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Join Louisiana State Police
Video Transcript
How to Join the Louisiana State Police
The first step to joining the Louisiana State Police is to download and complete a fillable application from the Louisiana State Police Commission. You can find the application on either the Commission website or the Louisiana State Police website.
Once your application has been accepted, the Commission will help you schedule the entrance exam. A study guide for the exam can be found on the Commission website under Cadet Downloads.
After passing the exam, the Background Investigation Unit will email you the background information forms required to move forward in the hiring process. Once you return these forms, you will be eligible to participate in CET assessments.
CET Assessments
These assessments include:
- Physical fitness assessment (push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed run). Fitness standards for each age group can be found on the LSP website under Recruiting → Application and Test.
Applicants who pass the physical fitness standards will advance to the interview process and polygraph. During this stage, applicants are interviewed by a panel of Sergeants, Lieutenants, Commanders, and Majors.
Selection Process
- Eligible applicant files move into the selection process.
- Applicants are chosen for hire based on qualifications and cumulative scores throughout the process.
- Selected applicants receive a conditional offer of employment, followed by a final offer after completing medical, drug, and psychological evaluations.
Academy Preparation
Once selected, applicants begin preparing for the Academy. The Academy staff will provide details on:
- Orientation
- Reporting dates
- Required items to bring
Final Steps
Each step is crucial to earning the badge and becoming a Louisiana State Trooper, ensuring you are ready to Serve and Protect.
The Louisiana State Police Recruiting Team and your Background Investigator will guide you through the process.
If you are ready for the challenge of becoming a Louisiana State Trooper, contact a recruiter today.
SALARY & OTHER BENEFITS
Effective 01/08/2024, Cadets now enjoy an entrance rate of $56,000 annually, $59,410.40 upon successfully completing the Field Training Officer (FTO) Program, and $61,192.71 after one year of service. - Beginning salary of $4,666 per month while attending the Academy.
- After completion of the FTO Program, a salary of $4,950.86 per month.
- After one year, a salary of at least $5,099.39* 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.
- Active Duty Service members in training receive an additional approximate monthly allowance of $1,700 through the GI Bill.
- 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.
- Troopers may also be qualified for the U.S. Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for student loans.
*Extra duty and overtime opportunities available.
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:
* 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
Be Prepared from the Start—Your Day One Academy Checklist.
For those accepted into the Academy, this checklist outlines the required clothing, equipment, and personal items needed for Day One. Review it carefully and arrive fully prepared—your success starts here.
ONE AGENCY, MANY OPPORTUNITIES
Explore the diverse career opportunities available to commissioned troopers at the Louisiana State Police, offering a rewarding path towards serving and protecting communities. From specialized units to leadership roles, embark on a fulfilling journey dedicated to upholding safety and justice across the state.
Learn More