APPOINTMENTS

A. The Oklahoma State Highway Patrol was created by act of the Oklahoma State
     Legislature in 1937. The total strength authorized was 125 members. In 1941,
     30 more members were added to the Patrol, making 155. The 1949 Legislature
     authorized an increase to 214 and further provided the strength be further raised
     to 281 in 1951. The present force of 300 was made possible by the 1953
     Legislature.

A. Only men who fully meet the qualifications will be considered applicants. An
     applicant must be past twenty five and under thirty-five years of age and not less
     than 5'10" in height without shoes and weigh not less than 165 pounds. He must
     be a high school graduate or its equivalent. He should be a proficient operator of
     a motor vehicle and possess a driver's license. A prospective member must also
     be a resident in the State two (2) years prior to appointment. He will be
     subjected to a rigorous physical examination and he must be of high moral
     character. The applicant must be able to pass standard mental tests, also tests
     of observation and memory. He must demonstrate sufficient ability to write
     clearly and comprehensively. Personality traits suitable for the job are
     considered. An oral interview by a Board consisting of the Commissioner and
     other Patrol officers is also held..

A. A high school diploma is sufficient for general educational needs of the
     applicants. College training does not, at the outset, carry any special recognition,
     but it is expected that persons possessing higher training will make use of their
     capacities in the Patrol. The point of stress is simply that a member must prove
     himself.

A. The initial contact of a prospective member of the Patrol should be with
     Oklahoma City Headquarters where his application will be accepted. On the
     basis of this application a field investigation will be conducted in which
     representative citizens of the applicant's community will be contacted. High
     consideration is given those who indicate, by attitude and ability, they seek
     permanent service with the Patrol.

C. Upon satisfactory determination of mental and physical fitness the applicant must
     complete a training course conducted by the Highway Patrol Institute. It is not
     possible to state how often these training courses will be held, for obviously the
     needs of the service will vary. they can be expected to be held at the discretion
     and judgment of the Commissioner.

D. Assignment will follow completion of training. the first year of duty is a
     probationary period during which time a member of the Patrol may be dismissed
     at the discretion of the Commissioner. Following the probationary period, a
     member cannot be removed without just cause being shown, and he is entitled to
     all rights and privileges of the Patrol.