Students who are interested in a future career with the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) can participate in the following opportunities. 

​​Minnesota State Patrol Explorer Post 

For ages 14-20 

The State Patrol Explorer Post seeks new members between the ages of 14-20. Explorers gain insight into the field of law enforcement and are challenged through training sessions, skills competitions and through leadership opportunities throughout the year.   

This is an opportunity to closely work with Minnesota State Patrol troopers and learn about a career in law enforcement as a state trooper. 

General Information 

• Explorers participate in ride-alongs, wear uniforms similar to troopers and train in a variety of activities including: crash investigation, traffic stops, crime scene search, bomb threat response, firearms and more. 

• Explorers meet every Wednesday during the school year from 6-9 p.m. in Arden Hills, Minn. 

• Explorer Posts compete against other law enforcement agencies on a state and national level. 

Learn more 

Prospective students can attend the 2024 Explorer First Nighter information session. 

When: Sept. 11, 2024, at 6 p.m.  

Where:  

MnDOT Golden Valley Office 

2055 North Lilac Drive 

Golden Valley, MN 55422 

Contact 

For more information on how to become an MSP explorer, email patrol.explorer@state.mn.us.   

Minnesota State Patrol 2025 ​Summer Academy 

For college students 

The Minnesota State Patrol hosts a Summer Academy for college students interested in a career in law enforcement with the MSP. Participants are exposed to the many facets of the Minnesota State Patrol while residing at Camp Ripley where our State Trooper Training Academy takes place. The academy is collegiate in nature, combining classroom and practical experience on the duties of an MSP trooper. The MSP Summer Academy includes a physical fitness and wellness component geared at encouraging healthy lifestyles and proper preparation for a career as a State Trooper. 

Qualifications  

• Must be 18-23 years of age 

• Must be currently attending or a recent graduate of a regionally accredited college or university, or must be a current high school senior planning to enroll in a regionally accredited college or university in fall of 2025​ 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license 

• Must submit to a driver’s license and criminal history check 

• Must be willing and medically able to participate in moderately strenuous physical exercise 

• Must be a U.S. citizen 

How to apply 

Application information: To be determined  

Minnesota State Patrol Internships 

For college students 

Qualified students will provide administrative support duties to aid in State Patrol daily operations. Students will be exposed to the day-to-day activities of a trooper and will be introduced to different areas and divisions of the agency. 

Qualifications 

• Must be attending a regionally accredited college or university, preferably one with a Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) approved Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE) Program. Applicants attending colleges that do not meet this criteria may still be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

• Must possess a valid driver's license or have the proven ability to acquire a license prior to the internship start date. A clean or acceptable driving record is required. 

• Must submit to and pass a driver’s license and criminal history check. 

• Must be enrolled in a class requiring an internship and/or receive course credits for the internship. 

• Must agree to be fingerprinted. 

Internship options and deadlines   

• Fall internship: Complete application packet must be received by the last Friday in May. 

• Summer internship​: Complete application packet must be received by the last Friday in March. (Note: Summer internships are subject to district availability each year. Please inquire before submitting your application.) 

• Spring internship: Complete application packet must be received by the last Friday in October.  

How to apply 

Download the MSP internship application, fill it out completely and send in, as instructed on the application. 

Contact 

Please send any questions to Patrol.Recruiter@state.mn.us.