New Hampshire State Police

[FAIR]

New Hampshire State Police will be administering an examination in Sep-Oct. The initial application is due the first week of September. As far as I can tell from their website, it is open to non-residents. Good luck to anyone interested.

[bceagles]

Long time listener, first time caller. Great forum! I've been on the fence regarding whether or not to take a run at the NHSP. How is their reputation? I've been on holding pattern with the FBI for over two years and I am finally contemplating moving on and taking my shot at LE. Mass SP would be preferable in that I am from MA, however I am aware of how difficult it is to get on MSP (plus who knows for sure when their next academy date will be). Is it considered in poor taste to go ahead and test even if you are not 100% sure you will pull the trigger if you receive an offer? Also, I heard that NHSP has a system where you work more than one area/barracks in your first year. That would make it pretty difficult on the family, especially if you are not from there originally. Thanks in advance for any feedback/thoughts from anyone familiar with NHSP or the position that many of us are in.

[snpusmc]

I have a buddy that was a cop in Boston for almost ten years he took the MSP test in 98 and got into the first acd class. After he got out of the acd he got a call to take his poly for the DEA before he was off of probation he got the call for the DEA. With a little help he was able to get a exteded leave from the Col (one year)from the MSP while he went to the DEA acd just incase it didn't work out. Needless to say he loves it and wouldn't think about doing anything else. I keep calling him a lifetime recruit but the bottom line is he kept going for what he really wanted. As you spend some time on this board you will see more LEO at all levals still looking to take the next step and some that are happy where there at.

Best of luck.

[bceagles]

Thanks for your reply, snpusmc
Does anyone have an idea as to what the earning potential is for a NH state trooper? Would it be enough to support a family including buying a home and making mortgage payments if it was a family's sole income? Also, are there many overtime/detail opportunities with the NHSP? Last but not least, if someone was offered a job as a probationary trooper, would it be in bad taste to ask to defer to a later academy date? (Would they consider this a waste of their time or do they understand that these are major decisions and that they want people fully committed) Since I am fairly new to the process and trying to figure out future plans, I want to make sure that I have all the facts before making a decision. Thanks again for any feedback!

[avsrock67]

bceagles,

Does it list on their website how much troopers make? I would imagine they start around $30,000 or so, maybe more. Don't know how much they max out at. I don't think they get the details MA Troopers get, but who knows. As far as deferring goes, I was appointed to the first NYSP class from the 97 test and deferred to the second class with no problem. Don't know how other states are about deferring though. Good Luck!

[kreager]

The probationary troopers have to float for a yaer from troop area to area. Sometimes they are required to live in or at the troop station itself. They say you can't work details the first year but I've seen all of them do it. I think its a catch all in case your a#4@!! up. (*edited by moderator*)
As for the pay for the first year, I guess you could make a living the first year on it . However it certainly would be tight and I wouldn't think you'd make more than 40 K.
Not a bad group of guys to work for but get caught up a little in being "State Police " sometimes.

[snpusmc]

NH doese not have a state income tax so you might be able to save a few bucks there. But like any of those type of states ( FL, NV) they seem to get you some how. Cost of living will vary from area to area but if what Keager says is right then living at the barracks is a plus.