ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE MCGRATH
STATE OF MONTANA

FOR RELEASE: December 17, 2007

CONTACT: Lynn Solomon, 444-0582 or Judy Beck, 444-5774

Highway Patrol Active Recruiting Open Until Jan. 28

HELENA – The Montana Highway Patrol is recruiting officers for training that will begin next July.

"As always, our goal is that the MHP force reflects Montana," said Col. Paul Grimstad. "We encourage women and minorities to apply, and we're also encouraging people who may be looking to make a career change to consider the Patrol."

The Patrol accepts applications only during active recruitment. The law enforcement basic training course begins July 13, 2008 and the deadline for applications is January 28.

The MHP will also be one of the hosts for a law enforcement diversity job expo on January 25-26, 2008 in Great Falls at the Exhibition Hall at the Four Seasons Arena.

Patrol applicants must be at least 18 years old and have either a high school diploma or a GED. They must be U.S. citizens and must be Montana residents at the time they are sworn in as officers. Other requirements include a valid driver's license and three years of driving experience.

Grimstad said that in addition to basic traffic safety and enforcement, the MHP offers training and opportunities in crash investigation and reconstruction, firearms, police vehicle operations, special events support, executive protection, hazardous materials, safety education and other specialties.

For details about testing and other requirements, Grimstad said interested candidates can contact the Patrol's recruitment office toll-free at 1-877-8-PATROL (872-8765), contact Montana Job Service offices or click on www.doj.mt.gov/enforcement/highwaypatrol/

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