AUSTIN - For the first time in its 74-year-history, the Department of Public Safety will hold a special 10-week recruit school for current Texas law enforcement officers who are interested in becoming Texas Highway Patrol troopers. The recruit school usually lasts 28 weeks.

DPS has been exploring a number of ways to fill vacancies, especially in areas where it has traditionally been more difficult to place troopers. The modified recruit school will begin March 28, 2010, in Austin. The application deadline is Jan. 8, 2010.

“This is a great opportunity for current law enforcement officers who want to be Highway Patrol troopers but do not want to spend a lot of time away from their family while going through the Academy,” said Steven C. McCraw, director of the DPS.

Graduates of the modified recruit school will be required to serve a two-year commitment in the border area where they are assigned. (Please see last paragraph for towns with possible guaranteed duty station assignments.)

While attending the recruit school, the officers will earn $2,982.25 per month. Upon graduation, they will receive $3,258.08 per month, and that salary increases to $3,935.08 per month after one year with DPS. Troopers who speak Spanish are eligible for an additional payment.

Potential troopers must have an active state peace officer license with intermediate certification and they must meet all other eligibility requirements, including being a U.S. citizen and be at least 20 years of age. Candidates must also pass a background investigation and submit to a polygraph examination, psychological examination and physical readiness test.

After gaining experience, troopers can compete for a variety of assignments in the Texas Highway Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Intelligence and Counterterrorism and Texas Ranger divisions.

Additional information is accessible on the DPS Web site, http://www.txdps.state.tx.us, and application packets can be picked up at any DPS office. Or, potential applicants can call a toll-free number, 1-866-TXTROOP (898-7667), that rings directly into the recruiting office at DPS Headquarters in Austin. DPS is an equal opportunity employer.

Potential towns for assignment include Alice, Alpine, Balmorhea, Beeville, Brackettville, Brownsville, Carrizo Springs, Cotulla, Crystal City, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Edinburg, Edna, El Capitan, El Paso, Falfurrias, Fort Davis, Fort Hancock, Fort Stockton, Freer, George West, Goliad, Harlingen, Hebbronville, Iraan, Kingsville, Laredo, Los Fresnos, Marfa, McAllen, Ozona, Palmview, Pecos, Pharr, Port Isabel, Port Lavaca, Presidio, Raymondville, Refugio, Rio Grande City, Rocksprings, Roma, Sanderson, Sierra Blanca, Sonora, Tilden, Uvalde, Van Horn, Victoria, Weslaco and Zapata.