Lateral Trooper: Fast-Track Career in Public Safety

Washington State Patrol; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Patrol is actively seeking dedicated law enforcement professionals to join its ranks as troopers who protect and serve across the state. Troopers enforce traffic and criminal laws, respond to emergencies, and provide public safety services with integrity and compassion.

As a Washington State Trooper, you’ll operate with autonomy and purpose, handle high-stakes situations, and participate in specialized units and statewide initiatives.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Basic Law Enforcement Academy and required probationary period at a current/former law enforcement agency.
• Must possess 12 or more months of traffic law enforcement experience.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Washington State Driver’s License.
• Possession of a high school diploma, GED, or state-recognized home school certificate.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and be on 24-hour call as needed.
• Compliance with narcotics and controlled substance restrictions, as outlined in WSP Hiring Standards.

Responsibilities

• Enforce traffic and criminal laws within assigned areas through proactive patrols, responsive service calls, and high-standard investigative practices
• Manage traffic flow and respond to collisions with professionalism and care
• Assist motorists, crime victims, and community members with integrity and empathy
• Serve as a liaison to governmental bodies and contribute to public safety initiatives
• Participate in specialized duties and task forces that reinforce statewide security
• Patrolling designated areas 24/7 and responding swiftly to emergency service calls
• Conducting traffic stops, issuing citations, and making arrests when needed
• Operating a patrol vehicle independently in routine and emergent scenarios
• Executing advanced vehicle tactics including PIT maneuvers, spike strips, and roadblocks
• Pursuing suspects by vehicle or on foot while maintaining officer and public safety

Skills

Traffic enforcement

Emergency response

Communication

Public safety

Education

Basic Law Enforcement Academy

Job description

The Washington State Patrol is actively seeking dedicated law enforcement professionals to join its ranks as troopers who protect and serve across the state. Troopers enforce traffic and criminal laws, respond to emergencies, and provide public safety services with integrity and compassion.

As a Washington State Trooper, you’ll operate with autonomy and purpose, handle high-stakes situations, and participate in specialized units and statewide initiatives.