The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) announced Wednesday it has opened the application process for men and women interested in a career as a state trooper. Applications will only be accepted online from Wednesday, through Tuesday, Aug. 6. The new Trooper Cadet Class is scheduled to begin Feb. 1, 2014.
Individuals interested in applying for the position of state trooper must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Two years of college or military or previous law enforcement experience is preferred.
No applicants with felony convictions will be considered.
The Tennessee Excellence, Accountability and Management Act (TEAM Act) enacted in October 2012 has revised the hiring method to incorporate an interview process that tests an applicant’s knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies. As a result, selected applicants will be required to successfully pass the physical agility test prior to being admitted for an interview. The THP anticipates the agility test and interview appointments to begin Sept. 4.
If hired, individuals must obtain a valid Tennessee driver license, and are required to successfully complete a Level II background investigation, which includes a credit check and polygraph test. Recruits must also pass a psychological and medical examination, including a drug screening.
Those interested in and qualified for the position of state trooper should submit an employment application to the Tennessee Department of Human Resources. All applicants must apply online at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/tennessee beginning Wednesday. Applications will not be accepted after Aug. 6. Once approved by the Department of Human Resources, applicants will be notified of their qualification status. There is no longer an examination portion to qualify for the state trooper position.
There are currently 882 authorized commissioned officer positions within the THP. Trooper recruits will be assigned to vacant positions across the state upon graduation. The starting salary for a cadet during Trooper School is $2,679 per month.
Upon graduation and commissioning as a Tennessee state trooper, the salary will increase to $2,965 per month and includes other benefits such as a paid pension plan, low cost health insurance and paid holidays, uniform, equipment and patrol vehicles are also provided by the THP. With regular pay increases, a Trooper can earn $52,872 per year after 10 years of service under the current pay structure. Recruits are paid while in training. The Trooper Cadet Class will last 19 weeks.
For additional information on becoming a state trooper, visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website at http://www.tn.gov/safety/thp/school.shtml
For more information about applications and testing, interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Tennessee Department of Human Resources Applicant Services Division at 615 741-4841.