'We want good people': NC Highway Patrol facing historical shortage of troopers
The North Carolina Highway Patrol is experiencing the worst shortage of troopers in recent history.
Posted — UpdatedThe State Highway Patrol currently has more than 200 openings for troopers, and leaders said it's part of a nationwide shortage. In times of emergencies--like after Hurricane Florence--it's critical to have as many people as possible.
Sgt. Christopher Knox said it's a myth that men and women can't be troopers just because they've gotten a ticket in the past or because they need certain training. He also said law enforcement has gotten a bad reputation in the past few years.
According to Sgt. Knox, many people think they can't be troopers, but they are often wrong. "To be a state trooper, you don't have to have any training -- you really don't," said Sgt. Knox. "You just have to be a good person. We want good people. We want people who are ethical, who have courage, people who are willing to take a job that's not an easy job."
The Raleigh Police Department has vacancies, too -- 43 out of a total of 801 allocated positions, according to officials. The Chapel Hill Police Department does not have a shortage of officers.
According to Sgt. Knox, there are some perks of being a trooper. Troopers can take home their patrol cars, and their salary starts at $37,000 during patrol school and then jumps to $44,000 once they complete that. The top trooper salary is $64,202.
Great benefits are also included, including a 401K plan, paid vacation and sick leave, excellent retirement and state-of-the-art training.
The State Highway Patrol is recruiting people from all over the country. Basic qualifications include:
- Applicant must be age 21 on the first day of Patrol School and no more than 39 on the first day of Patrol School.
- Applicant must have a High School Diploma or equivalent General Education Certificate
- Applicant must be a citizen of the United States
- Applicant must have no felony offenses, no class B misdemeanors within the past 5 years and a good driving record
- Applicant must have 20/20 vision in each eye or corrected to 20/20. Uncorrected vision can be no more than 20/200 in each eye.
- Applicant must be physically and mentally fit
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