There are only seven female troopers that currently work for the South Dakota Highway Patrol. With job openings currently available, the patrol is holding seminars across the state to recruit more ladies to join law enforcement. Trooper Krista Nelson says that women serve a unique role in the patrol.

Nelson says that there are challenges for women, who are naturally smaller than most men. She says those challenges are no reason not to pursue law enforcement, if you’re motivated enough.

Nelson says the ladies currently with the patrol are hosting the seminars to talk about their experiences and to answer questions that any women have about the job. No one showed up at the first seminar held in Aberdeen. More information can be found at the South Dakota Highway Patrol website.