Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary Program. This information will give you an overview of the requirements and obligations of this unique volunteer opportunity in the State of Florida.

The Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary is...

• A professionally trained, all volunteer law enforcement organization dedicated to providing direct assistance and operational support to the Florida Highway Patrol
• Responsible for promoting public safety for the citizens of and the visitors to the State of Florida

Since 1957, Auxiliary Troopers have assisted the Florida Highway Patrol in the performance of its daily duties which include:

• Patrolling the streets and highways of the state
• Providing timely assistance to disabled motorists
• Participating in vehicle equipment and license checkpoints
• Participating in specialized details
• Responding to natural disasters and other emergency situations

Auxiliary Trooper candidates must be US citizens, at least 19 years of age, have a high school diploma or a GED, be in good standing financially and morally and be in good health. They must also undergo a rigorous hiring process and training similar to a full time state trooper.

Presently, we are fully equipped in the same manner as our brother State Troopers. Initially, you will ride with a trooper to provide second officer backup.

After additional experience and training, you may be approved for Limited Scope Patrol (L.S.P.). In L.S.P. certified officers patrol solo in a marked patrol unit to provide assistance to motorists and troopers.

So, what do I do now?

First you should attend a regular monthly meeting at the closest sub-station near you. Go to www.FloridaStateTrooper.org and click on the "Find Your FHPA" drop down list. Click on ‘Locate by Map’ then ‘Station Locations by Map’. Select your county to get a list of locations. At the meeting you will have the opportunity to discuss the program, it’s requirements, obligations and just what is involved in being a Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary Trooper.

You must fill out the formal application on line. Your recruiter will help you get started. You will be assigned an ID & password to use for this purpose. You will have to provide all of the required documents, work and life history. This generally requires a significant amount of time and effort as there is much to be submitted.

Here is a link to more detailed information about the PAT test: http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/career/PAT.htm

You will be scheduled to take the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) will assess physical attributes that reflect core enabling knowledge, skills, and abilities, and essential tasks common for law enforcement officers. The PAT is conducted in a time dependent continuous flow manner. The PAT determines the participant's level of physical condition and aerobic capacity. A series of tasks measure specific physical abilities. These tasks are: exiting a vehicle/opening a trunk running 220 yards completing an obstacle course dragging a 150 pound dummy obstacle course running 220 yards dry firing a weapon six times with each hand placing items in a trunk/entering a vehicle Applicants must complete the course in 6:04 Prior to taking a PAT, members must be cleared by a physician to participate.

 

 

 

Polygraph Examination

Law Enforcement Auxiliary Officer Course.

You will be enrolled into a FHPA Academy to take the Auxiliary Basic Recruit Course (ABRC) to begin 320 hours of law enforcement training as directed by FDLE. 

• Criminal Law
• Traffic Law
• Search and Seizure Law
• Court Testimony
• Accident Investigation
• Report Writing and much more.

Police First Responder Course.

You will also be required to successfully complete a 40 hour Police 1^st Responder course. The 1^st Responder is the first person on scene with emergency medical training. As a Florida State Trooper you will often be that 1^st responder. You will learn what to do and what not to do at the accident scene to preserve lives and minimize injuries.

Firearms Training.

You will receive 80 hours of firearms training and safe handling procedures. You will be required to qualify in the use of the standard issue handgun and shotgun to move forward with the program. You will have to re-qualify every year.

Police Driving Course.

You will receive 80 hours of classroom and practical training in the proper operation and defensive driving of a police car.

Defensive Tactical Training.

You will receive 80 hours of defensive tactical training. Here you will learn how to protect yourself in a fight, how to control suspects and take someone into custody.

You will receive 8 hours of training on the use of OC Spray (Oleoresin Capsicum) or Pepper Spray.

You will receive 8 hours of training on the use of the Dart Firing Stun Gun. You will fire the gun at a target but you will not be required to be 'stunned' at this time.

Finally you are sworn in as a Florida Auxiliary State Trooper.

After successful completion of your basic training, you will be issued uniforms, a badge, protective vest, a weapon, handcuffs, rain gear and a reflective traffic vest. Then you will be sworn in before your fellow officers and will begin your service to the citizens of Florida. However, your training does not stop here. On the job field training (OJT) with a field training officer (FTO) will be conducted.

Click here to find out about receiving an application to the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary.

Click here to download and print the Weight Scale.