BECOME A DPS OFFICER

QUALIFICATIONS

Be a United States Citizen.
Must be able to read, write and speak the English language.
Must possess a high school diploma or equivalency.
Must be at least twenty-one (21) years old at time of application.
Must possess a valid Louisiana Driver's License at time of appointment.
Must pass physical examination, and physical fitness test.
Must submit to a drug screen and a risk assessment.
An applicant will be disqualified if there are any indictments or bills of information pending against him in which he is charged with a felony, or if he has been convicted within the past three (3) years of hit and run or driving while intoxicated. An applicant who has been convicted of a felony will be disqualified until relief from the disabilities imposed by the state and federal law is granted.

Salary & Benefits

The starting pay for a DPS Cadet (no experience) is $42,016 per year.
After one year, Cadets are promoted to DPS Officer and receive a salary of $46,425 per year.
After two years, Officers are promoted to DPS Senior Officer with a base salary of $49, 670 per year.
After three years, Senior Officers are eligible for portion to DPS Corporal with a starting salary of $53,144 per year. The maximum pay for a DPS Corporal is $92,851.
Candidates with prior experience and POST Certification may be hired as a DPS Officer or Senior Officer.
Candidates for Officer must have a minimum of three years of experience as a POST Certified police officer with the power to arrest.
- Candidates for Senior Officer must have a minimum of four years of experience as a POST Certified police officer with the power to arrest.
- Candidates with extraordinary qualifications may be hired at a rate above the base pay rate.
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
All hours worked over regular working hours are compensated at the rate of time and one-half.
Officers have the opportunity to supplement their income by working off-duty details.
Officers may also be qualified for the U.S. Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for student loans.

Retirement

The Department offers an excellent retirement package for its employees based on maximum salary, age of the employee, and years of service.
Retirement credit is earned at 3 1/3% per year of service.