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The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is looking to hire diverse applicants and deepen its relationship with the community, including those who are hesitant to talk with law enforcement.

Leaders with the agency are hosting 'Coffee with a Trooper' on Friday at The Coffee Mill, located at 6275 Shallowford Road in Lewisville, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Troopers will purchase a cup of coffee for people who stop by the event.

The agency is trying to recruit diverse applicants, but also deepen its relationship with people in the community, officials said.

"We’re looking for all citizens in North Carolina to be part of a change. We’re looking for qualified people," said Master Trooper J.D. Kitchens.

But they're not just looking for anyone.

Kitchens, who's been with the agency for eight years, told WXII 12 News that they're looking for qualified candidates who bring diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table. He said he understands society is rapidly changing, and he wants the agency to adapt with it.

"We’re looking for people who want change in other areas," he said. "We’re not just focused on one particular group. We’re open to everything. Diversity, minorities, females, people that are qualified."

The recruiting event comes during a time where many of the state's troopers are expected to retire this year, Kitchens shared. He said they're looking to fill those spots so the agency can continue to operate without any issues down the road.

"The surplus of this retirement, and unfortunately, we hit a bubble where we’re losing a lot of people," Kitchens said.

He added that several cities across the state are growing rapidly, and they need more troopers to support that growth.

Kitchens stressed to WXII 12 News that they're looking for people who can bring positive change.

"We need somebody to not only make a change in this organization, but make a change in the community," he said. "We want people to be honest, be loyal, have integrity. We want these people to shine. That’s what we strive for. That’s the people we’re looking for."

But the event on Friday goes beyond recruiting.

Kitchens said they want to deepen their relationship with the community, including those who may feel hesitant to talk with law enforcement.

"We’re also trying to touch base with the community. And that we want to make sure that we’re approachable. And we want to make sure that people can come to us, and ask us questions without any hesitation," Kitchens said.

To build trust and personal connections with others, Kitchens said it takes communication and a conversation. He said he hopes the Coffee with a Trooper event will create those dialogues.

"I think that’s where it starts. I think that’s the foundation of it. If we can start having conversations, communication, and understanding, we can really make a difference," he said.

Kitchens said new hires will attend a 27-week training program, which will begin in July, and in early 2023. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and cannot be older than 39, he said, and cannot have a Class B misdemeanor on their record.

To learn more about the North Carolina State Highway Patrol or to apply, please click here.

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