PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Highway Patrol says there's still time to apply to be a state trooper.

The Department of Public Safety announced Thursday the deadline to apply is Aug. 14.

The Highway Patrol says positions are expected to open in the next year. The application process begins early because training takes several months.

Requirements necessary to become a trooper include having U.S. citizenship, being 21-years-old and being eligible to have a state driver's license, in addition to physical requirements.

Applicants must also pass a written test, but certified South Dakota law enforcement officers don't need to take it.

Col. Craig Price is the superintendent of the Highway Patrol. Price says there's rigorous training involved in becoming a trooper.

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