124th JOINT Trooper School- Basic (B) & (A) ACCELERATED CURRICULUM

Join an elite group of men and women who serve, protect, and defend the people of the State of Georgia, while preserving the rights and dignity of all. We are looking for those with a strong mind and work ethic, uncompromising character, and a servant’s heart who can handle a never-ending variety of situations and people. You will receive the very best technical, physical, and law enforcement training while gaining skills to put you at the top of your game. We invest thousands of dollars in your training that consistently results in true professionals who provide assistance to Georgia’s citizens, safeguard lives and property, and promote peace and order throughout the state.

About the role

The Department of Public Safety is accepting applications for the 124th Trooper School, anticipated to begin July 11, 2027. This school will be a dual-purpose class including both an accelerated curriculum for candidates already POST certified or POST Equivalency of Training (EOT) approved, and a basic curriculum for non-certified candidates.

• Accelerated curriculum: 14 weeks within the Academy, followed by 12 weeks of Field Training.
• Basic curriculum: 22 weeks within the Academy, followed by 12 weeks of Field Training.

Assignments will be made based on department staffing needs, with efforts to place graduates at a patrol post within driving distance of their residence.

Application deadline: January 17, 2027.

Pay

• While in Trooper School: $61,604 annual salary.
• Trooper Career Path (upon graduation):
  • Trooper: $63,684
  • Trooper First Class 1: $69,126
  • Trooper First Class 2: $74,594
  • Trooper First Class 3: $80,024
  • Senior Trooper: $83,215
  • Master Trooper: $86,525
• 10% salary supplement for Troopers assigned to Troop C (Posts 47, 48, 49, 51, and 83).

Benefits

• Retirement: Traditional pension plan (1% per year of service) combined with a 401(k) plan featuring employer match:
  • 5% employer match through year 5, increasing 2% per year up to 15% by year 10.
  • No requirement to increase employee contribution beyond 5% to receive full match.
• Eligibility to participate in the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund (sworn members and dispatchers).
• Veteran’s Benefits: Eligible veterans may receive 18 months of GI Bill stipend pay in addition to DPS salary during academy and on-the-job training.

Responsibilities

• Patrol roadways to enforce traffic and criminal laws.
• Investigate traffic crashes and assist motorists.
• Serve as an assisting agency to all law enforcement agencies in Georgia and other states, including:
  • Enforcing traffic and criminal laws.
  • Assisting with civil unrest or protecting citizens’ First Amendment rights.
• Participate in criminal apprehension and prosecution.
• Opportunities for specialized assignments throughout career.

Requirements

• U.S. citizen.
• High school diploma or G.E.D from an accredited institution.
• Must be 21 years old upon graduation from Trooper School.
• Successfully pass pre-employment process, including:
  • Background investigation and polygraph.
  • Oral interview.
  • Physical fitness test.
  • Psychological and medical evaluations.

Eligibility for the Accelerated Curriculum

Candidates must have two (2) years of prior “on the road” law enforcement experience between July 2022 and July 2027, and meet one of the following:

• Certified peace (police) officer by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.).
• Approved Equivalency of Training (EOT) application by P.O.S.T prior to the start of Trooper School (EOT training requirements will be met during Trooper School).

Examples of “on the road” law enforcement experience:

• Conducting proactive traffic and criminal enforcement.
• Initiating traffic stops and taking enforcement action.
• Responding to calls for service and emergency incidents.
• Investigating motor vehicle crashes, criminal activity, and other incidents.
• Making arrests and completing associated reports, citations, warrants, and documentation.

Eligibility for Equivalency of Training (EOT)

The EOT process may allow out-of-state, federal, or military law enforcement officers without a valid Georgia POST certification to qualify for the Accelerated Trooper School curriculum. Certification must be valid and in good standing (not revoked or suspended). For eligibility requirements, visit https://gadpscareers.com/Resources/EOT.

For questions regarding EOT or the accelerated curriculum, contact SGT Kevin Kirby (470-880-1842).

Note: Certified officers are not currently eligible for employment with DPS if:

• The cost of mandate training was paid by another Georgia law enforcement agency, and
• Basic mandate training was not completed on or before July 10, 2025.

Candidates not meeting this requirement are encouraged to re-apply after 24 months from their mandate training completion date.

Physical Fitness Standards

The Physical Fitness Program evaluates minimum standards based on Cooper Institute standards. These are the minimum requirements for consideration; cadets will be required to exceed these standards, including long-distance running for cardiovascular endurance.

• Sit-ups: 30 in one minute (hands held over ears, rest in up position).
• Push-ups: 21 in one minute (rest in up position).
• 1.5 Mile Run: Complete in 15 minutes and 34 seconds (15:34) or less.

Applicants are encouraged to view the informational video for detailed instructions on each event.

Physical Training (PT) sessions are scheduled at multiple locations statewide. View PT dates and locations.

Medical Standards

• Minimum uncorrected vision of 20/60 in each eye, correctable to 20/40 or better in both eyes with glasses or contact lenses.
• Additional medical standards must be met prior to final offer of employment.

Uniform & Appearance

The DPS Uniform and Appearance Policy allows applicants with some visible tattoos in a short-sleeve uniform shirt to wear a long-sleeve shirt. View disqualifying tattoo types and locations.

Background Packet

All applicants attending a Physical Training (PT) session must bring a completed background packet. Download the background packet.