MSHP seeks applicants for 128th Accelerated Recruit Class

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol said it is now accepting applications for its 128th Accelerated Recruit Class.

The accelerated program is a fast-track opportunity for experienced law enforcement professionals to take the next step.

Testing will be conducted in Jefferson City, Missouri. Applicants who successfully complete the testing process will advance through the selection process.

The application deadline is June 30.

The Accelerated Academy is scheduled for 15 weeks. Training will begin on Jan. 4, 2027 and conclude with graduation in April 2027.

MSHP said 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 obtained 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
• A military police officers
• An out-of-state police officers

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 application must successfully complete a medical examination, a psychological examination and interview, drug screening and final applicant review.

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 cuties while wearing an official uniform or civilian attire while on duty. The sole exception is that one traditional band style ring tattoo nay be displayed on a single ring ringer. Any such tattoo will not extend beong the proximal phalanx.

The starting/Academy salary is $66,432. Upon graduation, troopers will be paid $73,824 and will make around $98,448 after 12 years of service.

Other benefits include group health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement and more.

MSHP said successful applicants will not be required to relocate. Out-of-state applicants will have the opportunity to choose the location of their assignments.

Interested individuals can learn more about qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter at 1-800-796-7000. Or, applications can be submitted through MSHP's website.