Qualifications Needed to be a State Trooper
State Troopers are often the highest paid and best trained law enforcement officers, on a state-by-state basis. In each state, the qualifications needed to become a State Trooper will vary. But there are some things that people who aspire to be Troopers will need regardless of which state's police force they want to belong to.
Residency.
This is an obvious requirement. To become aState Trooper in Alaska, you need to live in Alaska. To be a member ofPennsylvania's State Troopers, you need to live in New York. A person can apply for entry to the State Troopers of any state but in order to be accepted, residency must be established in that particular state.
Citizenship.
An applicant must be a natural-born citizen of the United States, or a resident alien who can show intent to become a permanent citizen, or a resident alien who has already become a permanent citizen.
Age Requirements.
Most states require applicants to be at least 21 years of age at the time the academy class starts. There are also age limits for State Trooper applicants. These age limits vary by state and there are some exceptions.
Valid Driver's License.
This should go without saying. Troopers need to drive patrol cars. Without a valid driver's license, you can't drive a car.
Education.
Most State Trooper recruitment statements will require a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). But don't be fooled. Most applicants for entry-level Trooper positions will have college degrees, many with a Criminal Justice or Sociology major, which puts them ahead of people with just a high school diploma. So if you plan to seek a position as a State Trooper, a college degree should definitely be part of that plan. Military experience is often a viable alternative to college. And, military experience is definitely a plus for any State Trooper applicant.
Honorable Discharge.
Speaking of military experience, any applicant who has been in the military will need to show an honorable discharge. Active reservists are not disqualified from being State Troopers, and the organization will allow military leave for reservist duties.
No Criminal Background.
Applicants can not have been convicted of any Misdemeanor or Felony crimes. Past violation convictions will not disqualify you, but remember that you will be up against a large group of applicants, most of which have no criminal background at all. So, a clear criminal record is a plus. In addition, applicants can not have orders of protection against them from any civil court, including Family Court. Such orders of protection may legally keep you from carrying a firearm.
No Drug Use.
Prior drug use will not automatically disqualify you as an applicant for a State Trooper position. However, you will be required to disclose such prior drug use and prove you aren't currently using. This includes use of marihuana. Most states require a drug screening as part of the State Trooper application process.
In addition to all of these requirements, applicants will need to pass a written exam, pass an oral interview, and graduate from an academy. None of this is easy, but becoming the finest in law enforcement a state has to offer shouldn't be easy. The screening process is meant to remove those who aren't qualified. Those who pass the process should feel like they truly deserve to be a State Trooper.
