State police officers, sometimes called state troopers, patrol the highways throughout the United States. They enforce traffic laws, issue traffic tickets to motorists who violate those laws, provide information to travelers, handle traffic control and summon emergency equipment at the scene of an accident or other emergency, sometimes check the weight of commercial vehicles, and conduct driver examinations.
In several areas that do not have a local police force, state police officers may investigate crime. They also help city and county police forces to catch lawbreakers and control civil disturbances.
Some officers are assigned to training assignments in state police schools or to investigate specializations such as fingerprint classification or chemical and microscopic analysis of criminal evidence. A few have administrative duties.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
State police officers often work irregular hours since police protection is provided 24 hours a day. Sometimes they must work weekends and holidays.
State police officers spend most of their time driving in many different kinds of weather. They may be involved in dangerous situations and have to risk their lives in the line of duty.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Honesty, a sense of responsibility, and a desire to serve the public are important. Physical strength and agility are necessary, and height, weight, and eyesight standards must be met.
High school courses in English, government or civics, U.S. history, and physics are helpful. Physical education and sports develop stamina and agility. Driver education courses or military police training are also valuable.
State civil-service regulations govern the appointment of state police officers. Applicants must be U.S. citizens at least 21 years old and must usually have a high school education. Applicants must pass a competitive written examination, a rigorous physical examination, and a character and background investigation.
Recruits enter a formal training program that lasts for several months. They study state laws and jurisdictions, patrol, traffic control, and accident investigation. They learn to use firearms, defend themselves from attack, handle an automobile at high speeds, and give first aid.
State police recruits serve a probationary period ranging from six months to three years. After gaining some experience, some officers take advanced training in police science, administration, law enforcement, criminology, or psychology. Courses in these subjects are offered by junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and special police training institutions including the National Academy of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Some states hire high school graduates who are still in their teens to serve as cadets. They study police work and perform non-enforcement duties such as clerical work. If they qualify, they may be appointed to the state police force when they reach 21.
Potential and Advancement
Demand for state troopers will increase as the population of the United States grows. However, investigative specialties are being increasingly handled by civilian specialists.
Promotion depends on the amount of time spent in a rank and the individual's standing on competitive examinations.
Income
The salary of a state trooper will depend on various factors, including that trooper’s on-the-job performance, experience and education levels, and the geographic area in which he or she works.
Additional Sources of Information
State civil-service commissions or state police headquarters, usually located in each state capital, can provide information to anyone interested in a career as a state police officer. You may also find information on the websites of local governments.
