Louisiana State Trooper Training

Louisiana State Troopers uphold the laws of the United States and the State of Louisiana. In addition to patrolling the state’s roadways, the Louisiana State Police also include a Bomb Squad, Air Support Unit and a SWAT Team.  Louisiana State Trooper jobs are offered through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

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If you would like to learn how to become a Louisiana State Trooper, please look over the following steps.

  1. Review your qualifications
  2. Submit an application packet
  3. Pass the entrance exam
  4. Complete the availability/personal data questionnaire
  5. Pass the physical condition assessment
  6. Pass the background check and polygraph
  7. Successfully complete oral interview
  8. Submit to a medical exam, psychological evaluation and drug test

Step 1. Review Your Qualifications

To become a Louisiana State Trooper, you must possess the following qualifications:

  • Be a citizen of the United States
  • Have one or more of the following:
    • Two years of experience serving as a law enforcement officer
    • Completion of at least 60 semester hours at a college or university
    • A combination of academic or law enforcement experience
    • Three years of active military service
    • Eight consecutive years of full-time employment in federal, state or local government
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Possess a valid Louisiana driver’s license

The following conditions may disqualify you from joining the Louisiana State Police:

  • Felony conviction
  • Conviction of a hit and run or DUI in the past three years

Step 2. Submit an Application to the Louisiana State Police Commission

An application may be downloaded from the Louisiana State Police website or requested through the mail. The form must be accurately and completely filled out and returned to the Louisiana State Police Commission in Baton Rouge.  No additional documents are required when the application is submitted.

Step 3. Pass the Entrance Exam

The entrance exam consists of the following four sections, each with 25 questions:

  1. Understanding oral information as well as observation and memory
  2. Analytical ability
  3. Reading and comprehension of written material
  4. Situational judgment

Step 4. Complete the Availability and Personal Date Questionnaire

If you pass the written exam, you will be provided an Availability/Personal Data Questionnaire which must be completed and returned within two weeks.

Step 5. Pass the Physical Condition Assessment

There are three components to this test and results necessary to pass are scaled according to gender and age.  The exact results needed are listed on this chart.

  • 1.5 mile run
  • Sit ups
  • Push ups

Step 6. Pass the Background Investigation and Polygraph

Using the information provided on the Personal Data Questionnaire, a thorough investigation into your educational, employment and criminal history will be conducted. You will also be required to submit to a polygraph test which will verify the truthfulness of the information provided.

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Step 7. Successfully Complete an Oral Interview

You will be required to appear before the Oral Interview Board to respond to various questions about your past, desire to become a Louisiana State Trooper and qualifications. If you successfully pass this and prior steps you will be tendered a Conditional Offer of Employment.

Step 8. Submit to a Medical Examination, Psychological Evaluation and Drug Test

You will be examined medically by a licensed physician and psychologically by a state certified psychologist to ensure you are capable of performing the duties required of a Louisiana State Trooper. A drug test will also be administered.

Step 9. Complete the Louisiana State Trooper Training Program

Once you are selected to join the Louisiana State Police you will be required to attend an 18 week Louisiana State Trooper Training Program.  The courses in this intensive curriculum will include

  • Defensive tactics
  • Emergency vehicle operations
  • First responder skills
  • Firearms
  • Investigations
  • Law
  • Law enforcement
  • Roadway incident investigation

Following completion of the training program, you will be assigned to a Field Training Officer before receiving your initial job assignment.

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