Indiana state troopers are members of the Indiana State Police (ISP) force that was created in 1933 with 16 officers and now boasts enforcement personnel of more than 1,200 employees.
Indiana state trooper jobs may involve behind the wheel of patrol cars, at the controls of helicopters or underwater where scuba gear replaces the familiar two-tone blue uniform. New troopers always begin service with patrol car duties with future opportunities for specializations. Indiana State trooper applications are currently being accepted.
This guide clarifies how to become an Indiana state trooper in 7 steps:
- Meet Eligibility Requirements and Apply
- Written Examination
- Physical Ability Test
- Oral Interview
- Polygraph
- Background Investigation
- Attend Recruit Academy
Step 1. Meet Eligibility Requirements and Apply
You must meet the following requirements before your application can be accepted:
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must be between the ages of 21 and 40.
- Your vision needs to be correctable to 20/50.
- You must possess a valid driver’s license.
- You must have earned a high school diploma or GED.
- You need to be willing to serve anywhere in Indiana.
There are no exceptions. If you meet all of these requirements, complete the application online. The application is 15 pages long and very detailed. If you have questions, contact a recruiter near you. You can find recruiter locations here.
Step 2. Written Examination
The written exam tests such things as your reading comprehension, spatial orientation and problem solving/reasoning abilities.
Step 3. Physical Ability Test (PAT)
You must be able to successfully complete five activities:
- 16-inch vertical jump
- 29 sit-ups in one minute
- 25 push-ups
- 300-meter run in 71 seconds
- 1.5-mile run in 15 minutes 28 seconds
Step 4. Oral Interview
Be prepared to answer questions about your background and your future ambitions. Your ability to communicate effectively will be assessed.
Step 5. Polygraph Examination
The exam will be conducted by a professional polygraph examiner.
Step 6. Background Investigation
It will explore all aspects of your life, including your educational, employment and credit histories, driving record, criminal activities (if any), etc.
Step 7. Indiana State Trooper Recruit Academy
You will be required to attend over 600 hours of academic and field instruction at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy located in Plainfield, Indiana. Instruction is given Monday through Friday; recruits can return home on weekends. You will have a one- year probationary period following graduation from the academy.
You will receive a bi-weekly salary of $1,417.40 while in training and a starting salary of $38,444/year thereafter. Indiana state trooper benefits include health, dental and life insurance as well as a retirement plan and paid-for uniforms and ordinances.