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
February 2, 2026
Q02022026
EMPHASIS: Do You Have What It Takes? Missouri State Highway Patrol Seeking Applicants For 127th Recruit Class
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is accepting applications for the 127th Recruit Class. The Patrol is encouraging qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Testing will be held in Jefferson City, MO. Those who successfully complete testing will move forward in a multi-phase selection process. This process is designed to identify individuals with discipline, grit, and commitment to becoming Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers. The 127th Recruit Class is scheduled to begin training on January 4, 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 Missouri State Highway 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 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.
The selection process is a multi-phase testing procedure including a written examination, a 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. 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 by calling 1-800-796-7000.
Ready to answer the call? Apply now at www.joinmshp.us.
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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