Florida State Troopers

[nyorka]

I was wondering if anybody could give me some input or feedback on the FHP, starting the app. process shortly.

[orlandofed5-0]

Do a search and you will find tons of information. They basically do alot of accident reports and traffic enforcement. Also handle calls at highway and motor vehicle (DMV) offices.

[Bravo8]

http://www.fhptuff.org/

Check out that site...lots of info, and not all great.

[Utah]

Yeah...be prepared to do accidents and write tickets. Thats pretty much the majority of what they do....they are a Highway Patrol as compared to a State Police which usually plays more of an active law enforcement role.

In addition to the Florida academy that you need to attend to become FL certified you also attend another FHP police academy. The pay is lower compared to most other agencies and they have the choice of where you go in the state. You do get to put a preference in but its not always guaranteed youll get it.

Just some things to think about.

[LadyLawman]

Here is a link to the actaul FHP website.
You can find all the info you need including about the academy how much you get paid and what you'll do.
http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/

[nyorka]

Thanks all :D

[Florida Smokey]

http://www.fhptuff.org/

Check out that site...lots of info, and not all great.

Don't waste your time at that website. It was started by 2 or 3 people that wouldn't be happy getting $200 an hour. Some of them have even quit FHP to work for better paying agencies but ended up coming back to FHP. If they are so unhappy in the county that they are assigned to they can transfer to 66 other counties in the state.

I have been with FHP for almost 8 years. I think it's a great agency with some good, hard working people. There is always a chance to promote. The benefits are good. If you feel like moving from Miami to some back woods area of the state (or vice versa) you can do it without having to quit your job and start the hiring process over again.
If your looking for good info on FHP you probably won't find it on Officer.com. This website seems to be very anti-state law enforcement for some reason. If you need a little informatoin send me a PM and I'll do my best to answer your questions.

[Delta784]

This website seems to be very anti-state law enforcement for some reason.

This website itself isn't anti-state law enforcement, it's just that many of us are compensating for years of poor treatment by state law enforcement agencies. If you want to blame someone for that, look at your predecessors that tried to dump on local/county agencies in the past. That created the bad blood, not this website.

[Utah]

I dont think this is an Anti FHP website at all. I fully respect the troopers just as i would any cop. I backthem up all the time and they are always coming to take my accidents with injuries....which i appreciate.

For me it just seems like the things i was looking for in an agency couldnt be found with FHP, but more with a county agency. One thing FHP is known for is the low pay compared to other agencies and the "placement" any where in the state.

Some guys just arent looking for that.

[davidh304]

I don't know if anything on the FHPtuff site is true but some of it is pretty funny.

[Yxboom]

This website itself isn't anti-state law enforcement, it's just that many of us are compensating for years of poor treatment by state law enforcement agencies. If you want to blame someone for that, look at your predecessors that tried to dump on local/county agencies in the past. That created the bad blood, not this website.Bingo!!! So true!!!

All troopers aren't bad, but a few "high and mighty idiots" ruin it for the entire state. Even the FHP colonel (Christopher Knight) said that some troopers are shooting themselves in their feet by writing their legislators tickets. :rolleyes: Never bite the hand that feeds you!!! :mad:

The colonel specifically said, "We work real hard downtown with the legislature to get the needs of the patrol met, but when you [the trooper] stop one of our legislators and write them a ticket; that is a hurdle we can't get over." The colonel indicated last year, six legislators were stopped and ticketed by Troopers and suggested that because of those tickets, legislators retaliated against the Highway Patrol during the legislative session. The colonel asked that troopers use "common sense" if they discover the person they stopped is a legislator and to "Look out for your fellow troopers" before issuing a citation to a legislator. source (http://www.fhptuff.org/T1.htm)

[orlandofed5-0]

Thats probably the best reason why state employees (IE FHP, DOT, FWC, state universities etc.) need to have collective bargaining and take away the legislators right to deny them pay raises.

[Florida Smokey]

Thats probably the best reason why state employees (IE FHP, DOT, FWC, state universities etc.) need to have collective bargaining and take away the legislators right to deny them pay raises.


We have a union. We have gotten a raise every year since I have been on. Sometimes it's 2.5 percent, sometimes as high as 8 percent, last year it was 5 percent. We would do better if unions that DON'T represent us would keep their noses out of our business.

