MSHP seeks applicants for 2027 recruit class

MISSOURI (KQTV) -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol said it is seeking applicants for its 2027 recruit training classes.

All applicant testing will be conducted in Jefferson City, Missouri. 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 testing.

Recruit training classes will begin in May 2027 and Oct. 2027.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be 21 years old upon graduating from the Patrol's Law Enforcement Academy.

Following graduation, troopers are eligible to earn credits through Missouri colleges:

• 46 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 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 annual starting 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.

Troopers will receive benefits like health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement and more, according to a news release.

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, or the first knuckle.

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 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.

Interested individuals can learn more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter at 1-800-796-7000. Applications can be found on the patrol's website.