About the Colorado State Patrol (CSP)

The mission of the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people by leveraging the strengths of its members and delivering professional law enforcement services rooted in honor, duty, and respect.

CSP plays a vital role in protecting Colorado’s communities and ensuring safe roadways for residents and visitors alike. Troopers are highly trained professionals, equipped with advanced skills and continuous education to excel in this fulfilling career.

CSP operates across several key areas:

• Traffic Safety: Enforcing motor vehicle laws and conducting crash investigations.
• Criminal Interdiction: Investigating drug and human trafficking, vehicle theft, and related offenses.
• Communications: Providing professional dispatch services.
• Hazardous Materials: Ensuring safe transportation of hazardous goods.
• Executive Security: Protecting the State Capitol, Governor, and visiting dignitaries.
• Victim Assistance: Supporting victims of traffic-related crimes.

Colorado State Trooper Career Path

Step 1: Cadet Internship

All Colorado State Patrol Troopers must first complete the CSP Cadet Internship Program. As a Cadet, you will undergo rigorous training at the Colorado State Patrol Academy, preparing you to become a fully functional State Trooper. Cadet responsibilities include:

• Investigating traffic crashes, auto thefts, drug trafficking, and citizen complaints.
• Determining violations of civil and criminal laws and applying appropriate enforcement actions.
• Writing detailed reports and developing case files for prosecution.
• Testifying in hearings and trials.
• Responding to emergencies, including life-threatening situations, disaster mobilization, and crowd control.
• Attending certification courses in firearms, CPR/First Aid, de-escalation tactics, driving, and physical agility.

Starting Salary as a Cadet: $6,509 per month

Step 2: Trooper I

Upon successful completion of the 23-week CSP Academy and the Field Training Officer (FTO) Program, Cadets are promoted to Trooper I. This fully operational role includes:

• Enforcing state and federal motor vehicle and criminal laws.
• Conducting traffic stops, crash investigations, and assisting motorists.
• Responding to emergency situations and aiding other agencies.
• Participating in specialized enforcement, such as hazardous materials and commercial vehicle inspections.

Trooper I Salary: $7,635 per month

Step 3: Trooper Advancement

Troopers advance based on years of service:

• Trooper I: Starting after Academy graduation – $7,635 per month
• Trooper II: After 4 years of service – $8,553 per month
• Trooper III: After 8 years of service – $9,480 per month

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for the CSP Cadet Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age: Must be at least 20 years old to apply and 21 years old by the start of the next academy class.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Driver’s License: Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship not required, but applicants must have valid work authorization (Form I-9).
• Language: Must communicate fluently in English, both written and spoken.
• Background: Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Physical Fitness: Must meet CSP fitness standards.
• Hearing and Vision: Correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision and hearing.

Disqualifiers

Applicants will be disqualified for the following reasons:

• Criminal History: Any felony conviction, domestic violence conviction, or disqualifying misdemeanor under Colorado POST.
• Drug Use: Use of illegal drugs or controlled substances without a prescription within the last five years.
• Alcohol Misuse: Unauthorized consumption while on duty or refusal to submit to employer alcohol testing.
• Driving Violations:
  • DUI/DWAI/DUID within the past three years.
  • Eluding an emergency vehicle within the past three years.
  • License suspension or revocation (excluding financial responsibility) within the past two years.
  • Hit-and-run incidents within the past three years.
• Integrity Issues: Fraudulent behavior, theft over $300 from an employer, or bribery.

Compensation and Benefits

• Cadet Salary: $6,509 per month
• Trooper I Salary: $7,635 per month (upon graduation)
• Trooper II Salary: $8,553 per month (4th anniversary)
• Trooper III Salary: $9,480 per month (8th anniversary)
• Uniform Allowance: $100 per month
• Retirement: PERA Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Health & Dental: Comprehensive coverage for employees and dependents
• Paid Time Off: 11 paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and wellness days
• Tuition Assistance: Reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University
• ECO Pass: Free transit pass for employees within the RTD service area
• Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP): Counseling and support services

Examination and Hiring Process

The hiring process takes up to one year and includes the following stages:

1. Application Review: Submit an online application through CoJobs by the deadline.
2. Written Exam: Online testing
3. Background Investigation: Comprehensive review of criminal, financial, and employment history.
4. Polygraph Examination: Conducted by a certified professional.
5. Majors' Review Board: Evaluation of candidate files by CSP leadership.
6. Oral Board Interview: In-person panel interview in Golden, Colorado.
7. Conditional Offer: Top candidates receive a conditional job offer, subject to:
   • Psychological Inventory Assessment and Interview
   • Pre-employment 10-panel drug screening
   • Medical Clearance and Physical Agility Test

Duty Station and Residency

• Duty stations are assigned statewide and selected upon final offer.
• Troopers must live within 30 minutes of their assigned duty station.
• Troopers must be available for rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency response.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. Contact:
Christine Moreno, ADAAA Coordinator
Email: christine.moreno@state.co.us

How to Apply

Submit an online application at:
Colorado State Patrol Careers

For assistance, contact:
Michelle Chancey
Phone: 303-358-4687
Email: michelle.chancey@state.co.us

Start your journey toward a rewarding career with the Colorado State Patrol. Apply today and become part of a team dedicated to protecting and serving Colorado’s communities.