• 1935
• 1936
• 1937
• 1941
• 1947
• 1951
• 1955
• 1957
• 1959
• 1961
• 1963
• 1964
• 1965
• 1966
• 1967
• 1969
• 1970
• 1971
• 1973
• 1975
• 1982
• 1983
• 1985
• 1986
• 1987
• 1989
• 1991
• 1992
• 1994
• 1995
• 1996
• 1997
• 1999
• 2000
• 2001
• 2002
• 2003
• 2004
• 2005
• 2007
• 2008
• 2010

1935 - Organization of Highway Patrol

The North Dakota Highway Patrol was created by the 1935 Legislative Assembly when that body gave the state highway commissioner, with the consent of the governor, authority to appoint a state highway patrol superintendent and an assistant highway patrol superintendent.

1936 - First Patrol - Five Patrolmen

The state highway patrol superintendent was then authorized and empowered to appoint not more than 10 persons to constitute such state highway patrol and to be known as "Highway Police." However, at this time, there were only five men appointed. It was their duty to enforce the provisions of the laws of the state of North Dakota relating to the protection and use of the public highways in the state, and the operation of motor and other vehicles upon said highways. These highway patrolmen were vested with all the powers and the performance of duties held and performed by peace officers in the state of North Dakota, and the jurisdiction of such officers extended throughout the state.

1936 - Increase to Eight Patrolmen

During the year 1936, three additional men were added to the regular staff, bringing the staff total to eight.

1937 - Increase to 12 Patrolmen

In 1937 the staff was increased to twelve patrolmen, including the superintendent, which filled the quota allowed by the 1935 Legislative Assembly.

1941 - Additional Increase Authorized to 20 Patrolmen

The 1941 Legislative Assembly authorized the Patrol to be increased to twenty men, including the superintendent and assistant superintendent.

1947 - Increase to 42 Patrolmen

The authorized strength of the Patrol was increased to 42 uniformed officers.

1947 - Driver's Examinations

This year, the law was passed making it necessary for all new drivers to take a driver's examination and the responsibility to conduct these examinations fell on the shoulders of the Highway Patrol. Examinations were scheduled and were given throughout the state at strategic places once or twice a month. These examinations included a test of the applicant's eyesight; his ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic; his knowledge of the traffic laws of this state; and an actual demonstration of the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle.

1951 - Highway Patrol Directly Responsible to the Governor

The 1951 Legislature gave the power of appointment of the superintendent and assistant superintendent directly to the governor. It was also mandated each patrolman be bonded by the state and each carry a badge of authority "with the seal of the state in the center thereof;" the words "North Dakota Highway Patrol" emblazoned around the border.

1955 - Increase to 51 Patrolmen

The 1955 Legislature authorized an additional increase in the Patrol, and after comprehensive written and oral examinations were given to approximately 150 applicants, nine new men were selected as patrolmen and reported for duty July 1, 1955.

1955 - State Divided into Districts and Sergeants Appointed

The 1955 Legislative Assembly gave the superintendent of the Highway Patrol power to set up districts as he deemed necessary and to designate ranks lower than assistant superintendent. Subsequently, the state was divided into eight districts and a sergeant appointed to supervise the work of the men in each district. This has proved invaluable in coordinating work of the men in the field and the state officers.

1957 - Increase to 68 Patrolmen

The 1957 Legislature granted an increase to 17 men to the Patrol, thereby making the total strength 68. Five of these officers were provided when the department was given the additional responsibility of enforcing Public Service Commission regulations.

1959 - Increase to 78 Patrolmen

The 1959 Legislature authorized an additional 10 patrolmen resulting in a departmental total of 78 sworn uniformed officers.

1961 - Property Officer Appointed to Staff

In addition to the superintendent and assistant superintendent, the position of property officer was added to the department staff. (Annual Photo)

1963 - Increase to 80 Patrolmen

Two men were added to the department with the creation of the Public Safety Division. The staff position of safety director was created, and this brought the number of sworn personnel in the department to 80.

District commanders were elevated to the rank of captain, and sergeants were created to serve as their assistants.

1964 - Driver License Examiner and Training Officer Appointed

The positions of driver license examiner and training officer were created and added to the department staff.

The superintendent and assistant superintendent were given the rank of colonel and major, respectively.

1965 - Operations Officer Added to Staff

The authority of the Highway Patrol was expanded to include the enforcement of criminal laws at all state institutions.

Female employees were authorized to serve in each of the eight district offices as clerks.

The position of operations officer was added to the department staff, and the positions of driver licensing examiner and property officer were abolished.

1966 - Operations and Training Officer Added to the Department

The position of operations and training officer was added to the department staff, and the existing operations officer and training officers were made his assistants.

1967 - Department Expanded to Enforce all Criminal Laws

Department authority was expanded to include the enforcement of all criminal laws on highway right-of-ways.

1969 - Commercial Driver Training Schools Become Responsibility of the Patrol

The Patrol was given the responsibility of regulating all commercial driver training schools in the state.

