*********For Immediate Release*********
(Oklahoma City, OK.) -- June 6, 2013

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is participating in an aggressive recruitment effort in an attempt to raise the number of qualified applicants for the 62nd OHP Academy, which is tentatively scheduled to begin January 27, 2014. Currently there are approximately 344 applications for next year's patrol school, which is considerably less than in years past.

"We want to continue providing the citizens of Oklahoma with the very bestservice from every member of the Department of Public Safety. In order to provide quality service, we must recruit large numbers of qualified applicants to fill those positions", stated DPS Commissioner Michael C. Thompson.

To be considered for employment as a state trooper, applicants must be aU.S. citizen, at least 23 years of age, but no older than 45 at the startof the academy. They must have a clean background and possess an associate degree or have a minimum of 62 completed hours from an accredited college or university before the academy starts.

"Patrol academies are necessary to providing quality policing directed at achieving safer roadways and reducing crime. It is imperative we recruit quality applicants to keep up with the changing demands of our state and continue providing excellent service to the public". -Colonel Kerry Pettingill, Chief of Patrol.

The application process will continue throughout the month of June and close June 30th. Anyone interested in becoming an Oklahoma State Trooper may go to our website at www.ohptroopers.com or call the DPS Human Resources Division at 405-425-2424.

OHP Public Affairs Division