Description
Enforce state laws and ensure traffic safety on interstates, state highways, and state properties. Patrol assigned areas, investigate crashes and criminal activity, conduct traffic enforcement and DUI interdiction, provide emergency response and assistance, apprehend offenders, and support statewide security operations.
- • Identify, pursue, and arrest violators and suspects encountered on state highways and state property.
- • Provide statewide public safety by responding to emergencies, enforcing state motor vehicle and criminal laws, and fostering community relations.
- • Document stops, crashes, arrests, and incidents in detailed reports and electronic systems.
- • Provide first aid and coordinate EMS at crash scenes and roadside incidents.
- • Investigate criminal and traffic-related offenses detected during patrols.
- • Review incident facts to determine violations of state statutes and regulations.
- • Monitor and report road hazards, impaired drivers, and suspicious activities along patrol routes.
- • Testify in state courts and administrative hearings for traffic and criminal cases.
- • Patrol interstates and state roads by marked vehicle to detect violations, issue citations, and make arrests.
- • Enforce traffic laws using radar/LIDAR, license plate readers, and observation.
- • Receive and relay calls via radio or MDT; coordinate with dispatch and allied agencies.
- • Determine appropriate charges and ensure complete, lawful documentation.
- • Photograph, diagram, and collect evidence at crash and crime scenes; interview drivers and witnesses.
- • Evaluate calls to set response priorities and request needed resources.
- • Execute arrest warrants and take wanted persons into custody statewide.
- • Patrol highways and state facilities by vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot as assigned.
- • Investigate and reconstruct traffic crashes to determine causes and potential crimes.
- • Direct and reroute traffic around crashes, hazards, weather events, and special details.
- • Request backup, EMS, towing, and specialized units as needed.
- • Conduct DUI/DWI enforcement, including standardized field sobriety tests and evidentiary breath or blood procedures.
- • Provide security and access control at state facilities, disaster sites, or special events as assigned.
- • Provide security for state properties and dignitary protection when assigned.
- • Transport and escort prisoners, fugitives, and detainees between jurisdictions or facilities.
- • Educate motorists and communities on traffic safety and state laws.
- • Seize contraband, vehicles, and evidence in accordance with state law and agency policy.
- • Provide roadside assistance and travel information to motorists.
- • Process detainees, complete bookings or citations, and manage custody transfers.
- • Supervise and mentor junior troopers, trainees, or task-force members as assigned.
- • Place individuals in protective custody or emergency detention as authorized.
- • Conduct criminal interdiction on highways, targeting impaired driving, stolen vehicles, and contraband trafficking.
- • Inspect commercial motor vehicles and enforce size, weight, and hazardous materials regulations.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Public Service & Safety
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026