Colorado State Patrol Cadet

Colorado State Patrol Cadet Colorado State Patrol Lakewood, CO Posted Date 5/04/2026 Description This position serves in a training and learning capacity, receiving instruction on basic law enforcement services in accordance with the mission, goals and objectives of the Colorado State Patrol and in compliance with governing federal and state laws. The position will require learning and demonstrating the ability to exercise extensive independent judgment in decision-making, which may include taking immediate action with limited opportunity to consider various alternatives. Cadets must successfully complete all academy courses, including academic classes, physical training, vehicle operations, weapon qualification(s) and use of force to move to the classification of Trooper, within the prescribed training period. This position will work under the direction of the Major and Commander of the State Patrol Academy and the qualified/uniformed & civilian/certified training staff. A State Patrol Cadet trains to become a fully functional State Trooper, patrolling highways and ensuring public safety by enforcing all state and federal laws governing the traffic network. A cadet will also train to analyze trends and statistics to determine the appropriate enforcement process to accomplish task goals. A Colorado State Patrol Cadet attends the prescribed training academy and must successfully complete every course. This announcement will be filling the Academy class commencing January 11, 2027. A new cadet will immediately commence duties & demonstrate responsibility for his/her conduct, as part of a safe and positive work environment, to sustain moderate fitness levels, and as a student across various environments (i.e., classroom, firearms training, fitness, driving track, outdoor training). You can find out more about the Academy and Cadet training by clicking here.

Key Responsibilities:

Arrest Authority Training The Cadet position receives instruction in the interpretation and application of the laws and statutes of the State of Colorado, laws of arrest, rights of citizens, basic criminal investigation processes and techniques, including law enforcement ethics, witness interviews, and evidence collection. Communication Training The Cadet position receives instruction on the interpretation and application of the agency's key polices, positions and strategies while interpreting and applying policy and procedures to the public in an operational capacity. Cadets receive instruction on the interpretation of the philosophies and programs implemented by the agency, on effective report writing and effective speaking. The Cadet position also receives instruction on serving as a witness in court testimony and providing accurate, complete and truthful statements. Emergency Response Training The Cadet position requires instruction in performing independently and recognizing immediate problems. A Cadet must make responsible decisions and take the appropriate corrective action without the benefit of close supervision. Training will include participation in simulated instruction in situations that are often stressful or dangerous. The Cadet position receives instruction and interpretation in the collection of evidence, participates in firearms training and physical methods of arrest training, and participates in emergency vehicle operations training, including pursuit, defensive driving, and emergency driving. The Cadet position receives instruction in enforcement psychology, enforcement tactics, and crowd control tactics, recognizing and respecting the complexities of cultural diversity, radio communications, and basic medical response techniques. The Cadet position also participates in a physical training program. Technical Expertise/Training The Cadet position receives instruction in the necessary technical expertise, including, but not limited to: use of patrol vehicles, firearms, use of force, arrest control, physical fitness, use of assigned equipment, crash investigations, officer safety skills, decision-making skills, and current technology. Instruction is provided on how and when to effectively use lethal and less lethal weapons, arrest control tactics and tools. Cadets must attend all assigned training and acquire all required certifications prescribed by agency written directives and Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) standards. Upon graduation from the academy, Cadets become Troopers with a pay rate of $7,635 monthly. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights Note, to be considered for this position, you must meet the following options for consideration: HS Diploma or GED (minimum qualification) Must be 21 years of age at the start of the Academy (special qualification) Salary 6,754.00 - 7,429.00 Month Field Police Highest Educational Degree Required High school diploma or equivalent Job Type Entry Level