills to the force. “Women are naturals at dealing with people, and they are good negotiators,” says Sulinski.

But what about the use of physical force—can female officers perform on a par with male officers? “It’s not about brute strength,” Sulinski says of the training that prepares cadets for dealing with potentially violent situations. “We teach a lot of skills to cadets, including how to handle both passive and aggressive individuals, and how to protect themselves and the public.

“Ninety percent of our contacts are positive—we’re just dealing with people, people who have made mistakes. We can control things with words, by treating people with respect. There’s only a minute percentage of the population where you do have to resort to physical force.”

Sulinski considers lifetime fitness an ultimate goal for every cadet, as well as a personal goal. At Chico State, she played basketball and participated in track, and she was voted into the Chico State Hall of Fame for basketball in 1995. She threw the javelin at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, placing 10th. She likes to mountain bike, run, lift weights, and scuba dive. It was at Chico State, participating in competitive athletics, that Sulinski says she honed her leadership and teamwork skills.

The normal tour of duty for a commanding officer is two years. Where will Sulinski go from here? “I really do believe that you can achieve anything you set your mind to,” she says. She’s already looking for the next challenge.

Lisa Kirk, Public Affairs and Publications