The 3 important things to do or know before becoming a state trooper

If you’ve always wanted to work in the field of law enforcement, you might consider a career as a state trooper. While each state has a different process for hiring, there are a few general things to consider when deciding if a career as a state trooper is right for you:

1) State troopers don’t have 9 to 5 jobs like most of us. Crimes do not happen on time and our law enforcement officers are expected to work when they are needed. Standard shifts for state troopers are typically 12 hours or more, and many agencies require these officers to work shifts or alternate shifts.

If you work in an investigative capacity, you have to go when and where the crime occurs. One of the things that makes police careers so interesting and exciting is that this is a job where you REALLY don’t know what to expect. However, this is also why these jobs include a very unpredictable schedule.

2) The process to become a state trooper is arduous and complicated, as it should be. This shouldn’t present a problem as long as you’re willing to work through it. You will have to go through extensive background checks, reference checks, interviews and psychological tests, fingerprinting, and some applicants may undergo lie detector tests.

All of this on top of meeting the physical requirements and also passing the academy tests, including tests at the shooting range. From the time of application, it will take several months before you actually get the job.

The academy training is tough and you have to be performing at the highest level in all areas in order to pass. Boot camp can be tough, but some candidates find this training to be just as intense, and maybe even a little more difficult.

3) Being a state trooper is a mentally challenging and emotionally demanding job and you need to be prepared to deal with the stress. For many people, stress is a difficult thing to leave behind at the end of the day.

This can take a huge toll on your personal and family life, and even marriages will sometimes be affected. If you understand and prepare for this early on, it will help. Anyone who works in law enforcement can tell you that you will see a number of disturbing, unsettling, and unpleasant things.

This is not television or cinema. Now you are dealing with reality and with real people and emotions, and it is extremely difficult to do so. You will see people perpetrating crimes against innocent victims and you will meet people who are not happy to see you.

Of course, this is offset by the fact that you will have the opportunity every day to make a positive impact on someone’s life. This is one of the great joys for many who choose police careers.

So if you are ready to experience such joy, I encourage you to look into the state trooper career. You can learn more by visiting websites that cover the race in more detail.

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