Castro Valley CHP 'Tweets' its Way to Prestigious Award

On June 4, 2014, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) awarded the 2014 Public Affairs and Community Education (PACE) Award to the Castro Valley Area of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The Castro Valley Area's submission "Virtual Ride Along, 2013" won the 2014 PACE Award for "Use of Social Media." 

AAMVA represents the state and provincial officials in the United States and Canada who administer and enforce motor vehicle laws. 

On Friday, April 5th, 2013, the CHP Castro Valley Area conducted a virtual ride along via Twitter. For an evening, the public was able to virtually sit in the front seat of a patrol vehicle and experience what CHP officers do daily.

The event was the first time a CHP commander had gone on patrol and provided a glimpse into the Department's day-to-day operations via Twitter. In addition to updates on emergency incidents and traffic stops, other educational information and Web sites were broadcast. 

Questions from the public were also answered online.

Castro Valley Area commander, Lieutenant Christopher Sherry, issued the following statement: 

“I am so proud of the Castro Valley Area for achieving this award. This award represents the pioneering spirit of the California Highway Patrol and the Castro Valley Area. We were excited to participate in an event like this that brings us closer to our community. As a recognized leader in law enforcement and emergency incident management, social media is another tool for the CHP to connect with and provide indispensable services to our public.” 

—Information submitted by CHP