An opportunity to get an inside look at the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be offered starting in September.

Highway Patrol Troop H will be holding a Community Alliance Program at the Troop H Headquarters in St. Joseph.

“A lot of people see the Highway Patrol and they think we’re just that vehicle they see out on the roadway that pulls you over for speeding and writes you a ticket,” Sgt. Jake Angle with Troop H said. “We’re a lot more than that, we’re a multi-faceted agency, we’re involved in a lot of things and we’re a full service agency to the citizens of the state of Missouri. We hold these programs for an opportunity for people to be able to see exactly what we do and show them really what the Highway Patrol is all about.”

Angle said the hands-on program will include the Patrol K9, the Marine Division, simulated traffic stops and more.

“It’s a fun time, it’s a really informative time, people get an opportunity to get questions answered,” Angle said.

The classes will meet from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays starting September 18th. The program will conclude with an awards banquet on Tuesday, October 16th. The Highway Patrol is accepting applications for the free Community Alliance Program through August 31st. Twenty participants will be selected based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Selection includes an evaluation of an application and a criminal record check.

The program is geared toward citizens ages 21 and older. The Highway Patrol offers a similar program for students every other year.

For more information, contact Highway Patrol Troop H at (816) 387-2345.