The Missouri Highway Patrol is hosting a program for community members who want to learn what it does and how it operates.
Troop F will conduct its Community Alliance Program beginning Oct. 3. The program will run from 6:30-9 p.m. every Thursday, with the last class on Nov. 7.
"It's really an introduction to the Highway Patrol and what we do," said Sgt. Paul Reinsch, public information and education officer of MSHP. "A lot of people have interest in law enforcement."
The nine troops have hosted the program every other year for eight years. It's free and open to ages 21 and over. Each troop is looking for 20 participants.
Reinsch said 85-100 community members have graduated from Troop F's program, which spans nine Mid-Missouri counties.
"That's not including the students who participate in the (student) program in each of the nine troops," he said.
Reinsch said attendees learn about MSHP operations such as the bomb squad, SWAT, night vision goggles and how a polygraph test works.
Carolyn McDowell, who graduated from the Community Alliance Program in 2003, said participants learn about every aspect of the patrol. McDowell is also vice president of events and fundraising for the patrol's Community Alliance Alumni Association.
"You also always meet a new friend and you keep that friend for a long time," she said.
Community members must fill out an application and pass a criminal record check before being accepted into the program.
If you would like more information about the program or if you'd like an application, contact Reinsch or Dee Kempker at 751-1000.
The application deadline is Sept. 20.