Officials with the South Dakota Highway Patrol are trying to recruit more women. Currently in the state there are five female troopers and two in training. Seminars are planned in June for women to learn about the agency. Trooper Deanna Johnson says the goal is to show that women can be successful in the Highway Patrol.
“I think women need to be more open about the possibility, and put ourselves out there,” Johnson says. “Applying for a job that’s intimidating is going to be risky, but you can’t be successful without taking those risks. You’ll never know how far you can get without trying something that seems like it’s unattainable or is going to be a steep climb.”
Johnson says the seminar is for any woman who has an interest in law enforcement. She says female troopers will discuss the application process, training, and challenges that come with the position.
Seminars are being held:
Thursday, June 9, Highway Patrol Office, Rapid City, 6 p.m. MDT
Tuesday, June 14, Southeast Technical Institute, Sioux Falls, 6 p.m. CDT
Thursday, June 16, Law Enforcement Training Center, Pierre, 6 p.m. CDT
Tuesday, June 21, Aberdeen Mall, Aberdeen, 6 p.m. CDT