MSHP seeking applicants for 127th Recruit Class

MISSOURI (KQTV) -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol said it is now accepting applications for its 127th Recruit Class.

MSHP is encouraging individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Testing will be held in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Individuals who complete testing will move forward in a multi-phase selection process designed to identify individuals with discipline, grit and commitment to becoming an MSHP trooper.

The 127th Recruit Class is scheduled to begin training on Jan. 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, toopers are eligible to earn:

• 46 credit hours through Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri
• 30 credit hours through the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri
• 57 credit hours through Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri
• 45 credit hours through Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri

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.

MSHP said 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.

MSHP's uniform guidelines allow troopers to have tattoos or brands as long as they meet two requirements:

• Cannot depict or support criminal behavior, drug usage, nudity, profanity, promiscuity, subversive groups, bigotry, etc.
• Cannot be located on the head, neck, hands, wrists or any part of the body which will 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 and must not expand beyond the Proximal Phalanx (just beyond the knuckle)

The selection process is a multi-phase testing procedure including written examination, a physical fitness or duty assessment, polygraph examination, background investigation and an oral interview.

After a conditional offer of employment, the applicant will complete a medical examination, a psychological examination and interview, drug screening and final applicant review.

Successful applicants will be notified of their duty assignment before the start of the academy.

Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to visit statepatrol.dps.mo.gov/pages/careers.