New Hampshire police officers earn an average salary of about $48,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over 2,800 worked in New Hampshire in 2010. Among these professionals, some are designated state troopers and work for the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s State Police. While local jurisdictions oversee each township or county’s police department, state troopers are employed by the state of New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Department of Safety has additional requirements for employment to become a state police officer. Applications must be submitted approximately one month before two scheduled test dates each year.
Those who obtain 60 credit hours majoring in criminal justice or a related discipline can apply with no previous experience. For those who didn’t receive the required college credit hours, a high school diploma or GED is required. Two years of experience in the military or as certified police officer is also required. Candidates then fill out an application and the state’s pre-physical agility test form. After the application and physical test form is submitted, applicants must pass for physical fitness assessments which include a single bench press, sit-ups, push-ups and completing a 1 ½ mile run. Those who pass the physical test then take a written exam requiring a score of 70 percent or higher.
The selection process also includes a polygraph, psychological and medical exam. The final phase of the selection process includes a drug test that can be administered at any time during the entire application process, and an interview with the state police’s department director. Although the selection process for New Hampshire state troopers seems extensive, the job is rewarding. The starting salary for state troopers in New Hampshire is $46,307 with excellent benefits, which is higher than national salary averages for state troopers. The starting salary can increase for those with previous experience in law enforcement. jobs Ten years of combined experience as a state trooper and a certified law enforcement professional can result in obtaining the rank of trooper II, which is a promotion and a higher salary grade.