Job Description

Posting number: 1200-26-06

Department: Highway Patrol Division

Job classification: STATE TROOPER

Posting type: Sworn

Categories: Public Safety, Law Enforcement

The next lateral State Trooper academy is anticipated for March 1, 2027.

Patrols highways and/or performs general duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances and the prevention of crime. May be assigned to specialized functions including, but not limited to, training, motorcycle patrol, executive security, handling of explosives, hostage negotiations, Special Operations Unit, criminal investigations, paramedic duties, community relations, or administration. Performs related duties as assigned.

Testing includes Firearms Skill Assessment, candidates must also successfully complete the PAT exam. Laterals hired onto the Department will only complete the State Trooper Academy. Candidates successfully completing the firearms portions of the testing process will be placed on an 18-month eligibility list which will be used to fill current and future vacancies.

Examples of duties

1. Patrols state highway systems by automobile, motorcycle, aircraft or other means. Enforces traffic laws and controls movement of traffic. Maintains familiarity with patrol area by learning highways, landmarks, buildings, and topography.
2. Answers calls and complaints involving collisions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Responds to general public calls for assistance.
3. Stabilizes emergency situations. Secures collision or crime scenes, administers first aid as first responder, and provides assistance and/or protection as required.
4. Writes detailed reports on police-related activities.
5. Investigates traffic collisions and criminal cases by conducting interviews and gathering evidence.
6. Arrests criminal and traffic law offenders and transports to jail. Uses appropriate force to subdue offenders.
7. Prepares cases for court and testifies as a witness.
8. Keeps informed and aware of persons and places suspected of illegal activity and/or potential for problems within an assigned area.
9. Attends training classes in police methods and related topics.
10. Operates and maintains a variety of law enforcement equipment, tools, weapons and vehicles.
11. Participates in problem-oriented policing efforts by identifying problem areas, recommending and implementing solutions, and monitoring the results.
12. Maintains liaison with other law enforcement agencies, court systems, and the public to promote a cooperative law enforcement atmosphere.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

1. police methods, practices, and procedures.
2. Departmental rules and regulations.
3. federal, state, and local laws governing traffic and crime, search and seizure activities, and the rules of evidence.
4. first aid principles and practices.
5. conflict management techniques.
6. investigative techniques.
7. techniques of interviewing and interrogation.
8. crime patterns and trends in assigned area.

SKILL IN:

1. the operation of a vehicle under normal and/or adverse conditions.
2. the use of firearms and related police emergency equipment.

ABILITY TO:

1. prepare clear, accurate, and grammatically correct written reports.
2. analyze situations or information and adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action.
3. maintain composure and work effectively under highly stressful conditions.
4. treat persons with courtesy and respect while performing the Department’s mission.
5. read and understand complex written information.
6. observe and recollect details.
7. apply deadly force in accordance with law and Department policy.
8. work independently.
9. establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
10. work any hours including weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, call-outs, and overtime.
11. perform work for extended periods of time in environments of extreme heat or cold, or wet conditions.
12. use specialized protective equipment or clothing.
13. perform the physical requirements of the work (e.g., run and/or jump over rough terrain and obstacles; physically take custody of persons; subdue and apprehend combative suspects; safely search persons and places; push or pull heavy objects and apply force with upper and lower body; reach, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and turn, etc.)
14. perform basic mathematic and statistical calculations.
15. communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
16. operate a computer to input and retrieve information.

Supplemental information

Requires current AZ POST certification as a regular peace officer and a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a sworn peace officer at a law enforcement agency.
Must have successfully completed anagency’s field training program and probationary period.
Must have achieved a satisfactory or above overall rating on the most recent evaluation; OR successful completion of an Arizona law enforcement training academy as a DPS Cadet State Trooper.
Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver license at the time of employment.

Progression to the next step requires an overall performance rating of at least "Standard" in the last 12 months.

Must successfully complete the examination process.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

POSITION AGREEMENTS:
Department of Public Safety sworn personnel are stationed throughout Arizona with some individuals living in Utah, California, Nevada, and Colorado. State Troopers may be assigned to any of these positions.

**This is an uncovered appointment from date of hire throughout the State Trooper Academy.