Kansas

The State of Kansas in 1933, legislature, Governor Alfred Landon and Highway Department official Wint Smith acted to halt the rampant crime spree of the 1920s and 30s. They created a force of 10 motor vehicle inspectors, forerunners of Kansas Troopers.

Topeka Headquarters of the Kansas State Highway Patrol (KGZC) officially organized in 1937 with a Superintendent, his assistant and 45 troopers. A Kansas City, Kansas PD veteran Jack B. Jenkins was the first Superintendent.

According to APCO material Kansas Highway Patrol Radio Communications had a thriving radiotelegraph system however it was late in getting formed.

When the system was complete in the 1940s Kansas ranked in the top four states nationwide with radio telegraph representation. Topeka HQ network short call (KP) and stood by on the following VHF & HF channels 1698 - 35.78 - 39.90- 2422 - 2450 Their statewide network roll call zone, comprised of SP Garden City (KG) - SP Salina (KL) - SP Norton (KN) -SP Chanute (KU)

Our contact Nick Wright graciously provided the Kansas Highway Patrol Communications patch (issued in 1970) and radio patches from his large collection. Nick advised “Radio no longer wears an issued uniform.” Today Troop M out of Salina Headquarters is made up with two important components. The Central Communications Center and the Criminal justice Information System Unit.

Central Comm. Center provides dispatching services for troopers statewide. The CJIS Unit provides training to local agencies throughout Kansas and many other responsibilities. Pictured another Nick Wright Radio Operator patch from the telegraph generation of Kansas Highway Patrol History.

Kansas (KHP) represented APCO well with nationwide radio telegraph traffic as well as a relay point west. There are no known KSP studio pictures at present but we are in hope that one day we will have them to publish. With help from KSP HQ webpage history, Mr. Nick Wright and partially scripted Wikipedia files., Terry K8SMC bandwidth.

(Op note.) Our Ohio Highway Patrol communications would eventually interfere with Topeka Kansas HP on 44.82 and 44.86 MHZ. When they complained of skip mainly in the summer months (Ohio) moved to 45.02 because of a mutual shared agreement. They must be totally happy now, OSP is on a UHF trunked system. APCO - Association of Police Comm Officers.