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MACON, MO. -- It was day one for Heartland students wanting to know more about law enforcement.

Saturday, Troop B of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) held their Student Alliance Program in Macon.

It's a 2-day program that provides junior and senior high school students an educational experience in law enforcement.

Sgt. Brent Bernhardt with the MSHP tells us they selected students who displayed good character to participate in the program.

"We've got about 30 students from over 20 high schools from throughout the Troop B region today, attending the first day of a two-day program," Bernhardt said. "The program is developed to try to interact with students to get them to maybe understand more about law enforcement and perhaps maybe choose a career in law enforcement, specifically the Missouri State Highway Patrol."

Students participated in a variety of activities intended to familiarize them with the highway patrol operations.

Saturday was about patrol history and the educational side of the program.

Next saturday, March 23rd students will be able to get hands-on experience with firearms, marine operations, crime scene investigation and traffic safety.