THP accepting applications for trooper cadet class

NASHVILLE -- Are you are looking for a career that affords you opportunities to achieve your goals? Then look no further, the Tennessee Highway Patrol is where you belong! We're accepting applications for a July 2018 trooper cadet class. Men and women interested in becoming a Tennessee state trooper must apply online at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/tennessee/default.cfm starting Wednesday, February 7, through Tuesday, February 20 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants must be at least 21 years-old, a U.S. citizen and a high school diploma or higher education. Those with felony convictions will not be considered.

Once the application has been submitted online, candidates will be notified of their qualification status via email. Agility testing and interviews will take place the week of March 19th at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Training Center. If hired, individuals must obtain a valid Tennessee driver license prior to the class graduation in December 2018. Candidates are required to successfully complete a level II background investigation which includes a credit check and polygraph test. Recruits must pass a psychological and medical examination including a drug screening.

This is an extremely positive and exciting time to be a member of an elite law enforcement agency. Our agency continues to grow in size, and prides itself on professionalism and respect within the law enforcement community. In 2016, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) named the THP as the First Place winner in the Highway Patrol/State Police Agency category consisting of 501-1500 troopers in the nation. Additionally, THP received two awards for traffic incident management and technology. THP is internationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

Our training division will challenge and prepare you for real life scenarios that you will experience as a trooper. Our training is Peace Officer Standards Training Commission (POST). Additionally, the training that you receive from our training curriculum is transferable as college credit hours. We also provide you the opportunity to attend numerous law enforcement training classes to obtain specialty skills such as crash reconstruction, drug recognition expert (DRE), instructor development and more.

Daily services performed by a Tennessee state trooper: Assisting the public, enforcement of criminal and traffic laws, saving lives, traffic enforcement, motorcycle traffic patrol, crash investigation, crash reconstruction, criminal interdiction, criminal investigations, identity crimes investigations, special operations and tactical duties, K-9 handling, diving, aviation, executive protective services, bomb squad, and much more.

"I am more excited today about the opportunities our troopers have to succeed compared to those when I joined the THP," said Colonel Tracy Trott. "It is not a secret that law enforcement has been faced with difficult challenges. However, we train and prepare our troopers to do their job professionally and ethically. Our troopers make Tennessee a safe state to work and live in by putting highly trained personnel on Tennessee roadways."

Legislation implemented in October 2012, called the Tennessee Excellence, Accountability and Management Act (TEAM Act) 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 selected for an interview. There is no longer an examination portion to qualify for the state trooper position.

There are currently 921 authorized commissioned trooper positions within the THP. Upon graduation, trooper cadets will be assigned to vacant positions across the state. The starting salary for a trooper cadet while in school is currently $2945 per month, with an increase to $3258 per month after graduation. This equates to $38,940 annually with an annual 4.5% statutory step raise for the first 10 years. With regular pay increases, a state trooper can earn $58,104 per year after 10 years of service under the current pay structure. Pay may also increase if you are promoted within the THP.

The position also includes a retirement plan, 401k, 457, health insurance, overtime pay and paid holidays. Troopers are also provided with winter and summer uniforms, equipment, weapons (2 Glock pistols, 1 AR-15 and 1 shotgun,) as well as a patrol vehicle.

For additional information on becoming a state trooper, visit our website at https://www.tn.gov/safety/tnhp/trpschool/trpqualifications.html. For information about applications, please contact the Tennessee Department of Human Resources Applicant Services Division at (615) 741-4841. We encourage you to also complete our contact survey to be included in notifications at www.JoinTHP.org.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.