Washington State Patrol Lateral Trooper

Description

About the Washington State Patrol: The Washington State Patrol is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency driven by integrity, commitment, and service. Our troopers are more than highway patrol - they're community leaders and lifesavers, making a real difference across the state every single day.

Our Mission: The Washington State Patrol makes a difference every day, enhancing the safety and security of all people and communities by providing the best in public safety services.

Our Vision: To be the best public safety agency in the United States.

Our Motto: Service With Humility

Join the Washington State Patrol — Where Service Meets Impact

• Fast-Tracked Onboarding: Streamlined training tailored for experienced officers
• Career Advancement: Specialized units, promotion pathways, and leadership programs
• Statewide Reach: Influence safety on highways, in communities, and across jurisdictions
• High Standards & Camaraderie: Join an elite agency with strong values and lasting friendships

Who Should Apply?

You're a current or former peace officer with transferable skills, integrity, and a desire for continued growth. Whether you're looking for bigger challenges, better support, or a more mission-driven agency - WSP is where your next chapter begins.

Duties

As a Washington State Trooper, you're more than a peace officer—you’re a protector, a problem-solver, and a beacon of public service. You’ll uphold the Constitution and safeguard every community with integrity, professionalism, and respect. From high-speed responses to heartfelt community interactions, Troopers operate at the intersection of justice and compassion.

You will:

• Enforce traffic and criminal laws within assigned areas through proactive patrols, responsive service calls, and high-standard investigative practices
• Manage traffic flow and respond to collisions with professionalism and care
• Assist motorists, crime victims, and community members with integrity and empathy
• Serve as a liaison to governmental bodies and contribute to public safety initiatives
• Participate in specialized duties and task forces that reinforce statewide security

Key Responsibilities

Washington State Troopers are trained to act decisively, communicate effectively, and respond to complex situations with precision and restraint. Daily responsibilities include:

• Patrolling designated areas 24/7 and responding swiftly to emergency service calls
• Conducting traffic stops, issuing citations, and making arrests when needed
• Operating patrol vehicles in both routine and high-intensity scenarios
• Executing advanced vehicle tactics including PIT maneuvers, spike strips, and roadblocks
• Pursuing suspects by vehicle or on foot while maintaining officer and public safety
• Conducting thorough searches for weapons, contraband, and evidence
• Assessing driver behaviors and administering sobriety tests for drug/alcohol impairment
• Providing roadside assistance and delivering emergency aid when lives are on the line
• Investigating collisions and crimes, collecting evidence, and preparing legal documentation
• Testifying in court proceedings as a professional witness
• Maintaining deep knowledge of state laws, legal procedures, and criminal codes
• Participating in crisis situations, civil disturbances, and community outreach efforts
• Inspecting and maintaining all issued gear and safety equipment

Qualifications

Hiring Process

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) follows a structured five-phase hiring process:

1. Application Review – Initial assessment of qualifications.
2. Command Interview– Formal interview with WSP leadership.
3. Polygraph Examination– Final verification of candidate integrity.
4. Psychological & Medical Evaluation – Includes a psychological test, interview with a psychologist, and medical exam.
5. Background Investigation – Thorough review of personal and professional history.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Completion of a Basic Law Enforcement Academy and required probationary period at a current/former law enforcement agency.
• Must have 12 or more months of traffic law enforcement experience.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Washington State Driver’s License.
• Possession of a high school diploma, GED, or state-recognized home school certificate.
• Successful completion of all hiring phases listed above.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and be on 24-hour call as needed.
• Compliance with narcotics and controlled substance restrictions, as outlined in WSP Hiring Standards.

Professional Integrity & Character Standards

Applicants must demonstrate good moral character—any history of dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation, or conduct that undermines trust or lawfulness may result in disqualification. A history of domestic violence automatically eliminates candidates per RCW 10.99.

Essential Job Competencies

To succeed in this role, candidates must be able to:

• Administer basic first aid in emergency situations.
• Use force appropriately, including firearms, when necessary.
• Communicate effectively via radio equipment and during critical incidents.
• Operate a patrol vehicle independently in routine and emergency situations.
• Know when and how to deploy emergency lights and sirens.
• Properly handle all issued equipment and demonstrate its effective use.
• Provide credible courtroom testimony as required.

Training Program

• Lateral Transfers: Complete a five-week trooper equivalency course followed by a five-week field training program with a senior WSP officer for a total of 10 weeks. 
• Out-of-State Peace Officers: Must complete a two-week Washington State equivalency course to obtain certification. This equivalency course will take place prior to the start of the five-week trooper equivalency course for a total of 12 weeks. 

Supplemental Information

Hiring Incentive:
Lateral Troopers are eligible for a $20,000 hiring bonus. $8,000 upon completion of academy training, $6,000 upon successful completion of probationary period, $6,000 after completion of two (2) years of service.

Compensation: 
Lateral Troopers will receive a monthly salary which will be determined by seniority as a fully commissioned peace officer. Seniority determinations will be consistent with Article 8 of the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association (WSPTA) (Download PDF reader) Collective Bargaining Agreement.

• Shift Differential Pay, Education Incentive Pay, Geographic Pay, and Specialty Pay, as well as Paid Leave Time and Benefits. Read more here. 
• Qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Read more here.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
   ________________________________________________________________________________________________