Do you have what it takes to be an officer with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol?

This Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m., NCSHP recruiters will host an applicant information session at Beaufort County Community College, answering questions and sharing details on the recruitment process and benefits of serving with the agency.

“This is the first time we’ve done one of these,” Trooper D. Pugh said. “We’re hoping everyone shows up at 6 p.m. because we have a powerpoint we’re going to go through that covers benefits and things like that.”

In order to qualify for the NCSHP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be 21 years of age entering patrol school
• Must have a good driving record
• No felony offenses
• No class B misdemeanors in the past 5 years
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Vision corrected to 20/20

In addition to these requirements, Pugh says the best candidates for the job are those who are physically fit and have a keen mind. From the physical demands of patrol school, which Pugh compares to the rigor of military boot camp, to the mental fortitude necessary to respond to dangerous situations, both mental and physical toughness are beneficial for those seeking to enter the profession.

“There are a lot of times when you’re by yourself and you have to be able to make good decisions,” Pugh said. “You’ve got to be able to handle situations thrown your way pretty much by yourself.”

While applicants to the agency come from all walks of life, Pugh says that individuals with prior military service are often excellent candidates for the NCSHP, due to their previous training and experience.

The information session will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in Building 10B, classroom 102, on the BCCC campus. To RSVP for the information session, email Jason.B.Locklear@ncdps.gov or Darrell.Pugh@ncdps.gov.