Highway Patrol Division
The Highway Patrol Division (HPD) is staffed by uniformed state troopers; they are highly recognizable by an all-tan uniform and Montana Peak (Smokey) hat. Learn more about the history of the Arizona Highway Patrol and how the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) began.
HPD is comprised of troopers assigned throughout the state who help fulfill the AZDPS mission of protecting human life and property by enforcing criminal and traffic law. Troopers patrol over 6,800 linear miles – which actually total 27,000 highway lane miles across 16 districts statewide and serve as the front line in deterring criminal activity along Arizona’s highways.
The division combines enforcement, training and public outreach to improve highway safety, while striving to reduce collisions and increase the efficiency of the highway transportation system. One of the responsibilities of HPD is to support the state of Arizona and its citizens by patrolling the Capitol districts both in Phoenix and Tucson.
HPD also staffs the Arizona Department of Transportation's (ADOT) Traffic Operations Center (TOC) and provides assistance to other local, county, state and federal agencies.
HPD accomplished the following in the year 2016:
- Investigated 36,121 collisions
- Conducted 498,696 traffic stops
- Arrested and charged 4,150 people for DUI
- Arrested and charged 9,525 people for other crimes
As of 2016, HPD is staffed by:
- 575 Troopers
- 97 Sergeants
- 18 Captains
- 5 Majors
- 1 Lt. Col. / Assistant Director
HPD analyzes data on a regular basis in order to deploy its troopers strategically throughout the state. It also participates in numerous traffic safety enforcement campaigns and special enforcement operations throughout the year in partnership with local and national law enforcement. View holiday enforcement figures.
HPD is composed of the following units: (Click on each unit to learn more)
- Analytical Unit
- Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE)
- DUI Enforcement
- Metro Highway Patrol Bureau
- Northern Highway Patrol Bureau
- Roadside Motorist Assistance (RMA)
- Southern Highway Patrol Bureau
- Special Enforcement Bureau
- Traffic Operations Center (TOC)
Learn more about becoming an Arizona State Trooper.