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
October 13, 2026
Q10132026
EMPHASIS: Missouri State Highway Patrol Seeking Applicants For 2027 Recruit Classes
The Missouri State Highway Patrol announces that it is now accepting applications for its 2027 recruit training classes. The Patrol encourages qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply for this opportunity to serve Missouri citizens with professionalism and integrity.
All applicant testing will be conducted in Jefferson City, MO. Candidates who successfully complete the required testing will advance to a multi-phase selection process designed to identify individuals who demonstrate discipline, perseverance, and a strong commitment to public service. Applicants who pass all testing requirements will be placed in the appropriate 2027 recruit class based on how quickly they progress through the testing process.
Recruit training classes will commence in May 2027 and October 2027.
To be eligible, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be 21 years of age upon graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy. Upon graduating from the Patrol’s Academy, troopers are eligible to earn:
- 46 credit hours through Mineral Area College in Park Hills, MO
- 30 credit hours through the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO
- 57 credit hours through Missouri State University in Springfield, MO
- 45 credit hours through Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO
During the Academy, recruits may also be eligible to receive an associate of applied science degree at Mineral Area College by completing an additional 16 general education credit hours through online courses with Western Governors University.
The starting annual salary when entering the Academy is $66,432. Upon graduation, the salary increases to $73,824. Salary increases will occur after three years of service and additional salary increases may reach a maximum annual salary of $98,448 after 12 years of service. Other benefits include group health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement, and more.
The Patrol's uniform guidelines allow troopers to have tattoos or brands as long as they meet two requirements:
- Tattoos/brands cannot depict or support criminal behavior, drug use, nudity, profanity, promiscuity, subversive groups, bigotry, etc.
- Tattoos/brands cannot be located on the head, neck, hands, wrists, or any part of the body that 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 one traditional band-style ring tattoo on a single ring finger. Any such tattoo will not extend beyond the proximal phalanx.
The selection process is a multi-phase testing procedure that includes a physical fitness-for-duty assessment, polygraph examination, and background investigation. 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. Successful applicants will be notified of their duty assignment prior to the start of the academy.
This is not just a job. It is a test of character. A commitment to serve. Interested individuals can learn more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter at 1-800-796-7000.
Ready to answer the call? Apply now on the Patrol’s application portal.
MSHP IS AN EEO EMPLOYER M/F
Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X for the most current news @MSHPRecruiting
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