Highway Patrol accepting trooper applications 

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is starting its application process for new troopers.� Within the next year, the patrol expects to have 10 open trooper positions.

"We're starting our hiring process already because the training for troopers is pretty long and comprehensive," said Scott Sheldon, South Dakota Highway Patrol Training Supervisor.

Successful applicants go through 21 weeks of training at the Highway Patrol Academy in Pierre.� After those 21 weeks are completed, recruits do an additional 10-12 weeks of field training before taking on their own duty stations across the state.

To become a trooper, applicants must be a US citizen, be at least 21 years old, and possess or be able to possess a South Dakota driver's license.

Interested people should fill out a recruitment application by visiting http:/ /hp.state.sd.us or by calling the South Dakota Highway Patrol Division Headquarters in Pierre at 773.3105. Applications will be accepted until June 26, 2006.