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police ethics. After training is successfully completed, candidates are placed on probation for a period
ranging from six to 18 months, depending on agency policy. They are assigned to work with experienced
Deputies and, when skilled enough to work independently, are hired on a permanent basis.
State Positions
STATE POLICE OFFICER/STATE TROOPER
Candidates for the position of State Police Officer are selected according to civil service regulations that
vary from state to state. Generally, applicants must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 29 at the
time of appointment; service in the military may be deducted from the candidate's chronological age in
meeting this requirement. As a rule, most state police agencies demand completion of high school or its
equivalent, but persons with college training have a distinct advantage. Secondary and postsecondary
courses considered useful in preparing for this work include government, English, psychology, geogra-
phy, American history, physics, chemistry, and foreign languages. It is necessary to receive a passing
mark on a written civil service examination as well as a qualifying rating on an interview conducted by
a police board of examiners. The board evaluates candidates for such factors as verbal communication
skills, tact, physical appearance, and the ability to exercise sound judgment. Each applicant must pass a
comprehensive medical examination, and some state police agencies require candidates to undergo
psychological and psychiatric testing to determine emotional stability and suitability for this work. In
addition to meeting the physical requirements (including standards of height, weight, and vision),
applicants are given performance tests designed to measure strength, agility, and stamina. A thorough
background investigation is also made to determine general character, honesty, past history, and overall
suitability for the job. Finally, possession of a valid driver's license is necessary prior to employment by
the state police agency.
Candidates who meet all the entry requirements of the state police agency are placed on a certified
civil service list of eligibles and are selected from this list as vacancies occur. The annual number of
openings for this work varies within each state and is dependent on such factors as budget limitations and
legislative actions.
When a number of vacancies occur or appear to be imminent, a group of prospective State Police
Officers is selected from the civil service list. These recruits enter training school on a probationary basis.
They must complete an intensive training program of approximately 12 to 16 weeks. Instruction is given
in a variety of subjects such as criminal law; state motor vehicle codes; laws of evidence, arrest, search,
and seizure; methods of patrol, surveillance, and communications; arrest, search, and seizure procedures;
accident prevention and traffic control; crime prevention and criminal investigation methods; police ethics;
pursuit and defensive driving; armed and unarmed defense tactics; use of various types of firearms;
physical conditioning; safety education; first aid; community relations; photography; written and oral
communications; and agency rules and regulations. Candidates who successfully conclude this training are
assigned to duty on a probationary basis for a period ranging from six months to one year or longer,
depending on state police policy. They work with experienced troopers until they are skilled enough to
function independently and receive permanent employment status after completing a probationary period.
Some state police agencies have cadet programs for high school graduates under the age of 21 who are
interested in a law enforcement career. They work as civilian employees performing nonenforcement
duties but also receive instruction in the various facets of police work. Some of these cadets attend colleges
offering programs in law enforcement and criminal justice as preparation for a police career. Cadets who
successfully complete this program may receive an appointment as State Police Officer upon reaching
the age of 21.
