ISP Needs New Troopers

Idaho State Police is shortstaffed and troopers can’t respond to problems as fast, so ISP is looking to hire.

Statewide ISP has sent out the call for new recruits.

Right now, there are 23 openings in Idaho, and state police say that number will grow in the next few months.

Vacant positions at ISP have an impact; there’s just no way around it, less troopers on the roads mean ISP can’t do quite as much.

“In the past we were really shorthanded here and there was calls for service that we never got to,? ISP Lt. Ismael Gonzales said.

In the past few years, tight budgets have meant positions have been left unfilled.

“We’ve had to cut back and do more with less. And so what that’s meant, is that we have vacancies open in each district throughout the state of Idaho to meet those budget restraints,? Gonzales said.

ISP is looking to fill that gap with new recruits, over the next year the plan is to hire 15 brand new troopers.

No law enforcement experience is required, ISP says the ideal candidate is simply an honest, trustworty hardworker.

“We’re looking for someone who has a good work ethic and also we’re looking for somebody with a good background. Someone that understands that doing the right thing over their whole life is the type of person who will continue to make those right decisions over their career with the Idaho State Police,? Gonzales said.

In eastern Idaho, the need for troopers isn’t as dire as for some parts of the state.

New hires and troopers returning from military service have brought ISP offices in Idaho Falls and Pocatello close to where they should be.

“Sometimes in days like today where we have multiple crashes, multiple slide offs, it might take us a few more minutes to get to you, but we’ll get to you,? Gonzales said.

The starting pay for an Idaho State trooper is $17.67 per hour.