[ftlaudcop]

all them state agency's need a pay raise, whats the use of having
a great agency if the pay is just enough to pay the rent on a double wide..??

soem of the pay disparity amoung the state agencies or benifits is bad as well.


state corrections officer's often make less that f.h.p. and ya can't

say f.h.p. 's work is more or less dangerous, as compared to

any other state police agency.

i have worked with the trooper's for almost 22 yrs, and they are a great
group of guys, as with any agency..ya always have that hard core guy
that writes his own mom a ticket.

www.schackdaddy.com

[Florida Smokey]

all them state agency's need a pay raise, whats the use of having
a great agency if the pay is just enough to pay the rent on a double wide..??

soem of the pay disparity amoung the state agencies or benifits is bad as well.


state corrections officer's often make less that f.h.p. and ya can't

say f.h.p. 's work is more or less dangerous, as compared to

any other state police agency.

i have worked with the trooper's for almost 22 yrs, and they are a great
group of guys, as with any agency..ya always have that hard core guy
that writes his own mom a ticket.

www.schackdaddy.com

Actually, our benefits are pretty good compared to local agencies around my neck of the woods. My wife is a Deputy so I know a little about the S.O.'s benefits. Insurance is a killer for them. I pay $170 a month for Blue Cross Blue Shield family coverage. I would pay the same amount if I had 1 wife and 1 child or 1 wife and 10 children. (Not sure what would happen if I had 10 wives and 1 child though) :D My wife's department charges their Deputies about $600 a month for family insurance, and their coverage isn't as good as mine. They also charge more depending on how many people are on the policy. A good friend of mine is a Deputy and his insurance was going to be $1200 a month. It was better for him to go on Medicaid.

As far as pay goes, there is a problem in certain areas of the state. Big city departments like Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Metro-Dade, etc, have us beat hands down in pay. But where I live, a Deputy would get almost a $7000 raise just by coming to work with FHP. The starting pay at the S.O. here is about $28,000. FHP's starting salary is around $34,800 (more in different areas of the state). The Deputies get an average of 3-4% raise each year. We get somewhere between 2.5 and 8%, depending on what the legislators give us. I live quite comfortably on what I make. Two years ago my wife and I built a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house for $79,000. Don't get me wrong, I could always use more money, and I DO think we are underpaid (all cops are!).

As far as danger goes, gosh, I'm starting to wonder! The last 12 months have been pretty rough. We had two Troopers get killed, several get hit by cars, one shot, and one struck by lightning. I hope our bad luck streak is over soon.

I could go on and on and on, but you guys are probably pretty bored by now :D Be careful out there everyone!

F.S.

[Bravo8]

Don't waste your time at that website.

You would know better than I. I was refered to that site by a guy on another forum claiming to be a FHP Trooper, so I just passed it along.....

[jfern022]

[QUOTE=orlandofed5-0]Thats probably the best reason why state employees (IE FHP, DOT, FWC, state universities etc.) need to have collective bargaining and take away the legislators right to deny them pay raises.[/QUOTE

Thats for sure. The state University Departments have been lagging to and only after 7 years our increase consists of finally getting shift differential.

[Sentinel]

So far I have only met a few FL State Troopers (they are not easy to meet) but I have to say that the ones I met were pretty good guys. Although they only had used patches :)

[depdog]

You mean the forever hiding patrol :D

[ftlaudcop]

2 guys i know from bso went to hillsboro
haven't talked to them..

manny f
scott f

last names omitted....


maybe on street crimes..or specialty unit

[depdog]

Its a big dept. do you know which district they are in? How long have they been here?

[Tpr Chuck]

Yeah...be prepared to do accidents and write tickets. Thats pretty much the majority of what they do....they are a Highway Patrol as compared to a State Police which usually plays more of an active law enforcement role.

In addition to the Florida academy that you need to attend to become FL certified you also attend another FHP police academy. The pay is lower compared to most other agencies and they have the choice of where you go in the state. You do get to put a preference in but its not always guaranteed youll get it.

Just some things to think about.


