State Police Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainee

Are you interested in becoming a law enforcement employee for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement is seeking qualified applicants for Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainee positions located throughout the commonwealth.

About the Role

Liquor Enforcement Officers are responsible for conducting investigations through undercover operations and open inspections of licensed or unlicensed liquor establishments statewide. They have the power and duty to arrest for violations of the Pennsylvania Liquor Code and specific Crimes Code-related offenses.

Upon completion of the Training Academy, trainees will be assigned to a BLCE District Enforcement Office within the selected region. Assignments are based on operational needs, though applicant preferences are considered when possible.

After graduation, Liquor Enforcement Officers are assigned a PSP-owned vehicle for official Commonwealth business travel between their residence and duty locations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct undercover operations and open inspections of liquor establishments.
• Arrest and prosecute violators for Liquor Law violations.
• Participate in raids and minor patrol assignments to apprehend, prosecute, and confiscate liquor or malt beverages purchased, possessed, or transported by minors.
• Perform Liquor Code inspections of establishments and managers, issue citations, and discuss violations or complaints.
• Collect, preserve, and handle evidence while documenting chain of custody.
• Prepare reports and citations regarding investigations and work-related activities.
• Deliver testimony in court and participate in mock trials.
• Consume or feign consumption of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages while performing official duties in licensed establishments.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Training

Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainees must successfully complete approximately 16 weeks of training, including:

• Classroom instruction in the Liquor and Crimes Codes, Department regulations, procedures, and directives.
• Formal coursework and practical exercises in the use of lethal and non-lethal weapons.
• Training in courtroom procedures, demeanor, and delivering testimony.
• Physical conditioning exercises.
• Report writing, evidence handling, and chain-of-custody documentation.

During academy training, phone contact with family is limited, and trainees may go home weekly unless required to stay for specific assignments.

Pay

• Starting pay: Pay Scale Group 4, Step 4 ($47,090 annually).
• After ~16 weeks of training: Pay Scale Group 4, Step 10 ($53,141 annually).
• Upon promotion to Liquor Enforcement Officer (~2 months post-graduation): Pay Scale Group 6, Step 1 ($56,541 annually).

Schedule

• 40-hour work week with rotating/irregular shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Requirements

• Graduation from a high school or an accredited G.E.D. certification.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Selection Process

If you meet eligibility requirements, you will proceed to the following stages:

• Written examination (scheduled after application submission).
• Polygraph examination.
• Background investigation.
• LEOT Physical Readiness Tests.
• Medical screening.
• Psychological screening.

Note: Selection procedures and timeframes are subject to change based on departmental needs.