Criminal Justice Jobs – Law Enforcement – State Trooper/Highway Patrol Officer
State Trooper/Highway Patrol Officer Job Description
As a state trooper or highway patrol officer, your duties will be to enforce the law on the highways. This will involve traffic violations, driving violations, responding to and investigating accidents (which could involve administering first aid), generally assisting the public (such as breakdowns, directions and other minor queries) and also the more exhilerating highway pursuits and arrests.
In smaller rural areas, you may find yourself helping with criminal investigation although your duties are usually restricted to the highways. This criminal justice job will suit someone who likes being out and about in the field spending a lot of time behind the wheel.
State Trooper/Highway Patrol Officer Educational Requirements
You will need as a minimum a high school diploma but more than likely, due to increased competition from other candidates, you will need a degree in criminal justice or similar to be considered for this role.
When you have been successful in your application for the job of highway patrol, as with most law enforcement jobs, you will undergo a period of intensive training from the department to prepare you for the role.
State Trooper/Highway Patrol Officer Salary
State troopers or highway patrol officers can expect to earn anywhere from $40k – $60k depending on department and experience.
State Trooper/Highway Patrol Officer Career Prospects
State troopers and highway patrol officers have a multitude of career opportunities available. You could look to progress your career into a variety of other law enforcement roles such as detective, crime scene investigation and inspector to name just a few. You should continue to invest in your training and education if you want a successful career in law enforcement.
