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Lateral Entry Trooper Recruit School

Michigan State Police patrol car driving down road with colorful fall trees.

Lateral Entry Trooper Recruit School

Now hiring licensed police officers.

12-week accelerated recruit school begins July 2026.

 

 

 

Join the MSP in our Lateral Entry Trooper Recruit School

Requirements:

Why MSP?

  • State troopers have statewide jurisdiction and recruits get to choose their top three post locations.
  • MSP provides ongoing top-notch training and equipment, and troopers regularly conduct their own investigations with support from MSP’s numerous resources.
  • Ample opportunity for career advancement and many specialty assignments, including canine handler, computer crimes, narcotics, evidence technician, bomb squad, aviation, Emergency Support Team, marine services, traffic crash reconstruction, Tactical Bike Team, and more. Learn more about career paths.
Find details and apply
Female trooper in foreground, male trooper in background out of focus.
Benefits include: Video

Benefits include:

  • Specialty assignments available after two years.
  • Promotional opportunities at five years of service.
  • Defined benefit/defined contribution and health savings plans.
  • Paid holiday, vacation and sick leave.
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave. 
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurances. 
  • Uniforms and equipment are provided. 
  • Tuition reimbursement, career guidance, and specialized training.
  • Access to wellness and resiliency resources and employee resource groups.
  • Continuing education partnerships for reduced/discounted tuition and recognition of training for college credits at numerous colleges and universities.

  Pension Plus Benefit Plan
  Michigan State Police Troopers Association (MSPTA) Benefits

Competitive pay:

Trooper

Max: $100,500
Base salary, not including shift differential and overtime opportunities.

Sergeant

Max: $116,000
Base salary, not including shift differential and overtime opportunities.

 

See details and application

Learn more about the 12-week accelerated recruit school.

Hiring Process:

Step 1: Baseline Requirements

Entry-Level Law Enforcement Exam:

Take the Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam through the National Testing Network. The test is valid for 5 years. The exam evaluates the skills, knowledge and abilities related to elements of law enforcement positions.

Study Materials: A practice test is available for purchase at frontlinetest.com. Users must create an account to access the practice test. The practice test is not mandatory.

Fitness Test:

Take and pass an accepted fitness test. Accepted tests include:

Step 2: NEOGOV Application

Apply to become a Lateral Entry Trooper

 

The applicant must complete the NEOGOV application. Applicants will be required to upload the following documents into NEOGOV when filling out the online application, if applicable:

  • Resume and cover letter indicating interest in the  position
  • Valid driver's license (Michigan license required by graduation from recruit school)
  • Birth certificate
  • Social security card
  • Official high school transcript or G.E.D. certificate
  • Official college transcripts from all schools attended (if applicable)
  • Military Certificate of Release from Active Duty DD-214 (if applicable)
    • If still active duty, a letter of service
  • Authorization for Release of Information PD-044
  • Qualification Inquiry (QI) Form
  • Inspector General's Report

    Any marijuana use after submitting an application is prohibited and will result in a 1-year deferment from the selection process.
Step 3: Hiring Interview

Designed to assess specific competencies necessary to perform the duties of the Trooper, the hiring interview will be based on a validated job assessment for the position. Each applicant will be asked a series of questions in one or more of the following categories:

  • Building Trust
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Adaptability
  • Continuous Learning
  • Decision Making
  • Customer Focus
  • Work Standards
  • Communication
  • Initiating Action
  • Job Fit

In the hiring interview, candidates will be asked to describe their experience(s) in the above areas. Candidates will be required to describe to the interview panel, which consists of three department members, a situation or task, the action taken and the results of that action. Your success depends on your ability to articulate what you have done to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform as a law enforcement officer, although the experience may have occurred in some other area. In addition, questions may arise from the background investigation itself, personal history questionnaire, driving record, credit history, references, criminal history, resume, or other relevant information.

Step 4: Background Investigation
Considered the most important step in the selection process, a trained department employee conducts a thorough and comprehensive background investigation, including the applicant's past actions and experiences, to help determine the applicant's suitability for employment. The department places significant emphasis on the results of an applicant's background investigation. Members of the MSP Recruiting and Selection Section thoroughly review the completed investigation to determine if an applicant will continue with the selection process.
Step 5: Conditional Offer of Employment

Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, candidates who achieve a rating high enough to merit appointment to the Academy are given a conditional offer of employment. This offer states that, if the candidate passes the remaining pre-employment steps, the candidate will be appointed to the Academy. Candidates must continue to meet the minimum requirements. Negative information that comes to the attention of the department after a conditional offer of employment is made is open to review and may subject the candidate to revocation of the offer. Applicants will be asked for their top 3 post assignment selections at the time of the conditional offer.

  • Psychological Screening and Medical Examination: All candidates shall undergo a psychological screening administered at the direction of the department's Behavioral Sciences Section prior appointment to an Academy. All candidates must pass this examination and a medical examination within 180 days prior to appointment.
  • Drug Screening: All candidates must pass this examination and a medical examination within 180 days prior to appointment. All candidates shall be drug screened at least once prior to appointment to the Academy.
  • MCOLES Physical Fitness Test: All applicants will be required to update the MCOLES Physical Fitness Test with the Michigan State Police before the start of recruit school.
Step 6: Appointment
Applicants who successfully complete all selection process steps are invited to the next scheduled recruit school. Applicants will receive an appointment letter describing details of the recruit school orientation and specific equipment necessary to begin the training, as well as their post assignment.
Step 7: Academy Training

Lateral recruit school is 12 weeks long. Recruits are required to live at the academy during the week and are released on Friday evenings. They are required to return on Sunday evenings. This is a great sacrifice that takes commitment and a strong desire to succeed. 

Learn more about a recruit's life. 

Find additional information or contact MSP

Find details and apply