Welcome

Welcome to the Kansas Highway Patrol’s new blog. We hope to provide you with valuable safety information and tips, as well as information about our agency and what we do to serve citizens throughout the state of Kansas.

Since 1937 when the Legislature officially organized the agency, the Patrol has been tasked with reducing crashes by enforcing traffic, vehicle, and license laws. Over the years, the Patrol has acquired new technologies and taken on new assignments, becoming more than just a traffic enforcement agency.

The Patrol now has an Aircraft Unit, Special Response Team, Hazardous Devices Unit, Fleet Sales Program, Police Service Dog Unit and Breath Alcohol Unit, along with many other specialized units. Not only do these specialty units aid Patrol personnel in their functions, they also help local agencies including police departments, sheriffs’ departments, emergency managers, and others.

Our aircraft conduct blood and organ relays for the American Red Cross and other health organizations. They can search for missing children or elderly people using Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR). Aircraft can monitor traffic at major events, such as the Nascar races in Kansas City. They can also provide aerial surveillance during manhunts or chases and provide damage assessments in the aftermath of natural disasters such as tornados or floods.

The Special Response Team (SRT) helps local departments with high-risk warrant service. They also assist with hostage and barricaded subject situations. They are specially trained and equipped to bring these dangerous situations to an end with an emphasis on safety to the public, the officers involved, and the suspect(s).

The Patrol’s canines are trained for either drug detection or bomb detection. The drug dogs are used on traffic stops and can assist other agencies. Bomb dogs perform searches for major events, such as the State of the State Address every January in Topeka, university sporting events, and in advance of dignitary visits. They also respond to bomb threats made against schools, airports, shopping malls, and other locations/facilities as requested. All Patrol canines are cross-trained in tracking capabilities and officer protection.

The Kansas Highway Patrol has 558 sworn officers statewide, which includes troopers, motor carrier inspectors, and capitol police, and there are currently 334 civilian workers serving as support staff.

The Patrol strives to provide Service, Courtesy, and Protection with each interaction we have. Welcome to our blog, and we hope you’ll follow our updates to find more safety information, and perhaps something new about the organization. Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.