Members of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will travel to the country of Morocco under a partnership with the United States (U.S.) Department of State to support international law enforcement and anti-crime efforts.

The CHP’s Office of Community Outreach and Media Relations (COMR) will provide support to the Moroccan National Police (Direction Generale de la Surete Nationale or DGSN) as Morocco reviews its national police agency’s communication strategy. The CHP was chosen because of its experience, reputation, capability, and outreach activities which provide a unique contribution to the needs and objectives of the DGSN.

“It is truly an honor for the CHP to be selected for this assignment, and it reflects well on the hard work and dedication of our employees who communicate with the public and the communities we serve,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “We understand now more than ever the importance of transparency and earning the public’s trust. We look forward to meeting with the Moroccan police officials to learn about their priorities and programs and to provide them the assistance they desire.”

The project marks the second overseas deployment by the CHP after the Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of State in 2014. The State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs will reimburse the CHP for all expenses incurred during the deployments.

Participating in the first deployment of the DGSN’s communication program will be the commander of the CHP’s Office of COMR and a sergeant who oversees the CHP’s marketing and social media programs. Next, DGSN officials will visit California to observe and study CHP public information officers as they interact and communicate with the media, the public, and community groups. Representatives from the CHP are then scheduled to return to Morocco to mentor, guide, and support the implementation of the Moroccan communication strategies.