FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2006
CONTACT: Sgt. R.K. HUGHES, 803-896-8164
SC HIGHWAY PATROL RECRUITING FOR AUXILIARY TROOPER PROGRAM
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Highway Patrol has begun recruiting for its new Auxiliary Trooper Program. The first training class is expected to begin October 1.
The Auxiliary Trooper Program is similar to the Reserve Officer program used by local law enforcement agencies. The idea is to bolster existing resources by using non-paid volunteers to assist troopers in a basic law enforcement capacity: at special events with traffic and crowd control and during times of natural disaster such as hurricanes.
“We are excited about attracting and retaining civic-minded individuals who are willing to donate their time to their community in a law enforcement capacity,” said Highway Patrol Colonel Russell F. Roark. “This model has worked well for local law enforcement agencies, and we are confident that it will be a plus for bolstering our presence in communities and on our roadways.”
Auxiliary troopers will receive about 130 hours of training from the Highway Patrol. They will have limited arrest powers and will be trained and certified in such areas as basic law enforcement principles, legal, firearms and traffic direction. The Auxiliary troopers will be partnered with full-time state troopers in their enforcement capacity.
The first Auxiliary Troopers will be drawn primarily from the Midlands and immediate surrounding areas. Training will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Columbia from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Qualifications: must be at least 21 years of age; a U.S. citizen; high school graduate or GED; no criminal record; driving record should be clear of any suspensions.
To qualify, recruits must complete a state law enforcement application, which can be obtained on the SCHP web site at www.schp.org under Join the Highway Patrol (links below). They may also obtain an application by calling 803-896-7920.
SC State Government Application for Employment. (PDF file)
and the
Department of Public Safety Commissioned Officers Supplement.
(PDF file)
The Highway Patrol is Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are strongly urged to apply.