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Become a Trooper

Michigan State Police trooper Sean Park working road patrol and interacting with the public. Service with a Purpose.

Become a Trooper

Troopers receive a competitive salary and great benefits:

Recruits are employees of the MSP on the first day of recruit school and do not pay for their training. Recruits also receive full insurance and other benefits while attending recruit school.

Salaries/rates shown are gross amounts. 

  • $5K+ Monthly in Recruit School

    Recruits receive a monthly salary of approximately $5,500 while in recruit school. 

  • $71K+ as a Trooper

    Approximate annual salary as a Trooper 10, not including overtime and shift premiums.

  • $107K+ After 10 Years of Service

    After 10 years of service, troopers receive an increase in annual salary to $107,000.

    See Sergeant Pay

  • Trooper Benefits Include:

    • Specialty assignments available after two years.
    • Promotional opportunities at five years of service.
    • Defined benefit/defined contribution and health savings plans.
    • Paid holiday, vacation and sick leave.
    • 12 weeks of paid parental leave. 
    • Health, dental, vision, and life insurances. 
    • Uniforms and equipment are provided. 
    • Tuition reimbursement, career guidance, and specialized training.
    • Access to wellness and resiliency resources and employee resource groups.
    • Continuing education partnerships for reduced/discounted tuition and recognition of training for college credits at numerous colleges and universities.

On Duty:

Troopers are asked for their three preferred post assignments during the application process, and are provided their post assignment part of the way through recruit school. 

After graduation from the Academy, they report to their post assignment where they are responsible for investigating and deterring crime, apprehending criminals and fugitives, conducting traffic enforcement to increase traffic safety, and participating in community outreach and prevention services activities.

After successful completion of the probationary period and two years of service, troopers are eligible to apply for specialty assignments.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Basic Requirements

  • Driving Record

    In the two years prior to the beginning of the selection process for a recruit school, applicants cannot have:

    • An assessment of eight or more points.
    • Three or more moving violations.
    • Two or more traffic crashes resulting in moving violations or civil infractions.

    In the four years prior to the beginning of the selection process for a recruit school, applicants cannot have:

    • A conviction of driving with a suspended or revoked license.
    • A conviction of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including impaired driving.
    • Two or more convictions of reckless driving.

  • Criminal History Disqualifications

    • A felony conviction or a reasonable belief the applicant committed a felony is cause for automatic disqualification from the selection process. This includes felony convictions expunged or set aside.
    • A conviction of a penal law punishable by imprisonment of more than one year. The misdemeanor convictions listed below are cause for automatic disqualification from the selection process:
      • i. A misdemeanor involving the use of a firearm or dangerous weapon with the intent to injure, or the use of a firearm or dangerous weapon involving force or violence or the threat of force or violence.
      • ii. A misdemeanor involving criminal sexual conduct.
      • iii. A misdemeanor involving abuse or neglect.
      • iv. A one-year misdemeanor involving unlawful entry/breaking and entering.
      • v. A misdemeanor involving embezzlement.
      • vi. A misdemeanor involving a moving violation resulting in death or serious impairment of a bodily function.
      • vii. A one-year misdemeanor involving larceny, theft, or fraud.
      • viii. A conviction or a reasonable belief the applicant committed domestic violence or stalking is cause for automatic disqualification from the selection process. This includes convictions that have been expunged or set aside or any crimes listed in Public Act 201 of 2023.
      • ix. A misdemeanor involving a controlled substance.
      • x. Operating while intoxicated/drugged, second offense within seven years
    • Disclosure of drug use does not preclude an applicant from moving forward in the selection process and will be evaluated on case by case basis.
    • A misdemeanor conviction involving any of the above categories for an applicant that was charged as an adult and settled by pre-trial diversion, plea bargain, set aside, deferment, Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA), or expungement, are automatically disqualified from the selection process.
    • Juvenile (16-years-old or prior) misdemeanor convictions, adjudications and court actions including expungements, HYTA, pre-trial diversions, plea bargains, set asides, and deferments will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

    Applicants will be permanently disqualified from our process for intentionally providing False, Misleading or Inaccurate information.

Trooper Application and Hiring Process:

The hiring process to become a trooper consists of seven distinct steps, guiding applicants from initial preparation through the start of recruit school: the Entry-Level Law Enforcement Exam & Fitness Test, NEOGOV application, hiring interview, background investigation, conditional offer of employment, appointment, and academy training.

1
Step One

Baseline requirements - Entry-Level Law Enforcement Exam and Fitness Test

Entry-Level Law Enforcement Exam:

Take the Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam through the National Testing Network. The test is valid for 5 years. The exam evaluates the skills, knowledge and abilities related to elements of law enforcement positions.

Study Materials: A practice test is available for purchase at frontlinetest.com. Users must create an account to access the practice test. The practice test is not mandatory.

