Added March 30, 2026

Highway Interdiction & Rural Patrol

Dickinson, ND · Apr 1–2, 2026 · 15 hours · FREE

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Instructor

Barry Kilpela

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Description

This course is specifically designed for the uniformed patrol officer looking to advance their skillset in criminal/drug interdiction patrol tactics. Traffic stops are one of the most common and potentially dangerous interactions you will have while working the road, with all types of criminals traveling our jurisdictions daily. Make no mistake, these criminals become most vulnerable while in transit. This course takes students from that foundational principle and guides through each step of a successful, prosecutable interdiction traffic stop. Starting with initial observation and target selection of vehicle in motion, through report writing and courtroom testimony, students will be shown real life examples to refine their roadside communication skills, detect concealed criminal activity, and increase proactive
arrests.

This course is instructed and developed by Montana Highway Patrol Trooper and K9 Handler Barry Kilpela. Barry was a founding member of the state’s first criminal interdiction team and currently patrols the Interstate 94 corridor in rural Montana. During self-initiated cold traffic stops, Barry has been responsible for hundreds of major arrests ranging from drug smuggling to bank fraud to murder and has interdicted some of the largest cash and dangerous drug seizures in eastern Montana history. Keeping no secrets, Barry has formulated his teaching with the rural patrol officer in mind and instructs from his own real-life experience on the road and in the courtroom. Kilpela holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, an Advanced Peace Officer license, is a P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement instructor, and also serves as an adjunct collegiate instructor. Over the course of his career, Barry has received numerous awards, commendations, and recognitions for his work in criminal interdiction and is a previous recipient of the Montana Narcotic Officer Association’s “Narcotics Officer of The Year” Award.

Reviews for this course

4.9/5.0 (86 reviews)
5★
78
4★
8
3★
0
2★
0
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Coy T.
ND

This is the first interdiction class I have attended. I think this is a topic that needs to be covered more in the beginning and throughout law enforcement officers careers. The class was very well structured and put together. The videos and explanations from Barry himself were very beneficial.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Joachim K.
ND

Barry was very informative and shared his vast amount of knowledge.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Ryan W.
ND

Information that was provided in class was clear and understandable

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Travis T.
ND

Good could use better timed breaks

★★★★☆ 4/5 · Instructor: ★★★★☆ 4/5
Caden C.
ND

The class was very educational in helping recognize the different types of behaviors and tactics the criminal element try to use to be deceitful. The instructor was knowledgeable in the topic and was able to teach the topic well.

★★★★☆ 4/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Kaare H.
ND

The class was full of information,informational videos that help break down and get a better understanding of interdiction. Barry was a great instructor that broke down and made the information easy to absorb. Would highly recommend the course.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Bryce P.
ND

It was good, Trooper Barry broke it down to a small rural setting and what to expect for these smaller jurisdictions. Good refresher on deception tactics and how to counter that behavior.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Sidney A.
ND

This was a very informative class I liked that the instructor started with the dash cam footage from just before 911 and ended with the human trafficking story. It really showed the impact interdiction can have.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Alexander W.
ND

Very good information on how to work interdiction. Better then other interdiction classes I’ve been too and more geared to the area that I actually work!

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Cole W.
ND

The class was very informative and the instructor provided great examples of real life experience and tips. The instructor was personable and showed how respect while in the field will get you a long way. I learned a lot from this training and am excited to add a few things to my tool belt.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Brant W.
ND

This is an excellent class would recommended to everyone.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Gerald H.
ND

The instructor is a wizard. Has a way with words! Definitely very motivated to take what he has taught and apply it out in the real world.

★★★★☆ 4/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Casey B.
ND

This is a good class for a rural officer or deputy to find work

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Luke O.
ND

Great course. Gained some insight in how I can better perform on traffic stops and the ways to follow through with an investigation.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Jesse C.
ND

Barry pointing out the basic deceptive behaviors that are observed during traffic stops and how to articulate them is some of the best information an interdiction cop could have.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Bradin W.
ND

Excellent class, teaches the true aspects of interdiction.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
William E.
SD

Good

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Matthew E.
ND

Very informative class, showed me things that I can hone in more on and other things I can look out for that I was not watching for in the past.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Benjamin V.
ND

The instructor made it very easy to understand the material. Having multiple example videos was awesome.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Christopher S.
ND

I thought that the instructor was well based in knowledge and presented it in a way that was understandable. Also, he cover the topic of interdiction from start to end.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Jacob W.
ND

Very informational course.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Christian R.
ND

Great and informative class, the instructor is very knowledgeable on this topic and you can tell that he is passionate about interdiction.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Allison J.
ND

Excellent course. Very knowledgeable and down to earth instructor.

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
Tayah W.
ND

Good class! Very knowledgeable!

★★★★★ 5/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5
David D.
ND

Great class from a fantastic and knowledgeable Trooper.

★★★★☆ 4/5 · Instructor: ★★★★★ 5/5

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