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1. How do I become an officer with the MSP?
2. What is the starting salary for a trooper?
3. What are the benefits of joining the MSP?
4. How often does the MSP run recruit schools?
5. Is there a cost to attend recruit school?
6. When is the next trooper recruit school?
7. When will I know if I am selected for the next recruit school?
8. How long is a typical recruit school?
9. What is lodging like during recruit school?
10. What do I need to bring to recruit school?
11. How often can I see my family during recruit school?
12. As a new trooper, where will I be assigned?
13. I am already a police officer; do I have to attend recruit school?
14. Are there any benefits for applicants with military experience?
15. Who do I contact for more information? 

1.  How do I become an officer with the MSP?
To begin the process of becoming either a trooper or motor carrier officer, applicants must complete the Entry-Level Law Enforcement Examination Application.  For more information on how to do this, visit How To Apply. 

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2.  What is the starting salary for a trooper?
Starting salary for a Trooper 10 position is approximately $41,000.  The maximum salary for a trooper position is approximately $62,000 at 20 years of service.  For more information, visit Salary & Benefits.  During their training, recruits receive a bi-weekly salary of approximately $1,500. 

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3.  What are the benefits of joining the MSP?
As a full-service law enforcement agency, MSP enlisted members have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields, including undercover investigations, forensic analysis, traffic crash reconstruction and many more specialty areas.  In addition, the MSP offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefit package and an excellent pension plan.  For more information, visit Salary & Benefits. 

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4.  How often does the MSP run recruit schools?
Trooper recruit schools are not held on a routine basis, as they require a special appropriation from the Michigan Legislature.  However, applications are always accepted.  Visit How To Apply to learn how to get started. 

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5.  Is there a cost to attend recruit school?
Recruits are considered employees of the MSP beginning the first day of recruit school and do not pay for their training.  During their training, recruits receive a bi-weekly salary of approximately $1,500. 

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6.  When is the next trooper recruit school?
The MSP is hoping to start another recruit school in late 2009. 

7.  When will I know if I am selected for the next recruit school?
Aimed at identifying the most qualified and dedicated applicants, the extensive MSP Selection Process can take months to complete.  Successful applicants are invited to join the next recruit school at the completion of the entire process. 

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8.  How long is a typical recruit school?
The MSP recruit school is a 20 to 22-week residential program.  Recruits are required to live at the MSP Training Academy, located at 7426 North Canal Road, Lansing, Michigan 48913, for the duration of the training.  For an overview of a typical day during recruit school, visit A Recruit's Life. 

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9.  What is lodging like during recruit school?
Recruit school lodging is provided at the MSP Training Academy, located at 7426 North Canal Road, Lansing, Michigan 48913.  Each recruit is assigned a bed in a two-bed room with a sink and community shower room on the same floor.  Male and female recruits are lodged on different floors. 

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10. What do I need to bring to recruit school?
Applicants invited to the next recruit school receive an appointment letter describing details of the recruit school orientation and specific equipment necessary to begin the training.  

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11. How often can I see my family during recruit school?
Recruits remain at the MSP Training Academy, located at 7426 North Canal Road, Lansing, Michigan 48913, for the duration of the recruit school.  Recruits are allowed to leave the Training Academy on Friday evenings, but must return on Sunday afternoons.  For an overview of a typical day during recruit school, visit A Recruit's Life. 

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12. As a new trooper, where will I be assigned?
Recruits are asked to submit five preferred post locations prior to the end of recruit school.  The higher the recruit's academic ranking in the graduating class, the more likely the recruit will be placed at one of his/her preferred locations.  Every effort is made to fulfill the recruit's request, while still taking into account the personnel needs of the agency.  For more information, visit After Graduation. 

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13. I am already a police officer; do I have to attend recruit school?
All recruits must attend recruit school.  The MSP does not have a lateral entry program for officers transferring from other police agencies. 

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14. Are there any benefits for applicants with military experience?
MSP enlisted personnel with military experience are eligible to retire up to two years early, at 23 years of service.  Veterans can also receive an increase in longevity pay, which is a lump sum payment provided once a year based on time-in-service. 

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15. Who do I contact for more information?
MSP Recruiters are an excellent resource for prospective applicants.  In addition to providing their own, unique experiences, recruiters help guide applicants through the selection process and are available to answer any question or meet one-on-one to discuss what it means to become a trooper.  Prospective applicants are also encouraged to contact the Recruiting and Selection Section at (517) 636-4563 or send an e-mail to msprecruiting@michigan.gov.

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