The decision to become a Louisiana State Trooper is the decision to embark on a career, a new and exciting way of life of dedicated service to the citizens of this state, where no two days are exactly alike. As a member of this elite department, you will have unique opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others on a daily basis. You will be continuously called upon to uphold the rich traditions of the officers of this Department who have preceded you in vigilantly protecting the citizens of Louisiana.
Becoming a Louisiana State Trooper is a long, arduous process. Only a small number who apply are ultimately accepted after successfully passing a written exam, an oral interview, and an in-depth background check. The State Police Academy is the starting point for all new Troopers.
The entrance test is a pass/fail exam. Results are mailed within 4-6 weeks after the exam. Once an applicant has passed the written exam, the applicant is advised by the State Police Commission that the next phase of the process will be handled by the Office of State Police. If an applicant fails the written test, re-application can be made by sending a letter to the State Police Commission requesting to be scheduled for another test date.
Step 2: Availability/Personal Data Questionnaire Packet
After passing the written test, and when the department schedules an academy class, applicants are mailed a packet, including an Availability/ Personal Data Questionnaire to be returned within two weeks.
Step 3: Physical Condition Assessment
In order to be considered for employment, applicants must pass a Physical Condition Assessment. The Physical Condition Assessment is comprised of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run for time. Applicants are graded by Cooper’s Standards for Law Enforcement Personnel. The standards are listed below:
Entrance Standards - Male
Activity
Age 20-29
Age 30-39
Age 40-49
Age 50-59
Age 60+
1.5 Mile Run
15:14
15:56
17:04
19:24
23:27
Sit-ups
30
26
22
15
10
Push-ups
18
13
9
6
4
Entrance Standards - Female
Activity
Age 20-29
Age 30-39
Age 40-49
Age 50-59
Age 60+
1.5 Mile Run
18:39
20:13
21:52
23:55
26:32
Sit-ups
21
15
10
6
1
Push-ups
8
6
4
--
--
Step 4: Background Investigation and Polygraph
A background investigation will be conducted of all applicants who turn in the Availability/Personal Data Questionnaire packets. While the backgrounds are being conducted, a polygraphist will contact each applicant to schedule a polygraph exam. This process can take several months for completion, depending on when an academy class is scheduled.
Step 5: Oral Interview
Applicants will receive a letter informing them of their scheduled date for appearance before an oral interview board.
Step 6: Selection of Candidates
Upon completion of the applicant process, applicant information will be assembled in a candidates' pool. This information will be reviewed for available positions by members of the selection board. Candidates will then be selected in a nondiscriminatory manner.
Step 7: Conditional Offer of Employment
All selected candidates will receive a letter for Conditional Offer of Employment. If a candidate accepts the offer, he/she must sign and return the letter before a specified deadline.
Step 8: Medical Examination, Drug Test and Psychological Evaluation
Upon acceptance of the Conditional Offer of Employment, candidates are required to report for a medical exam, drug test and a psychological evaluation by a licensed, contracted physician on our staff. Another physical condition assessment will be given during this step.
Step 9: Final Offer of Employment
After passing the medical exam, drug test and psychological evaluation, candidates will receive a letter for a Final Offer of Employment. They will be required to sign and return the letter before a specified deadline.
Step 10: Start of Academy
All candidates who accept the Final Offer of Employment will receive information regarding the Academy reporting date and time as well as a list of required items to bring with them.
* The entire Applicant Process can take approximately 9-12 months or longer, depending on budget issues and when the Academy Class is scheduled to begin.
* If the applicant is not selected for hire, they may submit a letter to the Louisiana State Police Commission (P.O. Box 66555, Baton Rouge, La 70896-6555), requesting that their name be placed back on the eligibility list.
April 25, 2008
April 29, 2008
April 30, 2008
May 28, 2008
June 25, 2008
July 30, 2008
August 27, 2008
September 24, 2008
October 29, 2008
November 19, 2008
December TBA
For cadet testing information contact:
Brittnie Crumholt
Louisiana State Police Commission
225-922-2022
Two (2) years of experience as a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified peace officer in a full-time position, whose job duties include armed duty with the power of arrest, (jailer/correctional officer experience does not qualify under Option 1, please refer to Option 5), revised May 1, 2008; or
A minimum of sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited college or university, (must provide transcript or degree); or
Any two (2) year combination of Options 1 and 2 above, whereby thirty (30) semester hours will be equivalent to one (1) year of experience; or
Three (3) years of continuous active military duty in the United States Military, (must provide a DD-214 or letter from current commanding officer verifying service), effective October 1, 2001; or
Eight (8) consecutive years of full-time governmental employment (federal, state, or local government).
Be of good moral character.
Pass a written examination with a competitive score.
Undergo a physical agility evaluation, including a drug screen.
Pass an extensive background investigation, including a polygraph examination.
Pass an oral interview.
Pass a thorough medical examination.
Possess a valid Louisiana driver's license at time of selection.
Successfully complete the required State Police Training Academy program.
If you are interested in becoming a DPS Police Officer, click here for more information.
Beginning salary of $2967 per month while attending the Academy
After one year, a salary of $3408 per month
Monthly expense account for uniform maintenance and footwear purchases
Uniforms, weapons, and equipment are provided by the Department.
Individually assigned patrol cars, including off-duty use
Excellent medical and retirement benefits
Vacation and sick leave accrued at an hourly rate
A portion of the total cost of group life and health insurance is paid by the state.
Troopers belonging to a reserve component of the armed forces and placed on active military duty are granted up
to 15 days leave with pay per year and are entitled to leave without pay should longer periods of active duty be
necessary.
GI Bill for Active Duty Servicemembers while in training receive an additional $1,000/month.
GI Bill for National Guard/Reservists while in training receive an additional $400/month.
Meals and lodging are included for cadets in training.
All hours worked over regular working hours are compensated at the rate of time and one-half.
Troopers have the opportunity to supplement their income by working off-duty details.
The Department offers an excellent retirement package for its employees based on maximum salary, age of employee,
and years of service.
Retirement credit is earned at 3 1/3% per year of service: * 66.6% of regular salary with 20 years of
service after age 50 * 99.9% of regular salary with 30 years of
service after age 50
To view or print the application or prep manual you must have Adobe Acrobat
Reader installed on your computer. To download the free software
click on the button below:
The decision to become a Louisiana State Trooper is the decision to embark on a career, a new and exciting way of life of dedicated service to the citizens of this state, where no two days are exactly alike. As a member of this elite department, you will have unique opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others on a daily basis. You will be continuously called upon to uphold the rich traditions of the officers of this Department who have preceded you in vigilantly protecting the citizens of Louisiana.