Well speaking from EXPERIENCE... because I know your NOT, I have to say that I've made alot more drug and money seizures, executed felony warrants and etc (not just accidents and writing tickets) than I ever thought of seizing when I was a local cop. I grew tired of going to dometics disputes, taking damaged property reports, alarms and play the politics involved with elections. I'm NOT knocking local cops either, their still usually my backup and I was one for 7 plus years.
State Police is only different than the State Patrol or Highway Patrol because they have their investgative agency within the State Police such a Michigan State Police while a State Patrol or Highway Patrol has a seperate investigative agency such as the FDLE for the Florida Highway Patrol or GBI for the Georgia State Patrol.
It depends on the individual State if the Trooper works traffic or responds to the locals calls & complaints, for example a VA. State Trooper (VSP) works mostly traffic while a MI. State Trooper (MSP) may respond to an alarm or domestic.
As for pay, I agree that we don't get paid eneough, however I do have a higher salary and better benefits than most agencies in the State with the exception of Metro size departments.
I'm not trying to be a smart a.. but speaking from a "been there & done that" perspective and not to mention I'm proud to be a Florida State Trooper, Urrr!

Troopers-R-Us
http://hometown.aol.com/tprchuck

[NYPDjock]

How long does the hiring process for FHP usually take?

[trinityalumnus]

How long does the hiring process for FHP usually take?

Normally six to nine months.

Their website is: http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/

This page http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/Career/ contains FAQ on the application process and other valuable job information. Also has phone numbers and email addresses for the recruiters, who always responded very promptly to my questions.

FYI, out of state applicants require three separate trips to FL during the application process. One for written and physical agility tests, another for polygraph, and third trip for psychological, medical, and eye exams.

You can obtain the initial application as a download from the website, or you can request one to be mailed to you.

Interestingly, there is no interview board.

The website takes pains to say that candidates with college, military, or prior law enforcement experience have a huge advantage.

There is no upper age limit. Eyesight must be correctable to 20/30 with glasses.

The next academy is scheduled to start in January, 2006, with the following one to start in late summer (per the recruiter I spoke with).

I just sent in my initial application. Wish me luck.

[SWATcop]

Just F.Y.I. - most county and municipal agencies make more than FHP.

[LAWENFORCER]

What shifts does FHP work?
Can you give me an example of the FHP schedule? (8, 10, 12 hour shifts? rotate or not?)

[NYPDjock]

Normally six to nine months.

Their website is: http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/

This page http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/Career/ contains FAQ on the application process and other valuable job information. Also has phone numbers and email addresses for the recruiters, who always responded very promptly to my questions.

FYI, out of state applicants require three separate trips to FL during the application process. One for written and physical agility tests, another for polygraph, and third trip for psychological, medical, and eye exams.

You can obtain the initial application as a download from the website, or you can request one to be mailed to you.

Interestingly, there is no interview board.

The website takes pains to say that candidates with college, military, or prior law enforcement experience have a huge advantage.

There is no upper age limit. Eyesight must be correctable to 20/30 with glasses.

The next academy is scheduled to start in January, 2006, with the following one to start in late summer (per the recruiter I spoke with).

I just sent in my initial application. Wish me luck.

Good luck!

I applied in March and will be taking my polygraph next month. I'm guessing I'm on track to make the January class if all goes well, which it should.

How long after the polygraph are you contacted to return for your third and final trip? How long before the academy starts are you notified that you will be in it? What are start up costs for gear, uniforms, etc.?

Thanks

[trinityalumnus]

What shifts does FHP work?
Can you give me an example of the FHP schedule? (8, 10, 12 hour shifts? rotate or not?)

When I asked this same question to a recruiter a few months ago, his reply was that some troops work 8s, and some work 10s. Nothing else mentioned. Rotating shifts was also not mentioned.

[trinityalumnus]

Good luck!

...... What are start up costs for gear, uniforms, etc.?

Thanks


Try digging around within this link, using sub-links at the top of the page. http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/academy/

I don't know if your question will be answered specifically, but the academy site is full of other useful info.

[NYPDjock]

Thank you.

[k9four]

I have been with fhp for 7 years. It has been good to me, with all the off duty work I make around $65,000 a year. They have opened up investigations to troopers, so you can do plain clothes work. I'm in k9 and srt and we are pretty active. unlike your local pd or sheriff's office we don't have a supervisor around all the time, so the micro mangement is less. FHP is what you make it. I just got back from hurricane wilma detail in south fl. And we had a blast. FHP is a good agency, it just needs a little work like most other agencies.

[trinityalumnus]

I have been with fhp for 7 years. It has been good to me, with all the off duty work I make around $65,000 a year. They have opened up investigations to troopers, so you can do plain clothes work. I'm in k9 and srt and we are pretty active..

A few questions from an applicant if you don't mind.

I've read that Hireback (FHP-coordinated off-duty details, usually at highway repaving/repair sites) are not really overtime. In fact, you have to go home early on other duty days so you don't go over 40 hours for the week. Is that true?

