Are you looking for a
challenging career with duties that are never routine and with good pay and
fringe benefits? You may be interested in a career with the Missouri State
Highway Patrol, one of the most highly respected law enforcement agencies in the
country.
Duties of a Trooper
The primary duties of
a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper are to promote safety and enforce
traffic laws for the motoring public. A trooper provides assistance to motorists
and is responsible for investigating highway traffic crashes and other roadway
emergencies. Other responsibilities include assisting local peace officers upon
request, investigating crimes, and enforcing criminal laws. A trooper must work
in all weather conditions and frequently drives at high speeds. Work schedules
change regularly, and officers are subject to call at any time.
Trooper Minimum Requirements:
At least 21 years of age at time of
appointment.
A citizen of the United States and a
resident of Missouri when recruit training begins.
A graduate of an accredited four-year
high school or have a certificate of equivalency recognized by the Missouri
Department of Education.
Willing to live anywhere in the State
of Missouri.
Be of good character, with no felony
convictions, pending indictments, or certain misdemeanor offenses including any
involving aggressive or violent behavior (i.e. domestic violence, criminal
assault, etc.), disregard for the safety of others, or the misuse of deadly
weapons.
Free of objectionable
tattoos/brands. No tattoos/brands are permitted on the head, neck, hands, or
below the upper six-inch portion of the arm.
Possession of a valid Missouri Driver
License in the appropriate classification required by law when recruit training
begins.
Pass medical and psychological
examination.
Pass pre-employment drug screening.
Pass a battery of validated tests.
Testing
The selection process is a multi-phase testing procedure that includes written
examinations, fitness for duty assessment, polygraph examination, comprehensive
background investigation/review, and an oral interview. After a conditional
offer of employment, the applicant must successfully complete a medical
examination (to include vision and hearing), psychological examination with
interview, and drug screening test.
Training
Recruits receive approximately six months (1,200 hours) of intensive academic
and rigorous physical training at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Law
Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City. Pursuit driving, self-defense, cultural
diversity, physical conditioning, arrest procedures, traffic law, civil law,
criminal law, and accident investigation are some of the topics covered during
the training period. Following Academy graduation, each officer must serve a
three month period under the guidance of a veteran Field Training Officer and a
one-year probationary period.
Salary and Benefits
Starting salary for a Probationary Trooper is $32,232 annually. Paid life and
medical insurance, as well as paid retirement, are among the available fringe
benefits. Officers receive at least 15 vacation days and 11 paid holidays per
year. Sick leave accumulates at a rate of ten hours per month.
Contact Information:
Bruce McLaughlin
Missouri State Highway Patrol
P. O. Box 568
Jefferson City, Mo. 65102
