|
Q: How do I apply? |
A: The application form
 can be downloaded from our website, obtained by calling the Human Resource Division at 1-800-888-8384 or (360) 704-2300; or by contacting a local State Patrol Office. |
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Q: Are there any age restrictions? |
| A: You must be 19 ½ or older to apply. Optional retirement at 25 years of service or age 55 for vested employees. Mandatory retirement at age 65. |
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Q: I do NOT meet the height/weight standards. Can I still test? |
| A:
Applicants who do not meet the height/weight standards may be accepted for testing, provided their body fat is no more than 20 percent for males and 26 percent for females. Applicants applying for a waiver to the height/weight standards must submit proof with their application that they meet the department’s body fat criteria. Body fat testing must be performed by a licensed Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Exercise Therapist, Exercise Physiologist, or other certified individual. |
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Q: What are the minimum requirements? |
| A:
All minimum requirements
are listed on the trooper cadet application and on our trooper career web page. Please review those, and if you have any specific question please call the Human Resource Division at 1-800-888-8384 or (360) 704-2300. |
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Q: Are you paid while you are a trooper cadet? |
| A:
Yes. Salaries and benefits
can be viewed here
. |
|
Q: When do you test? |
A:
Testing locations and dates can be viewed on our recruiting web page, or may be obtained by calling the Human Resource Division, (360) 704-2300.
We test every month at the Labor & Industry Building in Tumwater.
Our recruiters also conduct decentralized testing in other areas of the state. The decentralized test sites are often held at local community colleges, military installations, and other areas throughout the state. |
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Q: When will I know if I pass the test(s)? |
A:
Candidates who participate in centralized Phase I testing (written tests) in Olympia are notified if they pass Phase I testing on the day of the test. Candidates that participate in decentralized Phase I testing, may need to wait a few days to be notified of the test results since the tests must be sent to Olympia to be scored.
Candidates are notified if they pass Phase II (oral board) on the day of the test. Phase III testing (background investigation) takes, on the average, six-eight weeks to complete. |
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Q: If I fail the Phase I tests, when can I reapply? |
| A:
Immediately. Further, if applicants re-test within a 3 month period of time, they are not required to complete a new application – they simply need to advise the Human Resource Division that they wish to attend the next Phase I test date. Applicants are allowed to participate in Phase I testing up to three times in a 12-month period of time. |
|
Q: Do you have to do a Physical Agility Test at the written test (Phase I testing)? |
| A:
No, you will not participate in a physical agility test during Phase I testing. However, once hired cadets are regularly tested on the department’s minimum physical fitness standards and must meet or exceed the standards to be accepted to Trooper Basic Training. |
|
Q: Are there any exceptions to the drug standards? |
| A: No, any usage outside of those standards is a disqualifier. |
|
Q: Where is the academy? |
| A:
The WSP Academy
is located at 631 W Dayton-Airport Rd,
Shelton, WA. |
|
Q: Do cadets live at the Academy during training? |
| A:
YES, cadets are provided meals and lodging during Academy training and must stay at the Academy Monday through Friday. Cadets may stay at the Academy during the weekend, but will be responsible for their own meals since the dining hall is closed on the weekends. |
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Q: Can I have visitors while at the Academy? |
| A:
No, however, the Academy may provide an open house for family members. |
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Q: Do you have a lateral entry program for currently certified police officers? |
| A:
No, law enforcement officer from other agencies/states must apply and successfully complete training at the Academy to be a trooper. |
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Q: When can I apply for a specialty position (SWAT, Aviation, K-9, Motors)? |
| A:
Troopers can apply for specialty positions such as SWAT, detectives, Academy Instructors, Motorcycle Officers, K-9 officers, etc. The announcement for these positions are published internally in a daily bulletin to all employees. Each announcement outlines it's own selection process.
|
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Q: I have a secret clearance from the military. Do I still have to go through the background process? |
| A:
Yes, all applicants must complete a polygraph and background investigation during the third phase of testing. |
|
Q: How long does it take to become a trooper? |
| A:
Once hired, cadets must complete a 6 ½ week Arming Class. A few cadets may be selected to attend a Trooper Basic Training Class immediately following Arming Training. The majority of cadets, however, will be assigned to a field assignment and will compete for a position in the following Trooper Basic Academy Class. Trooper Basic Academy Classes are currently scheduled to begin every nine-months. |
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Q: What type of assignments are the cadets assigned to? |
| A: Cadets are assigned to a variety of assignments throughout the state. For example, cadets provide security on the Capitol Campus, conduct motorist assistance on the highways, work in our Homeland Security Division, Crime Laboratory, Communications Division, and Human Resource Division. |
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Q: Does the State Patrol just assign you to an area, or can you request where you want to work? |
A:
Cadets provide the Academy staff their wish list on where they would like to be assigned following Trooper Basic Training. The Academy Commander determines final trooper assignments and takes into consideration the employee’s wishes/needs and department’s needs. Final placement is at the discretion of the Employer based on its operational needs. All applicants must be willing to accept statewide assignments.
Once troopers complete their probationary period, they can place their name on a transfer list to any geographic area in the state as outlined in the Washington State Patrol Trooper Association Contract. |
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Q: What happens if my name is placed on the Eligibility List for Employment? |
| A:
Applicants who make it to the Eligibility Roster (E-List) can remain on the E-List for 1 year. The E-List gives the Patrol a pool of candidates to choose from when filling classes. Advancing to the E-List is not an offer of employment. Candidates who are provided a conditional job offer must successfully pass a psychological and medical examination prior to being hired by the WSP. |
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Q: When do I turn in my Background Questionnaire? |
| A:
The Personal Background and History Questionnaire
form is given to all candidates upon the successful completion of Phase I testing (written examinations). Applicants are required to bring a fully completed Personal Background and History Questionnaire to the Phase II Oral Board Interview. |
