DPS Police 

DPS Police was established in 1974. At that time, DPS Police was charged with providing security at the Louisiana State Police Headquarters Compound and supervising inmates assigned to the State Police Inmate Barracks. This service is now provided by the Physical Security section.

In 1996, the Louisiana State Police increased the scope of DPS Police responsibility to include providing security in and around the State Capitol. This section is known as Capitol Detail. In addition to the State Capitol, officers are posted in many of the state buildings. Officers are also responsible for making patrols of the Capitol Complex and responding to calls for service in and around the state buildings and garages. The department utilizes a state-of-the-art communications room equipped with the latest video equipment necessary to monitor the State Capitol Complex and the Louisiana State Police Headquarters Complex. In 2010, the "old" Capitol Police was transferred from the Division of Administration and placed under the State Police. This unit, now known as DPS/State Facility Security, is responsible for security in and around all state facilities located outside of the Capitol Complex. This includes facilities located in New Orleans, Lafayette, Alexandria, Shreveport, and Monroe. In 2015, these sections were combined and placed under the command of the Capitol Detail/State Facility Security Captain.

Duties

• Enforces all applicable state laws.
• Provides security at the Louisiana State Police Headquarters Complex, State Capitol Complex and outlying state buildings to ensure the safety of those who either work or visit those facilities.
• Provides crowd control during demonstrations and parades, directs traffic flow, and investigates traffic crashes.
• Provides dignitary protection.
• Supervises Department of Corrections inmates assigned to the Louisiana State Police Barracks.
• Investigates all criminal activity that occurs in and around State Police Headquarters, Capitol Complex, and various state buildings throughout the state.

State Police Barracks Control Center

In 2003, DPS Police moved into its new prison facility located on the 1,760-acre State Police Training Facility near Zachary, LA. Currently, the department can house up to 200 inmates at the new facility. The facility is also outfitted with the latest equipment to monitor inmate movement and movement over the entire 1,760-acre training facility. DPS Police is also responsible for the security of the facility and those who receive training there.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license at time of appointment.
• An applicant who has been convicted of a felony or who is under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified until relief from the disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.
• The successful applicant will be required to attend and pass a Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification school.
• Must pass a thorough physical and psychological examination.
• Must pass a Field Training Officer (FTO) Program.

Benefits

• Beginning minimum salary of $2,520 per month.
• Individually assigned patrol cars.
• Shift differential pay of $0.50 per hour for night and weekend shifts.
• 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.
• Time and one-half overtime.
• Leave with pay for those officers belonging to a reserve component of the armed forces when placed on active military duty.

Retirement

DPS Officers contribute 9.5% of salary while on active duty. Retirement pay is computed at 3.33% per year.

• 10 years of service (at age 60) = 33.3% of regular salary
• 25 years of service (at age 55) = 83.32% of regular salary
• 30 years of service (at any age) = 99.99% of regular salary

If you are interested in becoming a Louisiana State Trooper, click here for more information.

Click here to view other job opportunities within the Office of State Police.