Security, Police Officer

About the Agency

Washington State Patrol (WSP) is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency made up of dedicated professionals who train and work hard to improve the quality of life and prevent the unnecessary loss of life on a daily basis.

Washington State Patrol makes a difference everyday, enhancing the safety and security of all people and communities by providing the best in public safety services.

To be the best public safety agency in the United States.

Service With Humility

Washington State Patrol troopers have a desire to serve and make a difference in their communities every day. Troopers patrolling the highways are the most visible part of the agency and provide the best in public safety services to the people of Washington. Becoming a trooper is the first step toward building a career in one of many different specialty areas.

In the Washington State Patrol, you’ll have the chance to explore various options on which you can create the professional life you want.

As general authority peace officers, Washington State Patrol Troopers uphold the Constitution of the United States, Washington State constitution, laws, and statutes for the protection of its citizens.

As a Washington State Trooper, you will be committed to serving all communities with compassion, integrity, and humility. You will work independently with minimal supervision to provide a full range of police and safety services to the residents and visitors of Washington State. Troopers identify and enforce criminal and traffic law violations in assigned geographical areas as well as support criminal prosecutions through the use of statutory arrest authority, search, investigation, and court proceedings.

You will be required to expedite safe flow of traffic and assist with collision response and investigations. Troopers provide assistance to motorists, crime victims, the public, and governmental bodies. You will serve on committees or assist with projects dedicated to topics such as public safety and crime prevention as well as participate in specialty assignments and other duties as assigned.

• Conduct active patrol of assigned area and respond to calls for service during day and/or night shift, to ensure assigned area has patrol coverage 24 hours/day, 7 days a week.
• Observe and identify condition of vehicles to enforce compliance with laws, rules and regulations.
• Use a speed-measuring device to estimate speed of vehicles, identify suspicious behaviors and deception, etc.
• Conduct proper, safe, and high-risk traffic stops or contacts, including issuing verbal warnings, tickets, or effecting arrests, and take appropriate enforcement action for violations.
• Operate a patrol vehicle under normal and emergency situations while handling multiple tasks (observing, listening, reading, communicating on radio, etc.).
• Perform high-risk vehicle maneuvers including pursuit immobility techniques (PIT) maneuvers, road blocks, and deployment of spike strips to stop fleeing vehicles.
• Pursue potential violators or other persons with patrol vehicle or on foot.
• Visually and physically search suspects and vehicles for weapons, paraphernalia, contraband, or evidence of crimes.
• Communicate with persons in emotional states (hysterical, intoxicated, suicidal, etc.).
• Identify impairment and perform alcohol and drug impairment sobriety tests on subjects.
• Detain/arrest subjects with handcuffs or other restraints.
• Inform violators of violations and legal procedures.
• Use appropriate force to protect life, property, and restore order.
• Clear roadway from disabled cars, debris, damaged cars, and other traffic hazards to expedite flow of traffic and highway safety.
• Assist stranded, disabled, or injured motorists by changing tires, arranging for tow trucks, jump starting cars, etc.
• Inspect and maintain operability of issued equipment (e.g., gun, laser, flashlight, uniform, vehicle parts).
• Provide manual traffic control at events or as needed.
• Transport persons in patrol vehicle (citizens, suspects, etc.).
• Coordinate towing and storage of vehicles.
• Assume control and direct law…