Or, is your off duty pay mentioned above from security details coordinated on your own? Are they plentiful? What type of activities?

Do you have to insure your take-home FHP patrol car out of your pocket if using it for private, off-duty details?

What's the latest in the legislature with pay compression?

Thanks for this or any other info you'd wish to share with applicants/hopefuls.

[rightbelief]

arielblackplease understand I am new at this- so: am seriously trying to locate the Jacksonville FLA sheriff's e-mail address for urgent communications : regard.. locating daughter. have tried all sites there... not outsider friendly (to access local government addresses...) very frustrating... nothing exists for anyone to locate the local police (except phone number :too costly to spend afternoon locating right person that road or corridor..) would someone in this forum assist please... ? Thanks Patrick S. Boulder ,CO

[codysberg]

A few questions from an applicant if you don't mind.

I've read that Hireback (FHP-coordinated off-duty details, usually at highway repaving/repair sites) are not really overtime. In fact, you have to go home early on other duty days so you don't go over 40 hours for the week. Is that true?

Or, is your off duty pay mentioned above from security details coordinated on your own? Are they plentiful? What type of activities?

Do you have to insure your take-home FHP patrol car out of your pocket if using it for private, off-duty details?

What's the latest in the legislature with pay compression?

Thanks for this or any other info you'd wish to share with applicants/hopefuls.

Off-duty/Hireback - You can work an additional 32 hours per week for hireback or off-duty (for a total of 72 hrs per week). Hireback is extra work scheduled by FHP such as doing extra enforcement on a particular stretch of highway. There is also a program called SOAR (a type of Hireback) in which you can work up to 8 hrs per week to write tickets. Off-duty Police Employment (ODPE) is scheduled by you or another Trooper for a private employer such as a Construction Co, Dept. Store, Hotel, School, Home Owners Assoc, etc. In Central and South Florida, ODPE is very plentiful. Unless you live in one of the rural parts of the State, you will definitely need to work a lot of this in order to live comfortably because your base salary with FHP is only $35,050 and it will not go up unless the legislature decides to give you a raise that year. There is no step plan so all Troopers from 1st day on the road to 10 years of service make the same amount.

Car Insurance: you do have to insure your car, but the cost is very small when you add it on to your existing policy.

Pay Compression: I'm not sure what the latest is on this issue. I just know that what has been proposed in the past is NOT going to fix the problem. A lousy $600 increase to my yearly salary is no reward for 5 years of service. I think it's a slap in the face.

Other Info/Advice I'd share: Unless you plan on living in rural Florida where the houses are under $150K and the Deputies make less than $30K per year, don't waste your time with FHP. Most Sheriff's Depts. have traffic units if you only want to work traffic. Most start around the same as FHP, but are on a step plan so 5 years down the road you'll be making around $5K more per year than that rookie you're training. Money isn't everything - FHP, in my opinion, seems to be going downhill. Morale is low and turnover is high. I love being a "State Trooper" and work very hard for FHP and the citizens of this State, but wonder why I'm not working for an agency that rewards you for your experience and loyalty.

[NYPDjock]

Update: I flew to Florida for my polygraph earlier this month and showed up at the troop station at time that I was scheduled. When I got there I was told that all the polygraphs for that day and the previous days had been canceled due to Hurricane Wilma.

The hurricane struck a full three weeks prior to my test date.

FYI, FHP didn't attempt to contact any applicants to tell them their date had been canceled. Not by e-mail, phone, mail or morris code...lol. :( Less than a week later I received a letter telling me to report again early next year. The letter did not mention the fact that I had already been scheduled, showed up(along with other applicants from all over the country) and was told on the spot that our polygraphs had been canceled.

Btw, the trip cost me around $400.00. Nevertheless, I will shell out money again to be there next year because I want the job. Hopefully, I'll get it! :D

Good luck to all FHP applicants. My advice is to call, no matter what it says on your letter, to confirm your appointment before reporting unless you have money growing on a tree. :p

[SeVere]

When I got there I was told that all the polygraphs for that day and the previous days had been canceled due to Hurricane Wilma.

The hurricane struck a full three weeks prior to my test date.

FYI, FHP didn't attempt to contact any applicants to tell them their date had been canceled. Not by e-mail, phone, mail or morris code...lol. :( Less than a week later I received a letter telling me to report again early next year. The letter did not mention the fact that I had already been scheduled, showed up(along with other applicants from all over the country) and was told on the spot that our polygraphs had been canceled.

