How toBecome aTexas StateTrooper

TEXAS STATE TROOPERS ASSOCIATION

Job Duties of a Texas State TrooperAccording to the Texas State Department of Public Safety's

website, the main function of a Texas State Trooper is toenforce the laws of traffic on Texas' rural roads.

They also are to confront and apprehend violators of trafficlaw, investigate automobile accidents, pursue wantedpersons, and recover stolen property. They also are to

enforce laws regarding weight and registration of commercialcarriers, as well as assist in other law enforcement agencies

at a time of emergency.

Being experts on traffic safety and laws, they are to educateand provide information on traffic safety and crime

prevention.

Application Process:Make sure you meet all minimum requirements

Fill out online application at dps.texas.gov

As long as you meet the minimum requirements, youwill be contacted for physical and written testing, whichmust be completed within 30 days of application date.Must receive a passing grade.

Submit any necessary paperwork

From there, recruiters will choose only the mostqualified candidates to continue in the process

Am I Qualified?

Age/Basic Requirements:

Must be at least 20 years of age or older to apply andmust be 21 years of age or older upon graduation from

the training academy.

No maximum age limit to apply.

Am I Qualified?

Education:

Applicants must have 60 hours of college hours earnedfrom an accredited college or university, or a

combination of college hours and lawenforcement/military experience.

The table explaining the exact ratio of college hours andexperience can be found on the Department of Public

Safety website, as well as what is considered eligible lawenforcement/military experience.

Am I Qualified?

Fitness Requirements:

All state trooper trainees are required tocomplete a physical test, which is set to scale

based on their age and gender. This test is onlya part of the application process, however, the

better the score, the better the chances ofbeing accepted.

The test: Rowing 2000 meters on a Concept2 Rower

Am I Qualified?

Physical/VisionRequirements:

After completing the physical test and receiving apassing grade, you will then be required to submit

for a physical examination.

Vision: Distant visual acuity of any degree that doesnot correct with contact lenses or glasses to at least

one of the following:20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other

20/30 in one eye and 20/400 in the other20/20 in one eye and 20/400 in the other

Benefits

Paid trainingCompetitive salariesUniforms providedTravel reimbursementTroopers covered under State EmployeesRetirement System and Worker's CompensationHoliday and vacation leave Comprehensive health insurance plans

Disqualifications:

Even if you meet all of the requirements to become a statetrooper in Texas, you could still be disqualified if you:

Are prohibited by state or federal law to operate a vehicleHistory of illegal drug use as an adultPossession of a dishonorable discharge on military recordHave been convicted of a family violence offenseCurrently on probationBeing prohibited from carrying a firearm by state or federallawBeing convicted of any offense of the grade of felony or classB misdemeanor

More information about the application process and disqualifications,please visit dps.texas.gov