LA State Police flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Minimum age for LSP

Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment as a Louisiana State Police cadet; there is no upper age limit.

Citizenship requirement

Applicants must be United States citizens. Lawful permanent residents are not eligible unless they have naturalized before appointment.

Education requirement

A high school diploma or GED equivalency is required. No college degree is necessary for the entry-level trooper position.

Driver's license rule

Candidates must hold a valid Louisiana driver's license at application and maintain it throughout employment with LSP.

Felony conviction disqualifier

Any felony conviction is disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions are reviewed case-by-case and may disqualify based on recency and nature.

Drug use lookback

Illegal drug use within a specified lookback period (e.g., marijuana within 2 years, other drugs within 5-10 years) is typically disqualifying.

Physical fitness test

The LSP Physical Fitness Test includes timed push-ups, sit-ups, a 1.5-mile run, and an agility course, with age- and gender-normed standards.

Background investigation

A comprehensive background check covers credit history, employment references, and a polygraph examination; successful completion is required.

Medical and psychological exam

Candidates must pass a pre-employment medical examination and a psychological evaluation to verify fitness for duty.

Academy duration

The LSP Training Academy lasts approximately 26 weeks and is residential, with recruits living on campus during the week.

Academy curriculum

Instruction covers criminal law, traffic law, firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, physical fitness, and community policing.

Academic passing score

Recruits must maintain a minimum passing score (typically 70%) on all written examinations; failure may lead to remediation or dismissal.

Firearms qualification

Recruits must qualify with the duty pistol and shotgun at designated distances; repeated failure after remedial training can result in dismissal.

Physical fitness progression

Recruits must pass periodic fitness tests throughout the academy, with standards increasing in difficulty as the academy progresses.

Field training program

After graduation, probationary troopers complete a Field Training Program with a certified Field Training Officer before solo patrol.

Honor code violations

Violations of the academy honor code or conduct regulations can result in immediate dismissal and disqualification from future LSP employment.

POST certification

Graduates receive Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification, required for continued employment as a law enforcement officer in the state.

LSP application process

The application process includes submission of an application, written examination, physical fitness test, background investigation, polygraph, medical exam, and psychological evaluation.

Residency preference

Louisiana residency is not a strict requirement for application, but preference may be given to state residents during the hiring process.

Tattoo policy

Tattoos are permitted but must not be visible on the head, neck, face, or hands; content that is obscene, gang-related, or discriminatory is prohibited.

Military service credit

Honorable military service may provide preference points or credit during the hiring process, but does not waive other minimum qualifications.

Written examination

Applicants must pass a written examination, often a standardized police aptitude test, as part of the initial screening process.

Polygraph examination

A polygraph examination is administered during the background investigation to verify information provided by the candidate.

Academy rank structure

Recruits are organized into squads led by cadet supervisors and supervised by academy instructors and staff, mirroring a paramilitary structure.

Defensive tactics training

Recruits receive instruction in defensive tactics, including control holds, handcuffing, and use-of-force decision-making, with practical evaluations.

Emergency vehicle operations

Recruits complete emergency vehicle operations training, including pursuit driving and skid control, and must pass a practical driving evaluation.

Community policing instruction

Academy curriculum includes community policing principles, emphasizing problem-solving and public relations skills for troopers.

Remediation policy

Recruits who fail an academic or practical test may receive remedial training; failure to improve after remediation can lead to dismissal.

Graduation requirements

To graduate, recruits must pass all academic, physical, and practical evaluations, meet conduct standards, and complete all required training hours.

Probationary period

After graduation, troopers serve a probationary period during field training and initial assignment; successful completion is required for permanent status.

Uniform and appearance standards

Recruits must adhere to strict uniform and grooming standards, including short hair for males and hair secured above the collar for females.

Criminal law instruction

Academy training covers Louisiana criminal law, including offenses, arrest procedures, search and seizure, and report writing.