Job Details

For those looking for a career serving the community, being a role model and making a difference in many lives, Michigan State Police has an opportunity for training and job placement with the state's law enforcement agency.  A Michigan State Trooper performs a full range of law enforcement assignments and is a certified police officer by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES).  A trooper typically works out of a State Police post and patrols the roads of an assigned geographical area to prevent or detect traffic law violations, conduct criminal investigations, and provide a variety of related services to the public.  

At the entry level of this classification, employees are initially assigned (earning a paycheck and health insurance benefits) to the Michigan State Police (MSP) Training Academy Recruit School where one completes the required law enforcement officer residential training program (approximately 20-22 weeks), as well as other course work and physical training intended to provide the knowledge and skills required to function as a State Police Trooper.  Applicants are asked to submit three preferred post locations when receiving their conditional offer of employment with their most preferred as number one. Every effort is made to fulfill their request while balancing the personnel needs of the agency. Applicants will receive their post assignment in their Appointment Letter.  Successful completion of recruit school is mandatory for continued employment.  Upon graduating from recruit school, the probationary trooper at their assigned State Police post and under close supervision, begins to function as a police officer.  The employee must satisfactorily complete an 18-month probationary period in this classification.  Successful completion of the probationary period is mandatory for continued employment. 

Job Description:

Employees in this job are police officers, responsible for the enforcement of all traffic and criminal laws  of the state, the protection of life and property, and the provision of related services to the public. There are two classifications in this job.

Position Code Title - State Police Trooper-E
State Police Trooper 10
This is the entry level. The employee is initially assigned to the State Police Training Academy Recruit  School where one completes the required law enforcement officer training program, as well as other  course work and physical training intended to provide the knowledge and skills required to function as a  State Police Trooper. Upon graduation from recruit school, the probationary trooper is assigned to a  State Police post and under close supervision, begins to function as a police officer. Successful  completion of recruit school is mandatory for continued employment. In the company of an experienced  State Police Trooper, the employee patrols an area to detect or prevent traffic law violations,  investigates complaints of law violations, and provides a variety of related services to the general public. The employee must satisfactorily complete an 18-month probationary period in this classification. Successful completion of the probationary period is mandatory for continued employment

JOB DUTIES NOTE: The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by positions in this job classification. Not all duties assigned to every position are included, nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned every duty.

• Patrols highways of assigned area in a patrol car in order to enforce traffic laws, prevent law violations,  observe and inspect persons and property for possible illegal or hazardous activity or conditions and to  respond to complaints, situations or requests from persons requiring assistance:
• Drives patrol car in all weather conditions while performing road patrol duties.
• Observes the operation and condition of vehicles to ascertain compliance with laws and takes  appropriate enforcement action in cases of law violation, including the issuing of warnings or citations, or  the effecting of an arrest.
• Assists stranded, distressed, or injured motorists by helping them make minor vehicle repairs, calling a  wrecker, dispensing gasoline, giving directions or advice, administering first aid, or otherwise responding to their needs.
• Appears on the scenes of accidents, disturbances or unusual events to direct traffic flow, restrain  spectators, collect and preserve evidence, and remove road hazards.
• Observes traffic, persons, buildings and surrounding areas to detect unusual conditions, suspicious  persons and activities, and to identify situations requiring further investigation and action.
• Operates various items of equipment used in road patrol work such as radar speed measuring devices,  weapons, breath testing equipment, radios, cameras, tools, lighting equipment, fire extinguishers, tow  chains, and jumper cables.
• Positions patrol vehicle at assigned roadblock locations in order to apprehend criminal suspects.
• Conducts investigations of alleged or suspected criminal activity in response to complaints received or  information developed in the course of road patrol activities:
• Interviews complainants, witnesses, suspects, and others who may have knowledge of a crime in order  to obtain facts and information.
• Observes and inspects crime scenes to evaluate the crime (e.g., methods of entry and exit of a  suspected criminal, damage to property, theft of property, extent of injury to persons); collects and  preserves physical evidence; and makes an initial determination of investigative actions to take.
• Searches persons, vehicles and properties to locate and collect evidence of a crime; marks, packages  and preserves evidence collected.
• Effects lawful arrests of suspected criminals by taking them into physical custody, subduing or  restraining them if necessary, searching them, explaining the reason for arrest and advising them of  their constitutional rights, and transporting them to the post or jail for further processing.
• Composes and types reports of activity, complaints investigated and their findings, and other periodic  and special reports and correspondence.
• Appears in court to give evidence and testimony as to the facts surrounding cases being tried.
• Provides assistance, information, and advice to other law enforcement agency officers on request.
• Advises citizens of their rights and responsibilities under the law.
• Confers with prosecutors and explains circumstances of crimes, evidence, facts and conclusions in  order to obtain needed warrants.
• Responds to civil disorders and riots and uses physical force in personal confrontations as required to  effect an arrest, disarm or render an antagonist ineffective, or otherwise quell the disturbance.
• Provides public relations and educational services to groups of interested public in areas such as traffic  safety, fire prevention, drugs and narcotics, and State Police programs and policies.
• Performs related work as assigned.