Tanya Rider-AP
The Washington State Patrol is going on a hiring blitz. The WSP is a full-service police agency that includes a SWAT Team, Aviation Section, Detective Division, K-9, narcotics and auto-theft units.

Washington State Patrol going on hiring blitz

BY KIRO Radio Staff  on April 16, 2012 @ 12:09 pm (Updated: 1:18 pm - 4/16/12 )

The Washington State Patrol is in need of some new blood.

Twenty-three percent of the patrol is expected to retire over the next few years, and Trooper Pete Stock says that means they need to get 60 people into the academy this year.

"We have some pretty large projections for losing a lot of our commissioned staff over the next several years," said Stock. "In order to maintain our service to the public and the citizens, we need to get these vacancies filled."

WSP is holding four days of physical and written tests at the end of the April for anyone who wants to apply.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for anyone considering a career in law enforcement," said Capt. Jeff DeVere, commander of the Patrol's Human Resources Division. "We hear of agencies hiring five or six at a time, and we're trying to find 60 top-notch people in just a couple of months."

DeVere said even though they need people quickly, they won't be compromising their standards.

"We need the right 60 people," said DeVere.

KIRO Radio Staff, Staff report
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Comments (5)


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  • froggy wrote...
    They aren't the only agency going to be facing this.
    April 16, 2012 1:39 pm
    When the legislature changed the retirement rules in 1977, it resulted in the hiring of healthier officers for sheriffs and municipal officers. It also required longer lengths of service, which is now changed, to retire. The officers hired in the late 70's and early 80's are now going to be retiring in droves as they are just now reaching retirement ages.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    Would a Apple Picker make a good kop . . . .
    April 16, 2012 2:08 pm
    ????
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    They will get hundreds...maybe thousands...
    April 16, 2012 5:21 pm
    of applicants.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sleuth96 wrote...
    HPD..
    April 16, 2012 6:17 pm
    I agree. Especially with today's unemployment numbers. My agency is facing the same problem. 1/3 of our agents will be up for retirement soon.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • kiddenme wrote...
    its a solid retirement...why not
    April 16, 2012 8:45 pm
    60% of your best three years? Clock the OT, retire after 25 years. I think after 25 of years on the road...you'd have seen it all, had enough, and have to start thinking about something different.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }