The North Dakota Highway Patrol received the first place award in the International Association of Chiefs of Police law enforcement challenge competition.

The patrol was the winner in the State Police/Highway Patrol category that is comprised of agencies with one to 250 sworn officers. Capt. Dave Kleppe was presented the award on behalf of Col. Mark Nelson at the 2008 IACP conference in San Diego.

Criteria involved in the selection of the winners included policy and guidelines, officer training, public information and education, enforcement and effectiveness.