To recruit a more diverse workforce, the Minnesota State Patrol has created the Law Enforcement Training Opportunity (LETO).
LETO is a specialized recruitment effort that provides a pathway for those without a law enforcement background to become a state trooper. Anyone with a two- or four-year degree in any discipline can apply at www.dps.state.mn.us/patrol during March 1-19, and participate in the trooper selection process.
"Law enforcement is a diverse, exciting career choice, and the State Patrol wants to tap into potential candidates that have unique training and life experiences," says retired Lt. Col. Dennis Lazenberry, a State Patrol recruiter. "This is also an opportunity to promote a career in law enforcement to the state's growing and diverse populations."
Lazenberry notes the career of a state trooper goes far beyond the highway. Troopers have the opportunity to take to the sky for flight patrols, conduct search and rescue missions, make life-saving blood and organ deliveries and more.
Last year, the LETO program delivered for the State Patrol -- among the 72 graduates of the agency's 52nd cadet class, 31 came through LETO. These troopers included a former banker, ecologist, financial planner and teacher.
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"The non-traditional troopers are an exciting addition to our agency," says Col. Mark Dunaski, chief of the State Patrol. "The face of law enforcement is changing every day, and these troopers will help give the Patrol a new perspective to handle emerging issues and challenges."
Candidates who have a post-secondary degree, and who successfully complete the competitive selection process, will be hired. Those hired will receive instruction in the academic and practical education requirements to meet the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) board standards -- a requirement of all Minnesota law enforcement. POST certification will take place at the Center for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement in the Twin Cities from Nov. 8, 2010 to Feb. 11, 2011.
Upon passing the POST exam, new hires will attend the State Patrol Trooper Candidate School on Feb. 14, 2011, for further training.
To qualify and be eligible to apply, the applicant must have earned an associate or bachelor degree in any discipline from a college or university listed as accredited by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Post-secondary Education by Sept. 1, 2010.
For more information, visit www.dps.state.mn.us/patrol .