Fitness Test:

Take and pass an accepted fitness test. Accepted tests include:

2
Step Two

NEOGOV application

The applicant must complete the NEOGOV application. Applicants will be required to upload the following documents into NEOGOV when filling out the online application, if applicable:

  • Resume and cover letter indicating interest in the  position
  • Valid driver's license (Michigan license required by graduation from recruit school)
  • Birth certificate
  • Social security card
  • Official high school transcript or G.E.D. certificate
  • Official college transcripts from all schools attended (if applicable)
  • Military Certificate of Release from Active Duty DD-214 (if applicable)
    • If still active duty, a letter of service
  • Authorization for Release of Information PD-044
  • Qualification Inquiry (QI) Form
  • Inspector General's Report

Any marijuana use after submitting an application is prohibited and will result in a 1-year deferment from the selection process.
3
Step Three

Hiring interview

Designed to assess specific competencies necessary to perform the duties of the Trooper, the hiring interview will be based on a validated job assessment for the position. Each applicant will be asked a series of questions in one or more of the following categories:

  • Building Trust
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Adaptability
  • Continuous Learning
  • Decision Making
  • Customer Focus
  • Work Standards
  • Communication
  • Initiating Action
  • Job Fit

In the hiring interview, candidates will be asked to describe their experience(s) in the above areas. Candidates will be required to describe to the interview panel, which consists of three department members, a situation or task, the action taken and the results of that action. Your success depends on your ability to articulate what you have done to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform as a law enforcement officer, although the experience may have occurred in some other area. In addition, questions may arise from the background investigation itself, personal history questionnaire, driving record, credit history, references, criminal history, resume, or other relevant information.

4
Step Four

Background investigation

Considered the most important step in the selection process, a trained department employee conducts a thorough and comprehensive background investigation, including the applicant's past actions and experiences, to help determine the applicant's suitability for employment. The department places significant emphasis on the results of an applicant's background investigation. Members of the MSP Recruiting and Selection Section thoroughly review the completed investigation to determine if an applicant will continue with the selection process.

5
Step Five

Conditional offer of employment

Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, candidates who achieve a rating high enough to merit appointment to the Academy are given a conditional offer of employment. This offer states that, if the candidate passes the remaining pre-employment steps, the candidate will be appointed to the Academy. Candidates must continue to meet the minimum requirements. Negative information that comes to the attention of the department after a conditional offer of employment is made is open to review and may subject the candidate to revocation of the offer. Applicants will be asked for their top 3 post assignment selections at the time of the conditional offer.

  • Psychological Screening and Medical Examination: All candidates shall undergo a psychological screening administered at the direction of the department's Behavioral Sciences Section prior appointment to an Academy. All candidates must pass this examination and a medical examination within 180 days prior to appointment.
  • Drug Screening: All candidates must pass this examination and a medical examination within 180 days prior to appointment. All candidates shall be drug screened at least once prior to appointment to the Academy.
  • MCOLES Physical Fitness Test: All applicants will be required to update the MCOLES physical Fitness with the Michigan State Police before the start of recruit school. 
6
Step Six

Appointment

Applicants who successfully complete all selection process steps are invited to the next scheduled recruit school. Applicants will receive an appointment letter describing details of the recruit school orientation and specific equipment necessary to begin the training. 

7
Step Seven

Academy training

Most recruit schools are 20-22 weeks. Recruits are required to live at the academy during the week and are released on Friday evenings. They are required to return on Sunday evenings. This is a great sacrifice that takes commitment and a strong desire to succeed. 

Learn more about a recruit's life. 

Recruit line up outside the Training Academy on the first day of recruit school.
Recruit line up outside the Training Academy on the first day of recruit school.

Trooper Recruit School

Every enlisted member was once a recruit, giving each officer, from trooper to colonel, a shared experience unlike any other.

Learn more

After Graduation:

  • Blue Michigan State Police patrol car driving through forest with yellow leaves on trees.

    Post Placement

    Applicants are asked to submit three preferred post locations when receiving their conditional offer of employment with their most preferred as number one. Every effort is made to fulfill their request while balancing the personnel needs of the agency.

    Applicants will receive their post assignment in their Appointment Letter.

  • Two troopers ride together in a patrol car.

    Field Training Officer Program

    After graduation, recruits become probationary troopers and are assigned to posts across the state. Each new trooper is assigned to a Field Training Officer (FTO) at the post and accompanies the FTO on all his/her assignments and shifts. The FTO program has a total of three phases.
  • Michigan State Police Marine Services boat and helicopter of the coast of Mackinac Island.

    Career Paths

    After successful completion of the probationary period and two years of service, troopers are eligible to apply for specialty assignments including:

    • Aviation
    • Tactical Bike Team
    • Bomb Squad
    • Canine Unit
    • and more!

A Trooper's Pledge

  • Michigan State Police trooper badge on dark blue background.
    I am a Michigan State Trooper, entrusted to keep sacred the traditions of my department. I will always serve honestly and faithfully, surrendering my life for others if necessary. When I am called upon to act, I will not shy from conflict or deviate from my call to duty, serving anyone who may be in peril or distress. I will obey the laws of Michigan, the United States of America and the directives of my department. I will not consider race, color, or creed when enforcing the law. I will perform my duties with excellence, integrity and courtesy, and conduct myself in a manner that honors those who served before me. I am a Michigan State Trooper.
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