The California State Police (CSP) was a state level security police agency founded on March 15, 1887 which primarily served to protect the State Capitol Building, the Governor, other state agencies located throughout the state, and thousands of state employees 24 hours a day. They provided security and police services to all state agencies that did not have their own police force. They patrolled the State Water Project (also known as the California Aqueduct) and were the state's de facto capitol police. They provided dignitary protection for the Governor and other state officials as directed, including the California Supreme Court in San Francisco. They provided investigative services to elected officials through their Threat Assessment Detail and criminal investigations of crimes committed against the state through the Bureau of Investigative Services. They also performed tax seizures for the California Franchise Tax Board and Board of Equalization. Detectives and line officers routinely conducted investigations with other state agencies and allied law enforcement departments. State Police officers held jurisdiction throughout the State, providing law enforcement on and off California properties. The California State Police merged with the California Highway Patrol in 1995. Etymology Unlike 48 other states, the title used by the California State Police was always "Police Officer" unlike the CHP who used "Traffic Officer" and never "trooper". The official shoulder patch was: a green shield w/ gold borders, the words (gold lettering) "CALIFORNIA STATE POLICE" on top, the State Capitol building's dome and the state flag prominently featured against a 7-point star badge. At the bottom of the patch was a ribbon panel that had gold lettering with the words "Dedicated to Service." History The agency traces to 1853 when the state legislature authorized a law enforcement body called the California State Rangers. The Rangers' mission was to capture the notorious gang leader Joaquin Murrieta. Joaquin Murrieta was captured, shot, killed and beheaded by Capt. Harry Love at the Arroyo Cantua. The California State Rangers were then disbanded years later. On March 15, 1887, the California State Legislature authorized a law enforcement body with Captain Harry Love and one other ranger, as its sole members to protect the State Capitol and grounds. They were paid $100.00 monthly and grew to a force of 12 officers. In 1911 the legislature approved more positions, uniforms, and defined the department giving it the official name of, "California State Capitol Police". Eventually as the department