I would take that as a sign of how the department will treat you once you get on. If they did not have the common courtesy to contact you regarding your test, once you become an employee they will continue to treat you the same. Just my opinion.

[codysberg]

Update: I flew to Florida for my polygraph earlier this month and showed up at the troop station at time that I was scheduled. When I got there I was told that all the polygraphs for that day and the previous days had been canceled due to Hurricane Wilma.


It's a sign! What happened to you doesn't surprise me one bit. You would think whoever was in charge would've made an effort to contact you. Granted we did have to sent Troopers down south to assist with recovery efforts, but this is a good example of how the agency works. The Colonel says you can do this, your Captain says no you can't, your Lt. says maybe and your Sgt. doesn't know his/her behind from a hole in the ground.

You do understand that if you become a Trooper with FHP that your salary will be the same as your FTO? There hasn't been a step plan for several years now. Please make sure you've thought about that before you go through all the trouble of the application process, just to turn around and do it again for another agency that rewards you for your experience and loyalty. It's true: 1 year Trooper salary $35,050 - 5 year Trooper salary $35,050 - 10 year Trooper salary $35,050.

If you are set on being a Trooper with FHP than I wish you all the luck in the world. Just be well informed.

[NYPDjock]

Thanks, Cody for the advice! :D

It was a tough break to see that amount of money wasted when it could've been prevented by a simple phone call the day before. I'm sure there were a lot of other people that came from further than I did and it cost even more. Hopefully, it will increase my chances in the long run.

I'm aware that FHP doesn't get step raises. It doesn't make sense and seems unfair but it's part of the deal. I'll have to live with it if I'm lucky enough to be hired.

Thanks Cody for telling us some of the pros and cons of the agency. That way we can all make informed decisions.

I'll keep everyone posted on my process.

[dannmann1050]

Cody... What troop/station r u with (if u don't mind me asking)??

[NYPDjock]

How soon before an academy class starts are applicants notified that they've made that class?

How soon before graduation are cadets told of their troop assignment? How are troop station assignments determined?

Thanks, Cody :D

[codysberg]

How soon before an academy class starts are applicants notified that they've made that class?

How soon before graduation are cadets told of their troop assignment? How are troop station assignments determined?

Thanks, Cody :D

I've known some Troopers that were notified about 1 week prior to starting. I had about a month's notice. :eek:

If I remember correctly, you get your assignment about 2 months prior to graduation.

To all applicants, I didn't intend to sound so negative towards FHP. It is truly one of the best agencies in the nation. I just personally disagree with the way some things are handled. I strongly disagree with the pay issue, which isn't really FHP's fault. It's the lawmakers in Tallahassee that don't realize how many quality Troopers they are going to lose if they start making
some changes. We are one the biggest and richest states in the nation, there is no excuse to be on the bottom of the pay scale.

Good luck to all applicants - Let me know if you have anymore questions.

10-50 - I'm stationed in the biggest troop.

[codysberg]

It's the lawmakers in Tallahassee that don't realize how many quality Troopers they are going to lose if they start making
some changes.

I meant to say "if they DON'T start making some changes.

[LAWENFORCER]

Hey Cody.

I was looking at FHP for a while now, and since you are stationed in Orlando (I assume), I would like to ask you a few questions.

1. Can you do proactive patrol? ie traffic enforcement, looking for bag guys? or do you go from one call to another? from one accident to another?
2. FHP has a felony only pursuit policy? How many pursuits were you involved in last year or the year before?
3. Can you describe your shift schedule?


thx.

[codysberg]

Hey Cody.

I was looking at FHP for a while now, and since you are stationed in Orlando (I assume), I would like to ask you a few questions.

1. Can you do proactive patrol? ie traffic enforcement, looking for bag guys? or do you go from one call to another? from one accident to another?
2. FHP has a felony only pursuit policy? How many pursuits were you involved in last year or the year before?
3. Can you describe your shift schedule?


thx.

