Trooper School Frequently Asked Questions

Question: If I am already certified as a peace officer, do I have to go through the entire Trooper School?

Answer: Yes

Question: How long is the Trooper School?

Answer: 18 weeks

Question: Do I have to be a Tennessee resident to apply?

Answer: You do not have to be a resident to apply. However, if chosen, you must obtain a residence in Tennessee.

Question: Do I have to live on site during the training?

Answer: Yes. You are free most weekends to return home and report back to the Training Center Sunday evening.

Question: Can I be disqualified during the hiring practice? If so, for what reasons?

Answer: Yes. You must successfully complete/pass an agility test, a Level 2 background check, and physical and psychological screenings.

Question: What are the most difficult things about Trooper School?

Answer: You are constantly tested (mentally and physically) under stress. Absence from home and being away from your family for 18 weeks can also be difficult.

Question: Where is Trooper School held?

Answer: At the Department of Safety Training Center in Donelson, Tennessee.

Question: Do I get paid while attending Trooper School?

Answer: Yes, $2,638 per month.

Question: Would I get a take-home patrol car?

Answer: Yes, after graduation.

Question: Is there a study guide for the written tests?

Answer: No

Question: Does prior military experience earn new recruits any preference?

Answer: Bonus points on the score rating are awarded to applicants who served in the military during a time of conflict. There is no preference once you report to the academy.

Question: Can I receive mail at the Training Center ?

Answer: Yes

Question: What do I bring to testing?

Answer: Nothing is required.

Question: Is there an age limit to apply?

Answer: You must be at least 21 years of age on the date of your test.

Question: How long is the hiring process?

Answer: The entire hiring process takes 5-6 months and is dependant on manpower needs of the department and budget funding by the state legislature.

Question: How many trips will I have to make to Tennessee if I live out of state?

Answer: At least four

Question: What items would I need to bring to the Training Center?

Answer: Once you are accepted as a cadet, you will be advised by letter.

Question: Would I work alone or with a partner?

Answer: All trooper patrol assignments are one-person cars.

Question: Would I get a raise every year?

Answer: The General Assembly funds statutory raises.

Question: What shifts would I be required to work?

Answer: Assignments are made by District Captains. In most cases, you will work all shifts at one time or another.

Question: Where would my first assignment be?

Answer: It will be determined by where vacancies are located. The list of vacancies will be posted prior to interviews.

Question: Do you offer incentive pay for education?

Answer: No, not at this time.

Question: Are there height and weight restrictions?

Answer: Body Mass Index comparable with height and weight

Question: How often is Trooper School held?

Answer: Trooper Schools are conducted as based on the needs of the department as vacancies occur.

Question: Would my service weapons be provided?

Answer: Yes

Question: Would I receive an allowance for laundering my uniforms?

Answer: No

Question: How soon would I be able to compete for promotion?

Answer: Troopers without college degrees may compete for promotions after five (5) years of service. Troopers with degrees in Criminal Justice may compete for promotions after three (3) years of service.

Question: When I commence duty, could I start from home if I live in the assigned territory?

Answer: You must be in your assigned county at the beginning time of your shift. General Orders allow you to live in any adjoining county to your assignment.

Question: Could I earn overtime?

Answer: Yes, if budget limitations allow. There are also federally funded overtime programs that may be allotted to your district.

Question: Could I use my patrol car for personal use while off duty?

Answer: No

Question: Are Troopers issued tasers?

Answer: No

Question: Are laptop computers installed in all vehicles?

Answer: The THP is in the process of installing computers in its patrol cars now. The completion date is not yet determined.

Question: What types of patrol cars do you use?

Answer: Most of the vehicles used by the department are the Ford Crown Victoria and Chevrolet Impala.

Question: If I become a Tennessee State Trooper, what types of ongoing training will be provided?

Answer: There are specialized schools offered every year on a wide variety of subjects and law enforcement skills.

Question: Do Troopers pay in to Social Security?

Answer: Yes

Question: Is off-duty employment authorized?

Answer: Pre-approval is required for off-duty employment. There are strict guidelines.

Question: What is the authorized Trooper strength of the department?

Answer: Approximately 850 commissioned personnel.

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