Lincoln High School students get a taste of life with the Missouri Highway Patrol

Tina Craig donned a heavy black utility belt and situated herself in the driver’s seat of the Missouri State Highway Patrol car Tuesday morning. The 17-year-old Lincoln High School junior slowly approached the car in front of her, requesting the driver’s license and insurance.

Craig was one of 14 students in Lincoln who took part in the four-week Missouri State Highway Patrol Student Alliance Program. The interactive program covered a variety of topics including field sobriety testing, alcohol and drug impaired driving and stop and approach. The students also learned about the numerous career opportunities the Missouri Highway Patrol has to offer.

Brian Daniel, Boone County zone sergeant, said the most important aspects of the familiarization program are to promote community relations, emphasize responsible decision making and urge the students to be good citizens. 

Laura Cooke, Lincoln High School counselor, said the program was voluntary and open to juniors and seniors. 

“This is a career exploration program,” Cooke said. “It is a great program and we hope to offer it again in the spring.”

Craig said she volunteered for the program because she was interested in the investigative side of the career. 

“I want to join the Navy and study forensics,” she said.

Danielle Johnson, 16, said she joined “because it was something to do.” But, after a week in the program her interest in the program grew.

During the first session, the students were introduced to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and were given a brief history of the agency. Life choices and using good judgment were also discussed. The second week gave students the opportunity to investigate crime scenes. The students discussed the motivators of criminal activity and how the influence of gangs and drugs have a major impact on the severity of crimes committed. The course was taught by

Sgt. Scott Nace with the Division of Drug and Crime Control.

A drug dog was brought in during the third week of instruction. Cooke said a student hid and was tracked by the dog. The students also witnessed the dog’s attack capabilities when a trooper led the dog through bite work. 

On Tuesday, which was the final day of the course, the students conducted car stops. During the exercise, the students encountered a classmate who was role-playing different scenarios. Some classmates acted belligerent while others acted intoxicated. Daniel said the exercise gave the students an idea of what law enforcement officers are exposed to every day. 

“The program is really cool,” Craig said. “We are having a blast.”

A simulated traffic accident investigation was also held in the parking lot of the school.

Senior Clayton Bradshaw said the classes have been educational. Bradshaw, 17, plans to attend a four-year college to obtain an automotive degree.

“I might possibly go into law enforcement,” Bradshaw said. “I’ve enjoyed the program and learned a lot.”