The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the 73rd Academy, which will be a lateral academy.
The lateral academy is open to current, CLEET-certified law enforcement officers with at least two years of experience, or former law enforcement officers with at least two years of experience and less than a one year break in service. Oklahoma law enforcement officers as well as law enforcement officers in other states are eligible to apply. The new college requirement means a law enforcement officer with at least three years of experience can apply for the lateral academy with zero college credit hours.
“We are excited to offer this opportunity for what is only our second lateral academy in the history of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol,” said DPS Commissioner Tim Tipton. “Oklahoma is a law enforcement friendly state and a great place to work and raise a family.”
“The Governor and legislature gave a 30% pay raise to Oklahoma state troopers last year,” said OHP Chief Pat Mays. “Cadets in this lateral academy will start out at Step 2 Trooper pay, which is close to $70,000.”
The 73rd Academy is scheduled to begin in mid to late August 2024.
Anyone interested in applying can fill out an application and learn more about the requirements at ohp.ok.gov.
Cadets reside at the academy, located at the Robert R. Lester Training Center, 3600 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. in Oklahoma City, for the duration of the academy.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol academy is very structured. During academy training, cadets will be challenged academically, physically, and mentally. A typical day begins with physical training, drill and ceremony, and inspections, prior to the classroom instruction. The evening hours are used for course studies, assignment completions, practical exercises, and preparation for the following day. The workdays for cadets vary from 12 to 18 hours. Cadets going into an academy are strongly encouraged to be in top physical condition. This will assist them in achieving the success of completion.
