What Disqualifies You From Being a State Trooper?
State troopers serve as highway patrol or as part of state-wide police agencies, and they are the public face of the agency. This means they’re on the front lines when people need help and are the first to know about criminal activity in the area.
Those who want to be a state trooper must have a solid background in law enforcement. They should have a strong grasp of the laws in their jurisdiction, and they should be willing to put themselves in harm’s way to enforce them.
They should also be self-motivated, have good communication skills and be able to work under stress. They should also have a desire to make the public safer and better off.
It’s important to note that most states require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or GED certificate, and a criminal justice degree is usually required. Some agencies may have additional requirements, too.
In addition to education, many departments require candidates to have a driver’s license and experience behind the wheel. This is to ensure that they can properly transport themselves and other officers on patrol, and to prevent accidents involving vehicles.
Aside from driving, you must also have an appropriate level of physical fitness. Most police departments will ask you to complete a series of tests designed to test your strength, endurance and flexibility. These can include running, bending and lifting weights.
Some agencies will even have you take a medical exam and psychological evaluation. If you fail the tests, you will be disqualified from the job.
Another thing to remember is that most departments will also conduct a background check and interview before hiring a new state trooper. You must be completely honest with these authorities and disclose any relevant information, including criminal activity, during a later phase of the selection process.
You can expect to be denied a state trooper job if you have a felony conviction on your record. Depending on the particular felony, it could be an automatic disqualifier or you might have the chance to appeal it.
Other felony offenses that can disqualify you include fraud, domestic violence and other serious crimes. In some cases, it can also disqualify you if you have been convicted of an offense that could cause your employer liability issues.
Marijuana use is a huge disqualifier, too, especially if it happened in the last few years or it happened while you were working in a law enforcement position. It’s important to understand that marijuana use can be considered a federal crime, regardless of what laws your state has on the matter.
If you have a felony DUI, you can also be denied a state trooper job. This can be a serious problem because it could impact your ability to safely perform your duties, so it’s best to discuss this with the police department you are applying to.
Some states, like Vermont, have their own policies on this issue, so it is worth checking with yours to see what they have.
