Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Application Process

Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Application Process

FOLLOW THESE FIVE STEPS TO GO FROM APPLICATION TO HIRE

Salary & Benefits

Salary & Benefits
Salary & Benefits

During the 24-week paid training program, Camp #72, you’ll earn a salary of $28.01 per hour and receive an immediate pay increase upon graduation to $32.45 per hour ($67,496 annual). The current top base salary for troopers is $49.25 per hour ($102,440 annual).

Troopers also have opportunities for additional, including overtime hours at a pay rate of 1.5x their base salary rate, shift differential pay of an additional $.85 per hour if they are regularly assigned to the night shift, and a 2.5% pay increase for qualifying as bilingual. 

The State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council (SLEBC) is currently the collective bargaining unit for troopers. Collective bargaining will have an influence on wages, benefits, and working conditions. Click on the associated links below for more information on some specific areas of benefits for NSP employees.

Duty Station Assignments

Duty Station Assignments
Duty Station Assignments

 

CAMP #72 DUTY STATION OPENINGS

Know Your Duty Station Before You Start: We understand the importance of planning. You'll know your assigned duty station before beginning training at the NSP Training Academy. We have a system in place to ensure fair distribution of duty stations while considering candidate preferences.

Troopers have the option to request transfers annually after two years, depending on staffing needs within Troop Areas.

 

Horizontal Tabs

Step 1
Step 1

submit your Application

Applications for Camp 72 are now available as of February 24, 2025.  

Check out the opportunities and benefits of a career as a Nebraska State Trooper at NebraskaTroopers.com.

* The approximate timeframe from the beginning of your application to the final interview is around 3.5 months. *

 

Step 2
Step 2

academic and physical testing
 

WRITTEN EXAM

Approved applicants will be invited to take the remote on-line Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), in a virtually proctored environment; this means attending a web meeting with a NSP TABE Test Administrator while you are taking the test, which tests the areas of Reading and Language.

 Alternative Testing Option: Applicants may also choose to test at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Center in Grand Island. There is a $15.00 charge, and testing is available weekly on Wednesdays. To schedule a testing date, contact Melody Pebley, Training and Curriculum Coordinator, at melody.pebley@nebraska.gov or 308-218-6639.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES TESTING (PAT)

Applicants who pass the written exam (TABE) will need to pass the PAT, which consists of a timed 1.5 mile run, Dummy Drag, Run with Obstacle, Scale Lift and Carry, Handle Weapons, and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement.

Male Age 1.5 Mile Run Time Female Age 1.5 Mile Run Time
20-39 15:10 20-39 18:30
40-49 16:00 40-49 19:20
50-59 17:36 50-59 20:45

 Click here for the the Candidate Preparation for Physical Abilities Handbook.

Step 3
Step 3

background review
 

Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)

Applicants will receive the PHQ instructions via email.  The PHQ must be completed by the deadline identified in the email. Non-completion will result in removal from the process.

Background Investigation

The Nebraska State Patrol will conduct a complete and thorough background investigation on each applicant that moves forward in the process. 

Employment Review Board (ERB)

The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is committed to hiring individuals who exemplify the agency’s values by providing the highest quality of law enforcement and services to the citizens. The ERB is responsible for reviewing the background to ensure the best candidates are selected. The ERB is comprised of NSP sworn officers who can communicate the perspective of one or more of the racial, ethnic, or gender groups protected by the state and federal EEO laws.

Step 4
Step 4

Polygraph, Psychological EVALUATION, AND Medical Exam
 

Polygraph Examination

The examination is administered by an NSP polygraph examiner. The examiner receives the applicant's background investigation information, application, and questionnaire to aid in conducting the polygraph examination. The examiner will question the applicant regarding honesty, integrity, character, and loyalty. Subsequently, the polygraph examiner will submit a report to the Administrative Review Board for review.

psychological POST CONDITIONAL OFFER EVALUATION

Applicants will be scheduled to undergo a series of written psychological test and an oral interview.

Medical Examination

The examination will take place at a facility which has been contracted by the NSP following the policy and procedures outlined by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy. The exam will include, but is not limited to, such items as a blood draw, a complete physical, vision and hearing tests. 

*Exam is paid for by the Nebraska State Patrol.

Step 5
Step 5

Final Interview and job offer

Following successful completion of all necessary prior steps, applicants will be invited to interview with Nebraska State Patrol Command Staff at State Headquarters in Lincoln. 

Law Enforcement Certification Standards

  #Admission Requirements

If you have questions or would like additional information about the Nebraska State Patrol Application Process, please email nsp.recruiter@nebraska.gov
 

*The Nebraska State Patrol is an Equal Opportunity Employer*

We are dedicated to assuring equal employment opportunity to qualified applicants and employees in all aspects of personnel administration without regard to political affiliation, race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, or religious creed.