TROOPER QUALIFICATIONS

Requirements to Become a Louisiana State Trooper

Be a United States Citizen.
Have a minimum of:
1. 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); or
2. A minimum of sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited college or university, (must provide transcript or degree); or
3. 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
4. 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.
Be of good moral character.
Must be 21 years of age upon completing the Academy.
Pass a written examination.
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.

Cadet Class 105 Applicants Only (POST-certified Class)

LSP is preparing for the department’s second accelerated training program designed specifically for Louisiana POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified applicants. We are excited to announce that Cadet Class 105 will be a 14-week intensive academy tailored for current POST-certified men and women. The accelerated academy will equip law enforcement officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to become Louisiana State Troopers.

This extraordinary opportunity offers police officers across the state a chance to join the ranks of Louisiana’s Finest. Accepted cadets will receive advanced State Police training that goes beyond POST requirements in firearm proficiency, tactical driving, defensive tactics, de-escalation techniques, advanced crash investigation, lawful use of force, implicit bias recognition, and LSP Core Values.

Although the training program is accelerated in terms of timeframe, it does not compromise the rich tradition and intensity synonymous with the LSP academy. LSP is committed to providing the highest standard of training to all LSP cadets.

If you are a POST-certified applicant, you are encouraged to embrace this exceptional opportunity and fully comprehend the commitment and dedication required to succeed in the academy.

Cadet Class 105 is expected to commence in October 2024, with an application deadline of July 24, 2024. Applications can be downloaded here and submitted electronically to the Louisiana State Police Commission. Applicants not eligible for Cadet Class 105 will remain in the hiring process, preparing for future LSP cadet classes.

Please see below for the Cadet Class 105 eligibility requirements:

Applicants for Cadet Class 105 must possess a Louisiana Level 1 POST certification at the time they submit their application.
Additionally, they must also satisfy one of these four paths:
- Path 1 – Two (2) years of experience as a POST-certified peace officer in a full-time position, whose job duties include armed duty with the power of arrest. The LSP Commission has granted an exception for the two years to be calculated to September 16, 2024 (the date of cadet selections). In other words, applicants who do not currently have two years of experience, but will by September 16, 2024, are eligible to apply for Cadet Class 105.
- Path 2 – A minimum of sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited college or university.
- Path 3 – A two (2) year combination of Path 1 and 2 above, whereby thirty (30) semester hours will be equivalent to one (1) year of experience.
- Path 4 – Three (3) years of continuous active duty in the United States Military.