About the Agency:
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency made up of dedicated professionals who train and work hard to improve the quality of life and prevent the unnecessary loss of life on a daily basis.
Mission Statement: The Washington State Patrol makes a difference every day, enhancing the safety and security of all people and communities by providing the best in public safety services.
Vision: To be the best public safety agency in the United States.
Motto: Service With Humility
Washington State Patrol troopers have a desire to serve and make a difference in their communities every day. Troopers patrolling the highways are the most visible part of the agency and provide the best in public safety services to the people of Washington. Becoming a trooper is the first step toward building a career in one of many different specialty areas. In the Washington State Patrol, you’ll have the chance to explore various options on which you can create the professional life you want.
Learn about Life As A Trooper!
Position Purpose:
As general authority peace officers, Washington State Patrol Troopers uphold the Constitution of United States, Washington State constitution, laws, and statutes for the protection of its citizens.
Scope and Nature:
As a Washington State Trooper, you will be committed to serving all communities with compassion, integrity, and humility. You will work independently with minimal supervision to provide a full range of police and safety services to the residents and visitors of Washington State. Troopers identify and enforce criminal and traffic law violations in assigned geographical areas as well as support criminal prosecutions through the use of statutory arrest authority, search, investigation, and court proceedings. You will be required to expedite safe flow of traffic and assist with collision response and investigations. Troopers provide assistance to motorists, crime victims, the public, and governmental bodies. You will serve on committees or assist with projects dedicated to topics such as public safety and crime prevention as well as participate in specialty assignments and other duties as assigned.
Tasks you can expect as a WSP Trooper:
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Conduct active patrol of assigned area and respond to calls for service during day and/or night shift, to ensure assigned area has patrol coverage 24 hours/day, 7 days a week.
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Observe and identify condition of vehicles to enforce compliance with laws, rules and regulations.
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Use a speed-measuring device to estimate speed of vehicles, identify suspicious behaviors and deception, etc.
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Conduct proper, safe, and high-risk traffic stops or contacts, including issuing verbal warnings, tickets, or effecting arrests, and take appropriate enforcement action for violations.
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Operate a patrol vehicle under normal and emergency situations while handling multiple tasks (observing, listening, reading, communicating on radio, etc.).
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Perform high-risk vehicle maneuvers including pursuit immobility techniques (PIT) maneuvers, road blocks, and deployment of spike strips to stop fleeing vehicles.
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Pursue potential violators or other persons with patrol vehicle or on foot.
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Visually and physically search suspects and vehicles for weapons, paraphernalia, contraband, or evidence of crimes.
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Communicate with persons in emotional states (hysterical, intoxicated, suicidal, etc.).
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ldentify impairment and perform alcohol and drug impairment sobriety tests on subjects.
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Detain/arrest subjects with handcuffs or other restraints.
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Inform violators of violations and legal procedures.
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Use appropriate force to protect life, property, and restore order.
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Clear roadway from disabled cars, debris, damaged cars, and other traffic hazards to expedite flow of traffic and highway safety.
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Assist stranded, disabled, or injured motorists by changing tires, arranging for tow trucks, jump starting cars, etc.
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Inspect and maintain operability of issued equipment (e.g., gun, laser, flashlight, uniform, vehicle parts).
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Provide manual traffic control at events or as needed.
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Transport persons in patrol vehicle (citizens, suspects, etc.).
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Coordinate towing and storage of vehicles.
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Assume control and direct law enforcement personnel and the public at collision/incident scenes until relieved by superior officer.
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Respond to critical incidents and civil disorder to protect life, property, and restore order. May also be called to duty to support critical incident response, which may occur 24 hours, 7 days a week.
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Physically remove persons from dangerous situations.
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Survey extent of damage and/or injuries at scene and collect, preserve, and document evidence of potential crimes according to procedure.
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Investigate collisions, misdemeanors, felonies, and suspected criminal activity.
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Maintain court-related knowledge (case law, procedural law, penal code, etc.).
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Obtain and serve arrest warrants and book violators according to procedure.
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Interview persons (suspects, witnesses, etc.) and research to collect facts and information for investigations.
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Document evidence and situations for reports of investigation (write, diagram, perform basic math calculations, etc.).
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Testify in court regarding criminal arrests, collision investigations, infractions.
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Administer basic emergency first aid to victims.
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Notify next of kin and other persons when loss of life occurs.
