Missouri State Highway Patrol seeking applicants for 125th (Accelerated) Recruit Class
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is now accepting applications for troopers. The Patrol encourages qualified law enforcement professionals to apply and will conduct testing at nine locations throughout Missouri. Those who successfully complete the testing process will be eligible to advance in the selection process for the 125th (Accelerated) Recruit Class.
The application deadline is July 1, 2025.
The Accelerated Academy is scheduled for 15 weeks. Training will begin on January 5, 2026, and conclude with graduation on April 17, 2026.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Missouri applicants must also hold an active Missouri Class A POST license in good standing or an active Class B POST license in good standing that is eligible for upgrade. Out-of-state and military applicants must have completed basic training and possess experience that meets the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Missouri Class A License, as determined by POST. (Applicants must obtain a Missouri Class A license prior to the conditional offer phase).
Applicants must have served a minimum of three consecutive years as a full-time Missouri POST-commissioned police officer, a military police officer, or an out-of-state police officer in a traffic, patrol, or investigations capacity.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s uniform guidelines allow troopers to have tattoos or brands, as long as they meet two requirements: 1) The tattoos or brands cannot depict or support criminal behavior, drug usage, nudity, profanity, promiscuity, subversive groups, bigotry, etc. 2) Tattoos/brands cannot be located on the head, neck, hands, wrists, or any part of the body that would be visible during movements in the performance of their duties while wearing an official uniform or civilian attire while on duty. Troopers with tattoos on their arms that would be visible in the Class B uniform (short sleeves) will wear the Class A uniform (long sleeves). The sole exception is that one traditional band-style ring tattoo may be displayed on a single ring finger. Any such tattoo may not extend beyond the proximal phalanx.
The salary for recruits during the academy is $62,592. Upon graduation, the salary increases to $68,472. After three years of service, troopers become Trooper First Class, and salaries increase to $71,952. Additional salary increases for Trooper First Class reach a maximum annual salary of $91,320 after 12 years of service.
Other benefits include group health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement, and more.
The selection process is a multi-phase testing procedure, including a written examination, a physical fitness-for-duty assessment, a polygraph examination, a background investigation, and an oral interview board. Written and physical examinations take place in each troop area across the state. After a conditional offer of employment, the applicant must successfully complete a medical examination (including vision and hearing), a psychological examination, a psychological interview, drug screening, and a final applicant review.
Accelerated academy recruits will not be required to relocate and will be informed of their assignment before they are hired. Out-of-state applicants will have the opportunity to choose the location of their assignments.
Anyone interested in applying can find out more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter at 1-800-796-7000 or may apply online at www.motrooper.com.
MSHP IS AN EEO EMPLOYER.