1. Depends on your county. Even in the busiest, you do have time to be proactive - you just have to make time. Stop the first car you see commit a violation. You usually don't have time to go to your favorite spot and run radar/laser unless you are on a specialty squad or less busy area. Orange county is about the only county in Central FL that is sooo busy that you are humping calls a lot. Even in Orange, there are slow days. And if you don't like the county you are in, you can transfer to one that's less busy. But being proactive is the beauty of being a State Trooper - you don't have a supervisor breathing down your neck and you can go about anywhere you want. Even in and around Orange, there are assignments that allow you to be proactive most of time - example: I-4 squad, Expressway Squad, Turnpike. Because they are assigned to those specific roadways, they can't be pulled off to work crashes in the county.

2. Pursuits - none. You can only pursue those or have committed or suspected to have committed a crime of violence. All other pursuits are prohibited. That doesn't mean you can pursue just for a felony. When a violator willfully refuses to stop, he just committed a felony - but you can't pursue - only for a crime of violence (car-jacking, murder) short of that, you better turn off your lights, siren and pull -over to the side of the road.

3. Shifts - most troops work an 8 hr shift - 28 day cycle. You will most likely work 7a-3p with Sat/Sun off, 28 days later you will switch to 3p-11p with Mon/Tue off, and occassionally will have to work the midnight shift. Some troops have 10 hr shifts.

[LAWENFORCER]

1. Depends on your county. Even in the busiest, you do have time to be proactive - you just have to make time. Stop the first car you see commit a violation. You usually don't have time to go to your favorite spot and run radar/laser unless you are on a specialty squad or less busy area. Orange county is about the only county in Central FL that is sooo busy that you are humping calls a lot. Even in Orange, there are slow days. And if you don't like the county you are in, you can transfer to one that's less busy. But being proactive is the beauty of being a State Trooper - you don't have a supervisor breathing down your neck and you can go about anywhere you want. Even in and around Orange, there are assignments that allow you to be proactive most of time - example: I-4 squad, Expressway Squad, Turnpike. Because they are assigned to those specific roadways, they can't be pulled off to work crashes in the county.

2. Pursuits - none. You can only pursue those or have committed or suspected to have committed a crime of violence. All other pursuits are prohibited. That doesn't mean you can pursue just for a felony. When a violator willfully refuses to stop, he just committed a felony - but you can't pursue - only for a crime of violence (car-jacking, murder) short of that, you better turn off your lights, siren and pull -over to the side of the road.

3. Shifts - most troops work an 8 hr shift - 28 day cycle. You will most likely work 7a-3p with Sat/Sun off, 28 days later you will switch to 3p-11p with Mon/Tue off, and occassionally will have to work the midnight shift. Some troops have 10 hr shifts.

thx for the info.
Another silly question, since you are a state trooper and cover a big area, how many times a day on average do you get to run Code 3(light and siren) to a call?

[dannmann1050]

Oh lordy...

Yet another person corrupted by COPS and the "code-3" runs... Geezz... lol

[LAWENFORCER]

Oh lordy...

Yet another person corrupted by COPS and the "code-3" runs... Geezz... lol

Nah, not really. I have been on a few ride-alongs and loved every second of them.

What I have noticed is with big departments you usually get many short code-3 runs, and with small departments you get 1 long one, if that.
Never rode with FHP before, so thats why I asked.

[NYPDjock]

3. Shifts - most troops work an 8 hr shift - 28 day cycle. You will most likely work 7a-3p with Sat/Sun off, 28 days later you will switch to 3p-11p with Mon/Tue off, and occassionally will have to work the midnight shift. Some troops have 10 hr shifts.

Thanks for another informative post, Cody! You're a big help to those of us that are in the FHP process. :D

When troopers rotate 7a-3p and 3p-11p do they also rotate 11p-7a? Or with more senority can you opt not to work that tour? Just curious.

Also, with polygraphs scheduled for Jan. and Feb. when is it likely the academy class will start? How many classes can be in the academy at a time?

Thanks and happy Thanksgiving to all! :D

[trinityalumnus]

Thanks for another informative post, Cody! You're a big help to those of us that are in the FHP process. :D

When troopers rotate 7a-3p and 3p-11p do they also rotate 11p-7a? Or with more senority can you opt not to work that tour? Just curious.

Also, with polygraphs scheduled for Jan. and Feb. when is it likely the academy class will start? How many classes can be in the academy at a time?

Thanks and happy Thanksgiving to all! :D

I called the FHP training academy the day before Thanksgiving and spoke with one of the secretaries. She said one class for cadets with no prior police experience starts in early January, with the next one starting in early July. She said the academy is usually running all the time with a class, with minimum downtime between classes.

[NYPDjock]

When did you apply, Trinity?

