Law Enforcement Officer

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

• Cadet Salary: $6,509 per month
• Trooper I Salary: $7,635 per…