The state of Nevada offers plenty of opportunities in its Highway Patrol division. The tasks required of those with Nevada State Trooper jobs includes identifying and rectifying traffic violations, conducting criminal investigations, stopping and searching vehicles, handling canines and aiding local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as needed. State troopers are also occasionally asked to help with safety operations during emergency situations, such as fires and natural disasters.
This guide will help you learn how to become a Nevada State Trooper through qualifications and training:
- Filling out the application and meeting basic requirements
- Taking and passing written and physical examinations
- Oral interview and background investigation
- Post-background check interview and conditional job offer
- Attend the training academy
Step 1. Verify You are in Compliance with all Requirements
The first thing you must do is review the basic requirements and complete an application packet, which can be found online here. The time from the completion of the application to the first day of training at the academy usually takes 4-6 weeks, depending on demand and the number of applicants at the time.
Minimum requirements include, bur are not limited to, the following:
- Must have at least a high school diploma or GED. College graduates are preferred, but are not necessary.
- Must meet all mental, emotional and physical requirements.
- Must be a citizen of the United States of America and must be a resident of the state of Nevada.
- Must be of sound character, with no prior felonies and a clean driving record, among many other things.
- Must not have any visible tattoos, piercings or brandings that can not be covered up by the uniform.
Step 2. Written and Physical Exams
The next step in the process is a series of examinations, which include a written portion, an oral test portion and a physical portion. The physical test requirements are:
- Run 300-meters in 6.8 seconds or less
- Vertical jump 14-inches
- Complete an agility run in 19.5 seconds
- Do 23 Push-ups
- Do 30 sit-ups in a minute or less
- Run a mile and a half in less than 16 minutes and 57 seconds
Step 3. Interview and Background Check
The oral interview includes questions about medical, educational, work, mental and physical, family and lifestyle history.
The information taken from the oral interview is then used to conduct and compare a thorough background check. This includes a look into your driving record, criminal history and financial history- including a credit check.
Step 4. Accept a Conditional Offer
If you successfully pass all of the steps in the process, you will be offered a conditional job offer. The conditions include the passing of a polygraph test, as well as medical, vision and hearing examinations and the signing of a sworn statement and oath to protect and serve the state.
Step 5. Nevada State Trooper Training
The Nevada State Trooper training involves enrolling in an academy and living on the premises. Training includes firearm handling, learning to deal with the public and criminal investigation and forensics, among many other skills.