BISMARCK -- More North Dakota Highway Patrol troopers are coming to the Oil Patch.
Gov. Jack Dalrymple announced in a news release that 15 candidates graduated from the Law Enforcement Training Academy on Friday, 13 of whom are heading to oil- and gas-producing counties.
“Putting more troopers in the field is part of our ongoing commitment to the continued safety of our growing communities and roadways,” Dalrymple said in the release. “These troopers will enhance our visibility and will also provide additional support for local law enforcement agencies.”
The state Legislature appropriated $3.8 million to place additional troopers on roads, primarily in western North Dakota, according to the release. Six troopers will be stationed in Williston and two will go to Dickinson. The remaining seven will go to Watford City, New Town, Killdeer, Parshall, Minot, Rugby and Velva.
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The Highway Patrol has 168 sworn officers; 65 are in the state’s 17 oil- and gas-producing counties, according to the release.
