If you are interested in a rewarding, challenging career in which each day is different, then joining the state trooper division of the Idaho state police (ISP) may be right for you. This guide describes the steps needed to become an Idaho state trooper.
You must successfully complete each step before moving on to the next. The seven steps are:
- Understand and Meet the Minimum Qualifications Before Applying
- Complete Application, Qualifications Statement and Online Test
- Take Oral Examination and Physical Fitness Test
- Undergo Background Investigation
- Receive Conditional and Final Offers
- Attend Training
Step 1. Meet Minimum Qualifications
You must meet all of these requirements in order for your application to be considered:
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- Two years responsible work experience OR two years of higher education
- Valid driver’s license
- Fingerprint clearance by Idaho Peace Officers and the FBI
- ISP Drug Standard – details at isp.idaho.gov/hr/drug/
- Physically Fit with Normal Vision and Hearing
- No Felony Convictions Ever or Misdemeanor Convictions in Last Five Years
- Never Decertified as a Peace Officer or Dishonorably Discharged from Military
- Never Fired From Employment for a Just Cause
- Willingness to Adhere to the Idaho State Police Grooming/Appearance Standards detailed at https://isp.idaho.gov/hr/grooming-appearance/
Step 2. Complete Application Package
Go to https://isp.idaho.gov/hr/, click on “Apply,” and fill out application and qualifications statement. Take the online one-hour timed test that consists of questions dealing with English usage, reading comprehension, situational judgment and your ability to follow procedures and draw conclusions.
Step 3. Oral Examination and Physical Fitness Test
Both examinations are given on the same day at ISP headquarters in Meridian, Idaho. Wear business attire but bring a change of clothing and shoes for the physical test.
Oral Exam. A three-member panel will quiz you about your general background, education and experience. They might ask how you handled certain past situations. “Competency based interviewing” techniques are used in which candidate answers are scored and calculated to determine a final hiring list.
Physical Readiness Test. You will be asked to perform five feats:
- Vertical jump
- One-minute continuous sit-ups
- Maximum push-ups
- 300-meter run
- 1.5-mile run/walk
Step 4. Background Investigation
A thorough investigation of your past employment, education, credit history, criminal activities (if any) and driving record will be carried out.
Step 5. Conditional and Final Offers
A job offer will be made contingent upon your successful fulfillment of a polygraph test, physical examination and psychological evaluation. You will be presented a final offer and location assignment following successful completion of the three final tests. You will be scheduled for training if you accept the offer and assignment.
Step 6. Training
You will spend 10 weeks at the Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy in Meridian after which you will attend a 14-week State Police Advanced Training course. The completion of your training will be 12 weeks in the field working with an experienced state trooper.
You will receive $17.67/hour throughout the training period (approximately eight months), followed by regular raises and rank increases based on performance and accomplishments. Benefits include a take-home patrol car, medical/dental/life insurance, paid-for uniforms, a dry-cleaning allowance and a retirement plan.