Has anyone transitioned from Active Duty to the Texas State Police? I'm ETSing next year and this is my primary plan.

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 02:34:12 -0400

If anyone has any experience going down this path or another one like it any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2016 7:43 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 07:43:53 -0400

Start the process now!

Response by Cpl Jon Westbrook made Mar 16 at 2016 8:22 AM

Cpl Jon Westbrook — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 08:22:59 -0400

In Texas the state police are under Department of Safety, or DPS. There are many recruiters statewide and the recruiting process is similar to the military. I went through the process up to the point where you submit all the paperwork, before I decided to pursue another career option.

DPS is a great organization, and if you have questions I implore you to get in contact with a recruiter in the area you will be staying in after you ETS. One thing to bear in mind is that DPS has assignments statewide, and although you have marital preference, you wont have 100% control over where they send you.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Mar 16 at 2016 9:27 AM

CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 09:27:54 -0400

If you can get to Texas, go to one their offices and sit down with the Captain, talk it through, and get some do's and do not's for your application.

Response by COL Sid McManus made Mar 16 at 2016 3:47 PM

COL Sid McManus — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 15:47:38 -0400

Agree with other statements. Start the process early. Visit your TAP office or the local job fair to meet them. Network with current DPS officers, or make a visit to one of the patrol headquarters. Contact their recruiting office. Good luck!

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 18 at 2016 9:47 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 09:47:41 -0400

If you are married be sure you check into the provisions, if any, for bringing spouse with you, or if it's recommended one way or the other. Reason being that living expenses in Austin are quite high, esp rentals of any kind. Lots of good info on the DPS website: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/trainingacademy/recruiting/index.htm

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