Jobs in Criminal Justice: State Trooper

Criminal justice jobs play an important role in our society. Citizens rely on police officers to protect them, enforce rules and keep the peace. One such law-enforcement job is that of a state trooper.
 
All states, except Hawaii, operate their own state law-enforcement agency. These state troopers have the authority to enforce the law and investigate criminal activity across the entirety of the state in which they work. Their main job is to pursue and arrest people who have committed felonies and issue citations to those who commit minor violations, such as speeding or illegal parking.

Job Description

State troopers arrest criminals and enforce laws across the state. They also patrol highways, enforcing motor vehicle laws and regulations and issuing tickets to violators. They respond to accidents by writing accident reports, calling for emergency equipment, administering first aid or diverting traffic. Often, they help other law enforcement agencies in the state, such as those found in small towns or rural areas.
 
Other duties of a state trooper include:
  • assisting with multi-jurisdictional task force activity for serious cases
  • protecting the governor
  • providing technological and scientific support
  • supervising security at the state capitol building
  • training new officers when no police academy is available.
 
Law-enforcement jobs can be stressful and very dangerous. Day in and day out, state troopers deal with a number of threatening situations. They often observe death and suffering due to accidents or crimes.
 
Because of the need for protection 24 hours a day, state troopers work in shifts. New officers often start out working overnights, weekends and holidays. Most state troopers work a standard 40-hour week, but overtime is not uncommon. In addition, officers are expected to be armed and ready to implement their authority at all times, even when off the clock.

Salary Guide

Recent median criminal justice salary is $47,460. For state troopers, this number is slightly higher: $52,540. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,310; while the highest 10 percent earned more than $72, 450. More than half of all law enforcement jobs paid between $35,600 and $59,880.

Education, Training and Work Experience

Criminal justice jobs in most states require only a high-school diploma. Some states require a year or two of college, and even a degree in some cases. Courses in law enforcement and physical education classes are helpful to aspiring state troopers. Some states assist the members of their police force by paying for them to complete a degree program in criminal justice after they join the force. The completion of a degree usually means a higher salary.
 
State troopers are formally trained in a police academy. These programs last 12 to 14 weeks and include lessons and training in:
  • accident investigation
  • civil rights
  • constitutional law
  • emergency response
  • first aid
  • local ordinances
  • patrol
  • self-defense
  • state laws
  • traffic control
  • using firearms.
 
Candidates for these criminal justice jobs must be at least 20 years old and legal citizens of the United States. They must also meet demanding physical and personal requirements.

Career Advancement

Generally, employment prospects for state troopers and other jobs in criminal justice are very good. Due to population growth, the need for tighter security and the retirement of older officers, employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all careers. Employment levels are dictated by state budgets, but layoffs are rare and those who do lose their jobs can usually find another law enforcement job with relative ease.
 
Entry-level state troopers must complete a probationary period before they are eligible for advancement. This period can last anywhere from six months to three years. Some officers are promoted to work in a special area of police work. Other promotion opportunities include:
  • captain
  • corporal
  • detective
  • lieutenant
  • sergeant.
 

Related Associations and Groups

Many groups and associations exist to help future and current state troopers, including:
  • American Association of State Troopers, Inc.
  • Association for Police Officers
  • National Association of Police Organizations.
 

In addition, most states have their own state trooper association.

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