The Department of Public Safety continues to take applications for trooper-trainees as the deadline for the next recruit class approaches.
March 1 is the deadline for Texas applicants seeking admission to the June recruit school in Austin. Application packets can be picked up at the nearest DPS office and extensive information is accessible on the DPS Web site, www.txdps.state.tx.us. Information also is available by calling a toll-free number, 1-866-TXTROOP (898-7667), that rings directly into the recruiting office at DPS Headquarters in Austin.
We continue to seek quality applicants to fill recruit classes to help offset a projected increase in retirements, said DPS Director Col. Thomas Davis Jr. The need for dedicated public servants has never been greater for our state and nation.
Graduates are initially assigned as uniformed officers in one of several services. After gaining experience, troopers can compete for a variety of assignments in the Traffic Law Enforcement, Criminal Law Enforcement, Driver License, Administration and Texas Ranger divisions.
We have two classes of recruits currently training in Austin at this time, said DPS Recruiting Coordinator Lt. Curly Colquitt. We are trying to fill our upcoming class and keep a continuous stream of diverse applicants coming through our doors for the future.
An applicant must be a U.S. citizen, at least 20 years of age by the time they are accepted as trooper-trainees and have completed 75 hours of college credit.
Law enforcement, jailer or military experience may be used toward fulfilling the college requirement.
An applicants background will be carefully scrutinized, including prior criminal history. DPS is an equal opportunity employer.