The WSP has four phases to our hiring process:
Phase 1: Physical fitness test and written test (Conducted by Public Safety Testing).
Phase 2: Polygraph.
Phase 3: Background Investigation, Oral Interview.
Phase 4: Psychological test, Psychological Interview w/ Psychologist, Medical exam.
Minimum Requirements:-
Be a United States Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States of America.
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Be 19½ years old at time of application.
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Must speak, write, and read English Language.
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Possess a current, non-probationary, and non-restricted valid driver's license.
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Possess a high school diploma from a state sanctioned and recognized school, GED, or associates or higher from an accredited college.
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Successfully pass a pre-employment polygraph examination.
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Successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.
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Successfully pass a departmental medical examination.
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Successfully pass a departmental psychological examination.
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Be able to obtain a Washington State driver's license and maintain such licensure during employment with WSP.
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Be willing and able to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and be on 24-hour call.
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Be free from the use of narcotics or controlled substances.
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Be willing to accept statewide assignments.
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Current military must be within six (6) months of your ETS date. Please contact the WSP Human Resource Division (HRD) if you have any questions.
Applicant must be of good moral character. Indications of a lack of good moral character include, but are not limited to the following:-
Conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
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Intentional deception or fraud or attempted deception or fraud in any application, examination, or other document.
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Acts or conduct that would cause a reasonable person to have substantial doubts about the individual's honesty, fairness, respect for the rights of others, or for the laws of the state and/or the nation.
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Conduct that adversely reflects on the individual's character to perform the duties of a trooper.
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Any applicant with a history of domestic violence shall be eliminated as an employee candidate at that point in the hiring process per RCW 10.99 and the Washington State Patrol Regulation Manual, Chapter 8.00.320. RCW Mandate - Will apply to all trooper cadet and CVEO applicants.
Applicants must possess the following physical abilities, skills, and traits:-
Ability to see, hear, smell, feel, walk, jump, run, climb, lift, drag, carry.
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Ability to jump into a vehicle, jump over guardrails, and change a tire.
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Ability to shoot a pistol, rifle, and shotgun with either hand.
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Ability to distinguish colors and be free from color blindness and night blindness.
Must be able to learn and demonstrate the following job requirements after being trained by the department:-
Knowledge of First Aid.
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Knowledge of when and when not to use force, up to and including firearms.
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Communicate clearly when using radio equipment.
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Operate a standard-issue patrol vehicle unaided.
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Knowledge of when to use emergency lights and siren.
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Ability to demonstrate the proper use of all issued equipment.
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Ability to provide credible courtroom testimony.
Hiring Incentive:
Applicants are eligible for a $10,000 retention bonus. The first $5,000 will be awarded on successful completion of the Trooper Basic Training Class. The second $5,000 will be awarded after successful completion of a probationary period as a Trooper.
Compensation:
Trooper Cadets receive a monthly salary of $5,950.68 ($71,408.16 annually). After successfully completing the required training, Trooper Cadets are promoted to Trooper and will receive a Trooper's monthly salary of $7,763.00 ($93,156 annually).
Once a Trooper has reached six months from their commissioned date they will receive step increases (as indicated in the chart below) until they reach their fifth year of commissioned service. After a Trooper reaches their fifth year of commissioned service, they will receive 2% longevity increase every five years of commissioned service.
Commissioned Time
Monthly Base Pay
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Shift Differential Pay, Education Incentive Pay, Geographic Pay, and Specialty Pay, as well as Paid Leave Time and Benefits.
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Qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Read more here.
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How to Apply:
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire application in order to be considered.
Veterans’ Preference:
Applicants wishing to claim veterans’ preference MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. Veterans’ preference will not be applied unless the required documentation is attached to your application.
For additional information on veterans’ preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
G.I. Bill Education Benefits:
Candidates entitled to G.I. Bill education benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for a supplemental monthly check while participating in an on-the-job training program. The Trooper position with the Washington State Patrol is a position that requires on-the-job training. Veterans may also qualify for other VA benefits entitled to them while training. To learn if you are eligible, please call the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at (888) 442-4551.
We thank you and are grateful for your service.
WSP's Hiring Standards and a list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.
The Washington State Patrol is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to foster an environment in which everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves, communicate openly, and act with courage. The WSP is dedicated to promoting fair and equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices through innovative recruitment and retention strategies.
Questions?
Please contact the Trooper Cadet Unit via email at
[email protected].
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