MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact: Capt. Danielle E. Heil 573-751-9901
April 8, 2026
Q04082026
EMPHASIS: Missouri State Highway Patrol Seeking Applicants For The 128th (Accelerated) Recruit Class
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is now accepting applications for the 128th Accelerated Recruit Class—a fast-track opportunity for experienced law enforcement professionals ready to take the next step.
Testing will be conducted in Jefferson City, MO. Applicants who successfully complete the testing process will advance through the selection process. The application deadline is June 30, 2026.
The Accelerated Academy is scheduled for 15 weeks. Training will begin on January 4, 2027, and conclude with graduation in April 2027.
Minimum Qualifications - Applicants must have 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, or
· 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, or
· A military police officer, or
· An out-of-state police officer (experience must include traffic, patrol, or investigations).
Selection Process - 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.
Appearance Standards - 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.
Annual Salary and benefits include:
· Starting (Academy): $66,432.
· Upon graduation: $73,824.
· Up to $98,448 after 12 years of service.
· Other benefits include group health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement, and more.
Successful applicants will not be required to relocate. Out-of-state applicants will have the opportunity to choose the location of their assignments.
This is not just a job—it’s a test of character and a commitment to serve. Interested individuals can learn more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter by calling 1-800-796-7000.
Ready to answer the call? Apply here on our website.
THE MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
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