Washington State Patrol facing severe trooper shortage
May 12, 2015, 12:56 PM | Updated: May 14, 2015, 9:30 am
The Washington State Patrol is losing between five and eight troopers a month for a variety of reasons and far fewer are applying, let alone qualifying to replace them.
The help wanted sign is out at the Washington State Patrol, but there just aren’t enough qualified candidates answering the call.
“We currently have over 100 vacancies that we’re looking to fill, our line troopers that you see out on the road” said Lt. Tim Coley, assistant commander of the WSP human resources division.
The patrol is losing between five and eight troopers a month for a variety of reasons and far fewer are applying, let alone qualifying to replace them.
“We’re losing some through retirement, some people are seeking to pursue other employment, some people are seeking other law enforcement jobs,” Coley said.
The WSP has been making a widespread push to attract new recruits, promoting the job openings everywhere it can. That includes sending recruiters to schools, job fairs and promoting the openings on social media. The goal is to attract at least 60 recruits for each training class, but only 30-40 have qualified to even begin school.
“We need at least 60 to make a dent in the vacancy rate,” Coley said.
Among those that apply, a surprising number are disqualified because they can’t pass the initial physical fitness exam required for passage to the next step of the hiring process. It requires a certain number of push ups, sit ups and a qualifying time in a 1.5 mile run.
For a male candidate between 20-29 years old, they must complete 29 push ups in one minute, followed by 38 sit ups and 12:29 to complete the run.
“We do lose a sizable portion there,” Coley said. “Depending on which day it is and particular test, it can be up to 50 percent. But generally 20-30 percent don’t make it beyond that first step.”
The starting pay is $48,000 per year, which can also be a deterrent. Some choose to pursue a career with a local law enforcement agency that can pay far more. For example, new deputies in King County start at $61,400.
It’s also a challenge to attract candidates because the State Patrol requires troopers be willing to work anywhere in the state, which deters many who don’t want to move.
The current political and social climate has made matters worse. The increasing scrutiny of law enforcement coupled with the dangers of the job has deterred a number of potential candidates from choosing to become a cop.
“That group that maybe don’t know or think that they might be interested, they’re definitely a little bit skittish,” Coley said.
“A lot of times the people that encourage you into these professions are either your parents or already in law enforcement or someone in the family and so I think there is a hesitance from that angle to push your kids, recent graduates into law enforcement.”
