Do I have to be an Alaska resident to apply?
No, you do not have to be an Alaskan resident to apply. As of March 1, 2005, the Department of Public Safety will accept applications for the State Trooper Recruit (Academy) from all qualified applicants who are eligible to accept employment in the United States. Please review the State Trooper Recruit (Academy) minimum qualifications.
Back to the topWhat is an Alaska resident?
As noted in question number one, applicants do not have to be residents of Alaska to apply to be an Alaska State Trooper. But to clarify this question for other purposes, State of Alaska residency is established when:
- The applicant is domiciled* in the State of Alaska, or
- The applicant is presently serving in the military with the intent of being domiciled in the State of Alaska upon completion of military service, or
- The applicant has graduated from an accredited high school or post-secondary institution in the State of Alaska, or has earned a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) while domiciled in Alaska.
Applicants living outside the State of Alaska claiming residency will be sent a residency affidavit with their background packet in order to verify their eligibility as an Alaska resident.
*Domiciled is defined as, "The true and permanent home of a person, from which there is no present intention of moving and to which there is an intention to return whenever away.
Back to the topI am a member of the military police. Does this experience qualify for a State Trooper Recruit position?
If you are currently serving or have served in the last two years in the United States Armed Forces as a Police or Security Officer that experience will allow you to qualify for a State Trooper Recruit position.
Back to the topDo I have to have prior police experience to be considered?
No prior police experience is necessary to be considered for a State Trooper Recruit position.
Back to the topIs there an age limit?
A State Trooper Recruit must be at least 21 years of age at time of employment. There is no upper age limit. Note: The on-line application asks if you are at least 21 years of age, or will be 21 within six months.
Back to the topAfter I submit my on-line application, then what?
Once your application is received and it is determined that you are eligible to move forward in the process, you will be contacted by Recruitment Unit Personnel to schedule an interview with a background investigator. It can take several weeks to schedule this interview.
If you do not meet our minimum qualifications you are sent a letter explaining what qualification(s) you did not meet. Please review the minimum qualifications.
Back to the topWhat does the physical fitness test require?
Minimum standards to pass the Physical Fitness Test require the ability to:
- Perform a minimum of 25 push-ups to failure
- Perform a minimum of 27 sit-ups in 1 minute
- Run 1.5 miles in less than or equal to 15 minutes, 12 seconds
Back to the topHow long does the entire process take from time of application to selection?
The recruitment and selection process takes approximately 6 to 11 months to complete.
Back to the topIf I am offered a position as a State Trooper Recruit, am I paid while attending the Public Safety Academy?
Yes. If you are offered a position as a State Trooper Recruit, the tuition is paid by the State of Alaska and you are paid as a State Trooper Recruit while attending.
Back to the topHow many positions do you expect to fill?
The number of positions we fill varies with each recruitment cycle. There are a variety of factors that influence the final number of candidates selected and offered a position, including the number of Troopers who retire or resign during the recruitment period and the budgetary constraints of the Department.
Back to the topIf hired, do I have a choice where I will be assigned?
There are duty stations or posts throughout the State of Alaska. New recruits will be assigned to one of the posts so they can become acquainted with the Department policies. The Recruit will have the opportunity to work in various fields of law enforcement and receive ample supervision and guidance while becoming an Alaska State Trooper.
Commissioned officers must be available for transfer as required by the needs of the Department.
Back to the topWhat type of housing is available while I’m at the Public Safety Training Academy?
All Recruits are required to stay at the academy dorm while attending the Public Safety Training Academy.
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Can my family stay with me at the Public Safety Training Academy or is housing provided for them?
The Public Safety Training Academy is very intense and time consuming. Housing is not provided for family members while in Sitka and they are not permitted to stay in the dorm.
Back to the topIf I am hired as a State Trooper Recruit who is responsible for moving and transportation costs?
Selected applicants are responsible for their transportation costs to the Public Safety Training Academy in Sitka, Alaska. After completion of the Academy, moving and transportation costs are paid in compliance with the Public Safety Employees Association (PSEA) collective bargaining unit contract and administrative standards and policies.
Back to the topCan I put myself through the Academy without being a Department of Public Safety employee?
Yes. For more information, please contact the University of Alaska Southeast at (907) 747-6653 or toll-free at (800) 478-6653 ext. 707.
Back to the topIs there financial aid available for undergraduate law enforcement training?
Yes, there is financial aid available for full time undergraduate law enforcement training. The Alaska Legislature established the Michael Murphy Education Loan Fund as a memorial to Michael Murphy, a member of the Alaska State Troopers. The loans are funded by private donations and by voluntary annual leave contributions from state employees. The funds provide educational loans (up to $1,000 annually) to Alaska residents for full-time undergraduate study in law enforcement-related programs. Funding for these loans is limited, and there are specific eligibility requirements.
Back to the topWhat type of benefit package do you offer State Troopers?
Generally speaking, Alaska State Troopers are provided with a benefit package that includes but is not limited to:
- retirement plans
- health insurance
- life insurance
- annuity
- additional benefits
For more information on benefits please go to the Division of Retirement & Benefits website
Back to the topHow many trips do I have to make to Alaska during the application process?
One trip to Anchorage, Alaska is required during the application process to interview and test for the position. On average this requires a 10 day trip to complete all tests and interviews. Travel and lodging costs to interview and test for the position are the applicants responsibility. Depending on what state you are traveling from the cost for this traveling costs could be around $1500 to $3000.
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