Highway Patrol, American Legion Youth Trooper Academy Under Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 26, 2012

CONTACT: Terry Woster, Public Information Officer, 605.773.3178

 

Highway Patrol, American Legion Youth Trooper Academy Under Way

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Sixteen young South Dakotans are learning a bit about the job of a Highway Patrol trooper this week during a Youth Trooper Academy sponsored by the Highway Patrol and American Legion of South Dakota.

 

The academy opened Monday morning and runs through Friday afternoon at the South Dakota Law Enforcement Training Academy in Pierre. The one-week, residential learning experience is geared for young adults ages 16 and 17 who are entering their senior year of high school.

 

“The goal is to give these young people a good look at the demands and rewards of Highway Patrol recruit training and to build better relationships between the youth of South Dakota and the Highway Patrol,’’ said Maj. Dana Svendsen, assistant superintendent for administration with the Patrol. “We are pleased to collaborate with the American Legion to provide this opportunity.’’

 

Veteran Highway Patrol troopers serve as mentors and chaperones for the academy. Troopers and officers from other law-enforcement agencies throughout the state provide classroom and hands-on training in firearms safety, defensive driving, crash investigation, traffic stops, leadership and criminal law.

 

“It is a physically and mentally demanding week,’’ Svendsen said. “We believe the experience will serve these young people for years to come, and we hope it will give them a better understanding of what it’s like to be a trooper or other law enforcement officer.’’

 

Photos from various academy activities during the week may be viewed on the South Dakota Highway Patrol’s Facebook page.

 

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