You must meet each of the following to be considered for appointment to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
1
You must be at least 21 years of age upon graduation from the Academy.
2
Be a citizen of the U.S. and a resident of Missouri when recruit training begins.
3
High school diploma or equivalent.
4
Be of good character, with no felony convictions or crime involving moral turpitude, no pending indictments, or certain misdemeanor offenses including any involving aggressive or violent behavior (for example, domestic violence or criminal assault), disregard for the safety of others, or the misuse of deadly weapons.
5
Possess a valid Missouri Driver License at the time of appointment.
6
Meet the Patrol's tattoo and brand policy, detailed below.
Tattoo & Brand Policy
Members will not have tattoos or brands that a reasonable person would find offensive, such as those depicting or supporting criminal behavior, drug usage, nudity, profanity, promiscuity, subversive groups, or bigotry.
Members may not have tattoos or brands on the head, neck, wrists, or hands. The sole exception is one traditional band-style ring tattoo on a single finger, which must not extend beyond the proximal phalanx.
Tattoos or brands elsewhere on the body that would be visible during the performance of duties — in any official uniform or civilian attire — must be completely covered while on duty. Members with visible tattoos must wear the Class A uniform year-round, which includes a long-sleeve shirt and tie.
Potential Disqualifiers
The following items could lead to a temporary or permanent disqualification:
- Prior work history.
- Criminal history.
- Driving history.
- Sale/distribution/possession of a drug or narcotic.
- Use of any illegal hard drug within the last five years.
- History of drug use.
- Knowingly remaining in a place where illegal drugs are used or sold.
- Failure to pass required medical examination.
- Failure to pass required psychological examination.
- Failure to pass a drug screening.
Meet the requirements?
See how to prepare for the selection process, or start your application today.