[NYPDjock]

Job Position Profile
Home > Jobs Central - Position Detail


State Trooper - State of Florida, FL

Position Type
Position Title
Trooper
State Trooper
Requirements/Overview

Weight proportional to height.
Able to pass Physical Abilities Test.
Willing to participate in 30 weeks of physically demanding training.
Engages in regular physical activity.
Vision correctable to 20/30 in each eye with a 140-degree vision field.
Good moral character. Ethical.
Uses good judgement when making decisions.
Willing to accept assignment anywhere in Florida.
Valid driver's license.
19 years of age or older.
United States Citizen.
High school diploma or equivalent experience and one of the following:
1. one year of sworn or non-sworn law enforcement experience
2. two years of active and continuous U.S. military service
3. Two years of public contact experience.
4. Successful completion of 30 semester hours at an accredited college or university.


Additional Information

The Florida Highway Patrol courteously promotes a safe driving environment through aggressive law enforcement, public education, and safety awareness.
We are working to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes in Florida, preserve and protect human life, property and the rights of all people in accordance with the constitutions and laws of the United States and the State of Florida.
We design and implement prevention strategies and aggressively enforce DUI laws and other violations identified as crash causation factors.
*Florida Highway Patrol proudly supports Affirmative Action and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to workforce diversity. Drug-free work environment. Pre-employment drug screening required.

Relocation costs not covered by employer.


Salary

$ 33,300

Posting Date

2005-11-18

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Job Last Updated

2005-11-18

Job Announcement/More Information Web Site

http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/career

Department/County Web Site

http://www.myflorida.com

[NYPDjock]

What is the purpose of the program?
The Florida Highway Patrols (FHP) purpose is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on Florida's roadways; reduce criminal activities on Floridas highways; investigate crashes resulting in deaths, injuries and property damage; and respond to calls for service in a timely manner.

What services are provided by the program?
Highway Patrol troopers patrol the states highways, investigate traffic crashes, make arrests, assist other law enforcement officers, and provide safety education and training. The patrol is divided into six functional units.

Traffic Enforcement enforces traffic laws and apprehends drivers who break laws by engaging in illegal activities while on the highway.

Traffic Homicide Investigations conducts investigations of car crashes to determine if a felony has occurred. Through accident reconstruction and other investigative techniques, Highway Patrol homicide investigators seek to provide sufficient evidence for the state attorneys to prosecute offenders.

Safety Education promotes driver safety and education through safety presentations, media contacts, and news releases. It also pursues federal funding for implementation of traffic safety programs.

The Academy, located in Tallahassee, provides law enforcement training to FHP recruits and in-service training to members of the patrol. The Academy also offers training courses to the Department of Environmental Protection's Marine Patrol and the Department of Transportation's Motor Carrier Compliance recruits.

Investigations engage in two types of investigations: criminal and professional compliance. Criminal investigations target auto theft rings, driver license fraud, and odometer, emission, and title fraud cases. Professional compliance investigations are internal agency investigations. They target troopers or agency civilians alleged to have engaged in behavior that violates Florida law or agency policy.

Administration provides support to the director in the oversight of the various patrol activities pertaining to patrol accreditation, inspections, and special operations.

The Florida Highway Patrol is the primary response state law enforcement agency in disaster situations. Recently, its responsibilities have been expanded to include domestic security and homeland security.

The Highway Patrol has a central office in Tallahassee and 10 troop command posts throughout the state.

How many Highway Patrol Officers are there?
As of March 2005, the Florida Highway Patrol has 1,813 authorized sworn law enforcement positions of which 1,647 are filled.

What is the crash and fatality rate on Florida roads?
The department reports that the crash rate on Florida roads for Fiscal Year 2003-04 was 131 per 100 million miles of travel, which was lower than the performance standard of 171 per 100 million miles of travel. Also, the death rate on Florida roads during the 2003-04 fiscal year was 1.7 per 100 million vehicle miles of travel which was higher than the national average death rate of 1.5, but lower than the Florida performance standard of 1.85 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Other legislatively mandated performance measures and standards for the department may be found on the OPPAGA website.

For further data on Highway Patrol activities, visit the Florida Highway Patrol website at www.fhp.state.fl.us or see available online quarterly reports at www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/quarterly.html.

