By MATT PIKE
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is seeking applicants to be a part of a fast-track opportunity for experienced law enforcement professionals ready to take the next step in the 128th Accelerated Recruit Class.
The application deadline is June 30th, 2026. Testing will be conducted in Jefferson City. Applicants who successfully complete the testing process will advance through the selection process. . The Accelerated Academy is scheduled for 15 weeks. Training will begin on January 4th, 2027, and conclude with graduation in April 2027.
Applicants must have, at minimum, a high school diploma or GED equivalent and meet one of the following licensing requirements:
- Hold an active Missouri Class A POST license in good standing
- Hold an active Class B POST license in good standing that is eligible for upgrade
Out-of-state and military applicants must have completed basic training and possess experience that meets the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Missouri Class A License, as determined by POST (applicants must obtain a Missouri Class A license prior to the conditional offer phase).
Additionally, applicants must have served at least two consecutive years of full-time experience such as
- A Missouri POST-commissioned police officer
- A military police officers
- An out-of-state police officers
The hiring process includes a written examination, physical fitness for duty assessment, polygraph examination, background investigation, and an oral interview. After a conditional offer of employment, the applicant must successfully complete a medical examination, a psychological examination and interview, drug screening, and final applicant review.
The Patrol's uniform guidelines allow troopers to have tattoos or brands if they meet two requirements
- Tattoos/brands cannot depict or support criminal behavior, drug usage, nudity, profanity, promiscuity, subversive groups, bigotry, etc.
- Tattoos/brands cannot be located on the head, neck, hands, wrists, or any part of the body which would be visible during movements in the performance of their duties while wearing an official uniform or civilian attire while on duty. The sole exception is that one traditional band style ring tattoo may be displayed on a single ring finger. Any such tattoo will not extend beyond the proximal phalanx.
The starting/Academy salary is $66,432. Upon graduation, troopers will be paid $73,824 and will make around $98,448 after 12 years of service. Other benefits include group health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement and more.
Interested individuals can learn more about qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter at 1-800-796-7000. Or, applications can be submitted by clicking HERE.
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