Want to keep Minnesota roads safe? Join the State Patrol.
Oct. 29, 2020
It’s easy to get frustrated when you look at the loss of life so far this year on Minnesota’s roads. Preliminary numbers show 320 deaths as of Oct. 26 compared to 299 at the same time last year. If you buckle up, drive sober, keep distractions away and obey the speed limit, and still wish there was more you can do, well…there is. You can join the Minnesota State Patrol.
The State Patrol is currently accepting applications through Nov. 15. And although they’re accepting people currently in law enforcement or those with a law enforcement degree, you don’t have to have law enforcement experience to apply -- you can start in the Law Enforcement Training Opportunity (LETO) Program. To qualify to become a trooper, you need a two- or four-year college degree in any discipline and a Minnesota driver’s license if offered employment, and you must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen. The State Patrol is looking for people from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply.
You probably know that a state trooper’s job is to help prevent the tragedies mentioned above by enforcing traffic laws, arresting offenders, and appearing as witnesses in court when necessary. But did you know troopers also provide emergency assistance to the motoring public, whether that’s helping change a tire or providing first aid to an injured person? What about working with K-9 units and investigating crashes? Yep, they do that too, along with many more opportunities and responsibilities.
You can clearly benefit the public in a job like this by making Minnesota’s roadways safer and more efficient. But what may be less apparent when you think about a career with the Minnesota State Patrol is its benefit to you. Even during the training academy, you’ll receive the base trooper salary of over $62,000/year, with credit for prior law enforcement experience. Benefits include health, dental, life, and disability insurance; paid parental leave; retirement benefits; and vacation accrual. And at the academy, you’ll gain skills and traits you’ll use every day out on the road by yourself, such as confidence, discipline and organization.
Ultimately, by becoming a Minnesota state trooper, you’ll be able to get out from behind that desk or counter or what-have-you and onto Minnesota roads. And by upholding the State Patrol’s core values of respect, integrity, courage, honor and excellence, you’ll make those roads safer for all Minnesotans.
