Highway Patrol Trooper

the South Dakota State Government•Sioux Falls, SD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The South Dakota Highway Patrol (SDHP) offers an exciting and meaningful career that extends beyond just patrolling highways. Currently, nearly 200 State Troopers assist, educate, and enforce laws for the citizens of South Dakota, ensuring the safe and efficient flow of traffic on the state's roads. Troopers also investigate and reconstruct serious crashes, support other law enforcement agencies, investigate crimes, and play a crucial role in the state's homeland security. The South Dakota Highway Patrol provides a hiring incentive, expedited training academy, and increased pay for certified law enforcement officers. For those who are not yet certified, we will train you for the position of State Trooper. The South Dakota Highway Patrol offers a variety of career-enhancing opportunities, including, but not limited to: Crash Investigations, Police Service Dog (K9), Criminal/Drug Interdiction, S.W.A.T., Drug Recognition Expert, Defensive Tactics/Firearms Instructor, Mobile Field Force Operator, EVOI (Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor), Honor Guard, Tactical Flight Officer (TFO), Highway Patrol Academy Instruction, Law Enforcement Training Instruction, and Protection of Dignitaries.

Requirements

United States citizenship
Must be 21 years of age no later than November 20, 2026
Possession of or ability to obtain a South Dakota driver license
Possess at least 20/20 binocular vision with or without corrective lenses. Color perception, depth, and field of view must be normal as determined by an optometric examination
Using the average of readings at 500, 1000, and 3000 Hz, hearing shall be at a decibel loss of no more than 35db in each ear without correction
Applicant shall be free of any chronic disease or organic or functional defect, as determined by a medical examination, that would impair performance of the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
Applicant shall be capable of passing physical agility tests, push-ups, sit-ups, vertical jump, and one and one-half mile run
The applicant shall comply with the South Dakota Highway Patrol Tattoo, Body Piercing, and Body Modification Policy
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation
Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening
Valid Driver License
High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Current Certified Law Enforcement Officers must provide current Licenses and Certifications
Out-of-State Applicants must provide current Law Enforcement Licenses and Certifications
Non-Certified Applicants must attend the 13-Week Basic Law Enforcement Academy (L.E.T.) in Pierre, SD to obtain Certification
After completing the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, applicants must attend a 10-Week Highway Patrol Recruit Academy
Successfully complete a certified police academy
Understand the functions and objectives of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies
Learn basic principles of criminal law
Study principles and practices of community policing
Gain knowledge of modern police methods and procedures related to patrol, apprehension, arrest, search and seizure, traffic control, investigation, and identification techniques, including interviewing
Understand law enforcement theory, principles, and practices and how to apply them to various services and programs
Learn about State geography, public buildings, and businesses in assigned areas
Stay updated on recent court decisions and how they impact agency operations
Practice self-defense tactics
Develop skills to interpret and make decisions according to Federal, State, and Local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
Learn to gather, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence effectively
Improve observation skills to remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places accurately
Prepare clear and concise reports
Quickly and objectively analyze situations to determine appropriate actions
Respond promptly and calmly in emergencies
Interact professionally, tactfully, and effectively with the public
Meet the physical requirements necessary to perform duties safely and effectively
Use good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in changing situations
Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others encountered during work
All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate will possess uncompromising integrity, a strong work ethic, exercise good judgment and problem solving skills, and demonstrate an enthusiastic passion for law enforcement and a strong commitment to serving the citizens and visitors to the State of South Dakota.
If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application.

Responsibilities

Patrolling highways
Assisting, educating, and enforcing laws for the citizens of South Dakota
Ensuring the safe and efficient flow of traffic on the state's roads
Investigating and reconstructing serious crashes
Supporting other law enforcement agencies
Investigating crimes
Playing a crucial role in the state's homeland security

Benefits

120 Hours of Vacation Leave
112 Hours of Sick Leave
Paid Family Leave (12 weeks for birth and adoption of child, equivalent to 40 hours per week)
11 Paid Holidays
Employer-Provided Health Care Available
State Retirement 8% Match
Employee Wellness Program
Take Home Vehicle
Per Diem
Night and Weekend Shift Differential
$5,000 Signing Bonus for Certified Officers in and out-of-state
Increased Pay for Prior Law Enforcement Experience
Continued Education/Training
Promotional Opportunities
$0 premium employee health insurance option
dental, vision, and other insurance options
retirement benefits