Norman Hall - Norman Halls State Trooper & Highway Patrol Exam Preparation Book

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NORMAN HALLS
STATE TROOPER
&
HIGHWAY PATROL
EXAM
PREPARATION BOOK

ADAMS MEDIA CORPORATION
Holbrook, Massachusetts

Copyright 1999, Norman S. Hall. All rights reserved.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission
from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

Published by
Adams Media, an F+W Publications Company
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322. U.S.A.
www.adamsmedia.com

ISBN 13: 978-1-58062-077-2
ISBN 10: 1-58062-077-9
eISBN 978-1-44051-974-1

Printed in Canada

J I H G F E D C B A

Hall, Norman.
[State trooper & highway patrol exam preparation book]
Norman Halls state trooper & highway patrol exam preparation book/Norman Hall.
p. cm.
ISBN 1-58062-077-9
1. Police, StateUnites StatesExaminations, questions, etc. 2. Traffic police
United StatesExaminations, questions, etc. 3. Employment testsUnited States. I. Title. II. Title: Norman Halls state trooper and highway patrol exam preparation book. III. Title: State trooper & highway patrol exam preparation book. IV. Title: State trooper and highway patrol exam preparation book.
HV8143.H328 1998
363.2'076dc21 98-46211

CIP

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of
the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations

The names used in this book (of suspects and victims) are fictional.
Any similarities to real people are unintentional.

Illustrations by Marnie Holt Swenson, Mache Works Art Studio

This book is available at quantity discounts for bulk purchases.
For information, call 1-800-289-0963.

Contents

Preface

Over the years that I have been analyzing various civil service tests, I have observed first hand too many job applicants that approach the selection process with complacency and the lack of any test preparation. Then, afterwards, they seem perplexed by the degree of difficulty the exam posed or express concern over the surprising time constraints involved. The competition for such positions can be impressive, to say the least. The last thing any test applicants need at this point is to look retrospectively at the selection process and wish they had invested more time in the necessary studies. The fact that you have purchased this study guide with the intention of using it to assist you in your job endeavors precludes that event from happening. You now have it within your means to gain a distinct competitive advantage over others and become the candidate that is most likely to get hired.

At the completion of your studies, you will know what to expect on various aspects of the exam and the best way to handle difficult test questions, as well as how to avoid common mistakes or pitfalls, manage your time effectively, prepare for the physical fitness exam, and many other techniques too numerous to include here.

You can be certain that you will be able to approach the exam with confidence and a sense of ease. This publication even takes that confidence one step further with its Guaranteed Test Results. If you do not score 80% or better on your written exam, you can return this study guide to the publisher for a complete refund. No other publication offers such an assurance. (See details on the last page of this guide.)

I am serious about helping you in your endeavors to become a state trooper/highway patrol officer. I have a personal stake in your success and, as such, I will provide you with the most current, up-to-date material available. Before you begin your studies, I would like to wish you the best. Once you are hired by a state police department, the rewards and job satisfactions are great and the service you provide to the community is invaluable.

Norman S. Hall

Chapter 1
Becoming a State Trooper/
Highway Patrol Officer

Nationwide there are close to 80,000 people employed by primary state police agencies; approximately three quarters are full-time sworn officers and the remainder work in various civilian support positions (e.g., Human Resource Division, Commercial Vehicle Inspection, Communications, etc.). State traffic officers are assigned to various geographic districts throughout the state according to the perceived needs of the motoring public. Typically, most positions center around counties containing the larger municipalities or heavily traveled state highway/interstate corridors. There are also a limited number of assignments relegated to rural areas of the state that do not have police protection services. All positions considered, the annual personnel turnover rate can be anywhere from 5 to 15 percent, which is relatively low in comparison to other occupations. This rate can be attributed to transfers, promotions, retirements, disabilities, deaths, and other unspecified personal reasons. Because of normal attrition and the implication of hiring additional officers to accommodate statewide community growth, a state police department must maintain an active register of qualified applicants to hire from as vacancies arise or new positions are created. The frequency of exams given to screen prospective applicants can vary. Usually, exams are given once a year; however, some departments examine two or three times annually, depending on their personnel needs. Public announcements are made several weeks in advance of the exam in the local media (newspapers, radio, and even television) specifying when and where people can apply for the test. Another means of keeping abreast of exam dates is to submit a job application form at the Department of Personnel for the State Patrol, or, as is the case for many states, the Department of Public Safety. Regardless of which agency is responsible within your state, a toll-free number is usually provided to accommodate job application requests. This option circumvents the possibility of overlooking a public test announcement. Some states also publish a monthly or quarterly newsletter that specifies the time and location of various law enforcement exams being given around the state. To obtain such publications, call your state Civil Service Commission and request to be placed on the mailing list for current updates. The service is free.

Before you invest further time and effort in your job search, it is extremely important to be aware that all applicants to state agencies must meet minimum employment requirements. Although there is some degree of variance between different states, it is imperative that you meet these guidelines. In order to qualify, you must: