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

Graduates of Camp 70 will receive a base pay rate of $65,520 per year ($31.50 per hour). The current top Trooper base pay rate will be $99,465 per year ($47.82 per hour). 

During the Training Academy, recruits earn $27.46 per hour while attending. Upon graduation, recruits are sworn-in as  Troopers and automatically receive a pay increase to the starting Trooper salary of $31.50 per hour.

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

Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the state, offering positions statewide.

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Step 1
Step 1

Application

Applications for Camp 71 will be available in August.

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

 

Step 2
Step 2

Written Exam and Physical Abilities
 

WRITTEN EXAM

 

1. Invitation to Test: Approved applicants will receive an invitation to take the TABE, which assesses Reading and Language skills. Testing options include online with virtual proctoring or in person with paper testing.

2. Previous TABE Results: Applicants who have passed the TABE with another Nebraska agency can provide proof of their results instead of retaking the test when invited by the Patrol. Similarly, those who have previously passed the TABE with the Patrol itself do not need to retest.

 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.

Therefore, the TABE is required for all applicants unless they can provide proof of a passing score from another Nebraska agency or from the Patrol, allowing them to avoid unnecessary retesting.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES TESTING (PAT)

Applicants passing the TABE written exam must also pass the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) at the Grand Island Training Academy. PAT includes a timed 1.5 mile run, Dummy Drag, Run with Obstacle, Scale Lift and Carry, Weapon Handling, and 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

Personal History, Background Investigation, Employment Review Board
 

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 is dedicated to hiring individuals who embody the agency's values, ensuring the highest standards of law enforcement and citizen service. The Employment Review Board (ERB) evaluates backgrounds to select the most qualified candidates. The ERB consists of NSP sworn officers who provide perspectives from diverse racial, ethnic, and gender groups protected under state and federal EEO laws.

Step 4
Step 4

CONDITIONAL OFFER:  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 examinations and a psychological interview at Nebraska State Patrol State Headquarters in Lincoln.

Medical Examination

The examination will occur at a facility contracted by the NSP, in accordance with policies and procedures outlined by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy. The exam will include, among other things, a blood draw, a comprehensive physical examination, as well as vision and hearing tests.

Step 5
Step 5

Final Interview

 

Following successful completion of all prerequisite steps, applicants will have the opportunity to participate in a final interview with the Command Staff of the Nebraska State Patrol.

Law Enforcement Certification Standards


Admission requirements:  https://ncc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/Chapter-08.pdf

If you have questions or would like additional information about the Nebraska State Patrol Sworn Officer Selection 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.