How is the program funded?
The Legislature appropriated 2,360 positions and $196.9 million for the Highway Patrol in Fiscal Year 2005-06. Of this amount, general revenue comprises $126.5 million and $70.4 million is from various trust funds. Trust fund sources are the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund, Gas Tax Collection Trust Fund, Grants and Donations Trust Fund, Highway Patrol Insurance Trust Fund, and Law Enforcement Trust Fund.

Current issues
The department has developed a new electronic data system for entering crash reports. Crash reports can now be electronically transmitted from lap top computers located in trooper vehicles to a server located at FHP headquarters in Tallahassee. The system should improve trooper productivity by reducing the time taken to complete and transmit reports.

Where can I get more information?
OPPAGA Reports

Progress Report: Florida Highway Patrol Fails to Achieve Savings or Demonstrate Impact of Adding Troopers, Report No. 01-29, June 2001.

Justification Review of the Florida Highway Patrol Program, Report No. 98-87, June 1999.

PB2 Performance Report: Highway Patrol Program, Report No. 98-41, January 1999.

Review of the Florida Highway Patrol's Traffic Accident Investigation Activity on Local Roads, Report No. 97-47, February 1998.

Other Reports

Information on reports issued by the Florida Auditor General may be obtained by contacting the Auditor General, (850) 487-9175, or by visiting the Auditor General website at www.state.fl.us/audgen/pages/subjects/stagencies.htm.

What are the applicable statutes?
Chapter 321, Florida Statutes.

Who do I contact for help?
Florida Highway Patrol (850) 487-3139

Highway Patrol website - www.fhp.state.fl.us


Transportation and Highway Safety, Automobile safety, Automobiles, Highway, Highway safety, Police, Traffic tickets


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Florida Legislature
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

[codysberg]

thx for the info.
Another silly question, since you are a state trooper and cover a big area, how many times a day on average do you get to run Code 3(light and siren) to a call?


Once or twice a week. :( You can only run code when you are responding to an emergency situation (ex: traffic fatality or a crash with roadblock on a major roadway or when you are responding to a call to back-up another trooper/deputy/officer). FHP is very restrictive about running code because of the increased likelyhood of causing a crash.

[codysberg]

Thanks for another informative post, Cody! You're a big help to those of us that are in the FHP process. :D

When troopers rotate 7a-3p and 3p-11p do they also rotate 11p-7a? Or with more senority can you opt not to work that tour? Just curious.

Also, with polygraphs scheduled for Jan. and Feb. when is it likely the academy class will start? How many classes can be in the academy at a time?

Thanks and happy Thanksgiving to all! :D

It depends on where you are. In some parts of the state there is a permanent midnight shift so you don't have to work 11p-7a. In Central Fl, you work it about 2 or 3 times per year.

[FHPjock]

Where do you call to update your background information?

No, I don't have a background investigator yet. I've only completed my CJPAT and written exam.

Thanks

[arcop223]

If hired by FHP, where do you have to live in relation to your assignment. i.e. same county, within so many miles, what?

[Florida Smokey]

If hired by FHP, where do you have to live in relation to your assignment. i.e. same county, within so many miles, what?

An FHP Trooper is assigned to a county. They are also assigned to a city within that county. That doesn't mean that you will only be working that city....it's just to have an even distribution of Troopers. You are allowed to live within a 30 mile radius of the city you are assigned to. That's quite a large area. I don't even live in the Troop that I am assigned to. I live 20 miles from my city of assignment (36 road miles) and it takes me between 45 minutes to an hour to get to my station.

[arcop223]

Are you guy's(or gal's) at FHP allowed to personliz your cars?

[trinityalumnus]

I hope an FHP insider can give a better insight into the Tpr. Bishop situation, meaning what's the real facts?

I stumbled across his website. Apparently he was a trooper in the 1980s, then went reserve while a college student, graduated from law school, returned to reserve status while working as a county prosecutor, then came back on fulltime paid status in 2000. According to his website, it's because he loved the job so much.

He got ticked off when he found out his fulltime service in the 1980s would not count for seniority and he was back at the bottom of the seniority roster. He officially complained all the way to the moon and back (and, being a lawyer he drowned the dept in paperwork) and ticked off lots of people.

He then, over several years time, did several dumb things: ticketed an FHP lieutenant, and several other "poor discretion" actions which reeked of poor judgement. Bottom line: FHP terminated him and now his appeal is winding it's way through the courts.

Is there a different side to his story? While he does not deny the above actions (he gives a compelling rationalization for each of the incidents) is he blind to the obvious? Who's right: Col Knight, or Tpr Bishop?