1970 - District Boundaries Reorganized

The department reorganized district boundaries to conform with the governor's regionalization requirements.

The assistant superintendent and the operations and training officers were elevated to the ranks of lieutenant colonel and major, respectively.

1971 - Department Made Responsible for Operation of Law Enforcement Training Center

Responsibilities were expanded to include the operation of the Law Enforcement Training Center. Seventeen training programs were offered at the new facility during the first year of operation.

1973 - Increase to 82 Patrolmen

The Legislature authorized a total of 82 Highway Patrol officers. The hiring of the additional officers was predicated on enforcement of Public Service Commission rules and regulations.

1975 - Increase to 95 Patrolmen

After completing a special slective taffic eforcement pogram which consisted of 13 patrol officers which was funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Legislature authorized the Patrol to increase its strength.

1978 - Increase to 102 Patrolmen

The Patrol was authorized to hire an additional seven officers to enforce the 55 miles-per-hour speed limit. National Traffic Highway Safety Administration funded this program for three years.

1982 - Civilian Driver License Examiners Hired

Effective May 1, 1982, the North Dakota Highway Patrol relinquished primary responsibility for the administration of driver license examining. Renewal, written, and road test was changed to an instant issue under the supervision of the Highway Patrol. Although the chief driver license examiner was a uniformed staff officer, the field examiners were civilian personnel.

1983 - Highway Patrol and Truck Regulatory Merger

Effective July 1, 1983, truck regulatory employees were reclassified as Highway Patrol personnel. Uniformed officers would have the powers of a peace officer after mandated training and being sworn. This brought the Highway Patrol's total authorized strength to 125 sworn officers. The Patrol adopted the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP). The safety regulations relate to commercial motor carriers.

1985 - Highway Patrol Celebrates Golden Anniversary

Several functions were conducted in 1985 in celebration of the department's golden anniversary. Patrol cars were equipped with distinctive license plates; billboards were posted around the state with a safety message in conjunction with identifying the fiftieth year; open house was held at the district offices; and a departmental banquet was held in Bismarck on September 14, with current members and many former members of the Patrol in attendance.

1986 - Annual Report Reinstated

Reports are generated annually to record our department's activities. View the 1986 Annual Report.

1987 - Driver's Examination Responsibility Removed from the Patrol

Although the Patrol hadn't formally been giving driver's license written or road tests since 1982, legislation was enacted removing this responsibility from the Patrol and placing it under the power and jurisdiction of the highway commissioner.

1989 - Highway Patrol Receives National Accreditation Status

The North Dakota Highway Patrol was successful in attaining national accreditation status from the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies on July 29, 1989. The North Dakota Highway Patrol became the first law enforcement agency in the state of North Dakota to become accredited, and also the eighth state agency and the 109th national agency to receive this status.

1991 - Planning and Research Officer Added to Staff

The position of planning and research officer was added to the department staff.

1992 - Highway Patrol Adds Canine Unit to Force

The Highway Patrol added its first canine unit to the force. The 1 ½-year-old German shepherd, Shadow, and his handler work out of Linton, ND. Shadow is trained to protect his handler, apprehend people, search buildings and areas, look for evidence, and track. Shadow's assistance is available to other law enforcement agencies and the general public for humanitarian reasons.                      (Annual Meeting Photo)

1992 -Two Capitol Security Officers Added

The Highway Patrol added two Capitol security officers to assist with enforcement on the capitol grounds and to provide security for the Supreme Court and the legislative session.

1994 - Highway Patrol Restructures Organization

Effective January 1, 1994, the North Dakota Highway Patrol reorganized. The department went from an organizational structure consisting of eight districts to five districts. Each district is overseen by a district commander.

1995 - Increase to 127 Patrolmen

With the North Dakota Highway Patrol participating in the federal COPS Ahead Program, we were authorized to increase our sworn officer strength by three, giving us total authorization of 127 sworn officers.

1995 - Low Traffic Fatality Rate

The North Dakota Highway Patrol initiated a special project, "North Dakota 88 Shutdown," in an attempt to keep traffic fatalities below the 88 recorded in 1994. This project involved all law enforcement agencies in the state. Success was met with North Dakota recording 74 traffic fatalities, the fourth lowest death toll for our state.

1996 - Increase to Three Canine Units

Two canine units were added to the force. Both canines are German shepherds. Thor and his handler work out of Minot. Chase and his handler work out of Hillsboro. The Patrol's three canine units play an important role in the Highway Criminal Interdiction Program.

1997 - Increase to 132 Sworn Officers

The Patrol was authorized to increase the sworn officer strength by five. This brought the total authorization of sworn officers to 132.

1999 - Mobile Data Communications System

What had been a detailed, four-year planning process involving leadership from the governor's office, approval of the legislative assembly, and citizen support became a reality. Sixty-five patrol vehicles were equipped with a high-tech mobile data communications system. The system utilizes a laptop in a wireless environment with the aid of ten tower sites located statewide. The efficiency of this system is recognized through enhanced officer safety, improved communications, reduced data entry/improved data handling efficiency, and reduced dispatcher workload.

