Highway Patrol Remains Focused Through Pandemic

The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) has seen plenty of change in the last two years. This year they moved headquarters from Helena to Boulder - 30 miles from where they’ve resided for the past 25 years. One of their Troopers, Lt. Larry Irwin, was included in the move. Lt. Irwin has

been with the Highway Patrol for 30 years. He has held various assignments around the state including Trooper, Detachment Commander, Fleet and Supply Section Supervisor, Executive Protection Detail Commander and Headquarters Lieutenant. I was able to interview my dad, Lt. Larry Irwin, for information on the Highway Patrol’s application process, COVID-19 protocol and moving during the pandemic.

If you were to apply to the Highway Patrol, most likely you’ll meet or talk to Lt. Irwin in the process. Becoming a Trooper is an extensive process. There are job announcements twice a year, when an applicant sends in their application, cover letter, and resume. When the announcement closes, the applications are screened to determine those applicants who fit the job description. The qualified applicants are then asked to take a written test. Due to COVID-19, MHP has been administering the written test while being monitored using web technology. Those who pass the written test are asked to participate in a one-on-one interview with a background investigator to determine if they are qualified for Trooper selection, but also determine disqualified applicants not suitable for law enforcement service. The remaining applicants are ranked and undergo a thorough and intensive background investigation. The remaining applicants are reviewed and ranked. More testing including medical, psychological, and eye exams, fingerprinting and a panel interview. Applicants are reviewed and ranked and the selection committee makes recommendations to the Chief of the Highway Patrol to hire applicants.

To become a Highway Patrol Trooper takes time, dedication, and a good background. Due to this intense interviewing process, they’re able to offer the best applicants jobs to protect those people traveling our roads in Montana.

COVID-19 has affected us all, one way or another, and the Montana Highway Patrol was no exception. “We had difficulties initially getting enough personal protective equipment and sanitizing supplies, but we were successful getting them early and helping other agencies also get supplies transported to them.” MHP had Troopers wear face masks during interactions with civilians. They also carried extra masks, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer in their vehicles to meet the precautions needed at the time. “It [COVID-19] was an obstacle and a barrier, but we still had a mission to perform and we were going to do it regardless of what kind of barriers. We just had to find out how to deal with them - so we did.”

Nationwide, stores and agencies have been faced with staffing shortages. However the Highway Patrol hasn’t been impacted like other places have. “Recently, we’ve noticed some shortages in some areas of the state where it was difficult to keep people stationed. This wasn’t due to COVID as much as it was a rolling trend that you see change from time to time across the state. Our vacancies have increased a very slight amount. If I was going to attribute it to anything, it would be the ordinary retirements, but also Troopers with zero to seven years of service resigning and moving to other types of jobs or higher paying law enforcement positions.”

The Montana Legislature decided in March 2021, that the Highway Patrol would move their headquarters from Helena to Boulder, Montana. MHP has needed more office and training space for years. By moving to Boulder, they have that room for expansion. “One of our needs is that we didn't have enough training space to accommodate our people, particularly the Advanced Academy.” The Highway Patrol has an additional 11 weeks of training after basic training which is held at Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) in Helena. MLEA has limited room for housing and teaching facilities, as it is also training other law enforcement from around the state. “We were always fussing with the logistics of where to train them, where we could house them and where we could feed them. It was a constant difficulty that was limiting some of our ability to hire and train personnel. With the Boulder facility, we have all the facilities that we need as far as room, lodging, and the ability to feed people. We are still getting some of the aspects of getting the food services established. We are planning on having our advanced academy next, starting in December 2021, at the boulder facility.” The new grounds contain an office, classrooms and gymnasium, apartments, a church and the historic School for the Blind and Deaf building. The Highway Patrol is settling in and are excited to continue with their projects and expansion on the property.