Teens Take Part in Youth Trooper Academy

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A group of South Dakota teens recently learned what it takes to be a member of the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

The young adults ages 16 and 17 took part in a Youth Trooper Academy in Pierre last week.

Maj. Rick Miller, assistant superintendent with the Highway Patrol, says the academy exposes the teenagers to what it's like to be a trooper. Troopers and officers from other agencies provide hands-on training on firearms safety, defensive driving, crash investigation, traffic stops, leadership, police service dog handling and criminal law. Highway Patrol troopers acted as mentors and chaperones to the teenagers.

This was the second year for the academy, which was co-sponsored by the American Legion.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.