2000 - Highway Patrol Restructures Organization

Effective March 1, 2000, the North Dakota Highway Patrol returned to an organizational structure consisting of eight districts. Each district is headed by a district commander.

2000 - Sobriety Checkpoints

In May, the agency held its first sobriety checkpoint. The checkpoints were initiated in an effort to reduct impaired driving and make highways safer.

2001 - Mobile Data Communications System

The Patrol moved into Phase II of the mobile data computer project. This phase included the installation of an additional 20 systems, giving us a total of 95 vehicles equipped with this technology. Five additional tower sites were also included in this phase of the project.

2002 - E-Permits

The Patrol continued to increase its use of electronic technology with the implementation of the E-Permits Application Phase I project. Several types of commercial vehicle permits for the motor carrier industry (fuel, trip, longer vehicle combination, 10% weight exemption for harvest and wintertime, resident custom combine) became available to anyone with internet access.

2003 - Increase to 135 Sworn Officers

The Patrol was authorized to increase the sworn officer strength by three. This brought the total authorization of sworn officers to 135.

2003 - Increase to Six Canine Units

The NDHP added four canines to the department in May of this year: two male black labs named Tyson (Devils Lake) and Smoke (Bismarck), one male chocolate lab named JJ (Fargo), and one female yellow lab named Bailey (Williston). All of our canines are dual purpose meaning they are trained for narcotics detection, article searching and tracking. Three of the department's prior canines are no longer with the department: Shadow was retired for medical reasons and was replaced with Ricco (Linton), a male Belgium Malinois. Ricco is also certified for aggression and is the only aggression canine in our department. Thor was also retired this year due to medical reasons and was replaced by a female yellow lab named Sierra (Minot). Chase and his handler are no longer with the department.

2003 - Weigh in Motion (WIM)

Weigh-in-motion technology is literally a process of screening out legal weight trucks subjecting only potentially overweight trucks to further weighing on portable or fixed scales. Data on vehicle weights is instantaneously made available to troopers through mobile data computers located in their patrol vehicle. This technology was used at four sites on some of North Dakota's major highways. The use of WIM is a joint venture between the NDHP and the NDDOT.

2003 - AMBER Alert Plan

On August 30, 2002, Governor John Hoeven issued Executive Order 2002-06 directing the superintendent of the NDHP, in cooperation with the Division of Emergency Management and other state agencies, local law enforcement and broadcasters, to develop policies and procedures for child abduction incidents. Full implementation of the plan began in February 2003.

2004 - First Female Promoted to Captain

The North Dakota Highway Patrol promoted its first female to rank of captain on April 8, 2004. With the promotion, Captain Lori Malafa was assigned as the training director at the Law Enforcement Training Academy in Bismarck. Captain Malafa was also the first female to be promoted to sergeant.

2004 - Increase to Nine Canine Units

In April, the NDHP canine program was expanded to include three additional canines and handlers bringing our total to nine teams.

2005 - Operation Border Shield

Operation Border Shield was developed to assist the US Custom Border Protection and US Border Patrol in the security of the northern border. The program targets the ports of entry and is aimed at the detection and apprehension of criminals and contraband through the use of NDHP canine teams. Troopers and canines assisted the immigrations and customs enforcement personnel in searching vehicles and persons during peak travel times identified by Custom Border Protection officials.

2005 - NDHP Responsible for all Security at the State Capitol

In 2005 all security duties for the capitol were placed under the direction of the Highway Patrol. A director of security was appointed with four full-time and four part-time employees assigned to the capitol security function. A new duress alarm system was installed in the Capitol and surrounding state office buildings as well as additional video cameras. In July, capitol security equipped a Smith and Wesson tactical mountain bike with lights and a siren for special events and general security patrolling during the summer months.

2007 - Increase to 140 Sworn Officers

The Patrol was authorized to increase the sworn officer strength by two. This brought the total authorization of sworn officers to 140. (In 2004 and 2006, three authorized non-sworn positions were transferred to sworn positions.)

2007 - NDHP Restructures Organization

The North Dakota Highway Patrol again made an organizational structure change. The department went from eight districts to four regions with all eight of the former district offices remaining in place. Each region is headed by an administrative commander and also includes an operations commander. The reorganization also created a new Motor Carrier Operations component which includes personnel involved with commercial motor vehicles.

2008 - NDHP Airplane Upgrade

The Highway Patrol purchased a 2007 Cessna T 206 airplane equipped with G1000 Garmin avionics and forward-looking infrared technology (FLIR). The airplane will be used to assist with search and rescue operations; conduct aerial searches after natural and man-made disasters; assist ground officers during pursuit operations; assist various state, local, and federal agencies; transport department personnel; and other law enforcement functions.

2010 - 75th Anniversary

 The Highway Patrol celebrated 75 years of service since the agency was created by the 1935 Legislative Assembly.