Washington State Patrol Trooper Cadet

About the Agency

Washington State Patrol (WSP) is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency that trains and works hard to improve quality of life and prevent loss of life on a daily basis.

Washington State Troopers are general authority peace officers who uphold the Constitution of the United States and Washington State, laws and statutes for the protection of citizens.

Troopers serve all communities with compassion, integrity, and humility, working independently with minimal supervision. They provide a full range of police and safety services, enforce criminal and traffic law violations, support prosecutions, and respond to collisions, emergencies, and critical incidents.

• Conduct active patrol of assigned area and respond to calls for service during day or night shift.
• Observe and enforce compliance with vehicle laws and regulations.
• Use speed‑measuring devices, identify traffic violations and suspicious behaviors.
• Conduct safe traffic stops and contacts, issue verbal warnings, tickets, or effect arrests.
• Operate a patrol vehicle under normal and emergency situations while handling multiple tasks.
• Perform high‑risk vehicle maneuvers such as pursuit immobility techniques, road blocks, and spike strip deployment.
• Pursue potential violators by vehicle or on foot.
• Visually and physically search suspects and vehicles for weapons, contraband, or evidence.
• Communicate with persons in emotional states.
• Identify impairment and perform alcohol and drug sobriety tests.
• Detain or arrest subjects with handcuffs or restraints.
• Inform violators of violations and legal procedures.
• Use appropriate force to protect life, property, and restore order.
• Clear roadway hazards to expedite traffic flow and highway safety.
• Assist stranded or injured motorists (change tires, arrange tow, jump‑start cars).
• Inspect and maintain operability of issued equipment.
• Provide manual traffic control at events.
• Transport persons in patrol vehicle.
• Coordinate towing and storage of vehicles.
• Assume control and direct personnel and public at collision or incident scenes.
• Respond to critical incidents and civil disorder to protect life and property.
• Physically remove persons from dangerous situations.
• Survey scene damage or injuries and collect, preserve, and document evidence.
• Investigate collisions, misdemeanors, felonies, and suspected criminal activity.
• Maintain knowledge of court‑related procedures and laws.
• Obtain and serve arrest warrants and book violators according to procedure.
• Interview suspects, witnesses, and gather facts for investigations.
• Document evidence and situations for investigation reports.
• Testify in court regarding criminal arrests or collision investigations.
• Administer basic emergency first aid to victims.
• Notify next of kin when loss of life occurs.

• Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Be at least 19½ years old at the time of application.
• Speak, write, and read English.
• Hold a current, non‑probationary, non‑restricted driver’s license.
• Hold a high school diploma, GED, or higher degree from an accredited institution.
• Successfully pass a pre‑employment polygraph examination.
• Successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.
• Successfully pass a departmental medical examination.
• Successfully pass a departmental psychological examination.
• Be able to obtain and maintain a Washington State driver’s license during employment.
• Be willing and able to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and be on 24‑hour call.
• Be free from the use of narcotics or controlled substances.
• Be willing to accept statewide assignments.
• Current military service must be within six months of end‑of‑service date.

• Conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
• Intentional deception or fraud in any application, examination, or documents.
• Acts that would cause reasonable person to…