Frequently Asked Questions

The Academy is located in Golden, Colo.

Through Phase 2 which last approximately 10 weeks.

For the first 10 weeks, cadets will only get to leave on weekends. Once Phase 3 begins (approximately 10 weeks), if you live within one hour of Golden you will be allowed to go home after classes.

Phase 1 - Administrative/Orientation
Phase 2 - Discipline Phase
Phase 3 - Independent Study

The Colorado State Patrol Academy uses military bearing to instill discipline in each of our troopers. The military based its core values on discipline, and requires its members to follow orders at all times. The discipline at the State Patrol Academy is based on our core values of Honor, Duty and Respect. We use our discipline to create an environment that fosters an individual's ability to develop self-discipline and immediate attention to orders. Orders need to funnel up and down through the chain of command, which is a system that has specific ranks or positions, each responsible to the other.

The current Academy is 26 weeks long.

It is the mission of the CSP Training Academy Physical Training Program to create an environment that fosters physical, mental and emotional growth by providing students with strong fundamentals in anatomy and physiology, general health and wellness, nutrition, exercise technique, programming and self-motivation. The program focuses on remaining injury free. In fact, it focuses on reconditioning and improving upon existing injuries and limitations, while simultaneously improving a student in all aspects in a group environment. Specifically, the program focuses on individual successes with Cadets, giving them the requisite foundations to prevail as Colorado State Troopers over a long term career.

Male Cadets live five to a room. Female cadets live three to a room.

You will be given a packing list of all required items you must bring with you to the Academy.

No. 

Cadets are able to use their phones, but only during designated times.

No. But we will work with cadets if an emergency arises.

We provide meals and snacks at the Academy. Specific dietary accommodations are available.

Cadets are required to pass all skills while attending the academy. (Driving/Shooting/Arrest Control/ALERT Training)

You must have a high school diploma or GED. However, we suggest having additional math skills such as Algebra.

You are required to to maintain a 80% or higher on all written and skills tests.

• Applicants must be current Colorado residents,  must provide a DD-2058 showing Colorado residency, if a military member. 
• HS Diploma or GED (minimum qualification)
• Must be 21 years of age at the start of the Academy (special qualification)
• Current valid Basic Peace Officer Certification through Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-3 years of law enforcement experience is preferred, but not required. 

Disqualifiers
Please review this list of disqualifiers for employment as Provisional State Patrol Trooper. Only applications meeting strict criteria outlined will be moving through in the process. 

Conditions of Employment
Ability to successfully complete a background investigation, polygraph, pre-employment physical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug test.   Must be willing to live within the residency requirement of their assigned duty station and must be willing to go to any duty station throughout the state of Colorado. Must be available and willing to work 24/7 as needed. This includes weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and in all weather conditions.

• A Military, District Attorney, or Federal Police Officer experience;
• A jail, corrections, or security officer;
• Experience gained in a Training Academy;

Starting salary is $6,176 per month.

The Lateral academy is 14 weeks.

You will be required to live at the academy through Phase 2 which is approximately 10 weeks.

Cadets are allowed to leave the academy after their final class on Friday.

You will be required to attend and participate in all trainings.

You will receive additional training in accident investigation, driving, shooting, arrest control, commercial motor vehicle, traffic code, criminal code and CSP policy.

Duty stations will be assigned by Command Staff prior to the start of the academy.

CSP Recruiters

Trooper Timothy Sutherland (cdps_csp_hiring@state.co.us)
Trooper Robert Busick (cdps_csp_hiring@state.co.us)
Human Resource Analyst Michelle Chancey (michelle.chancey@state.co.us)