There is one State Police Department for each state in the nation. The primary responsibility of the State Police is ensure safety and free flow of traffic on each state's major highways, assuring the safe, convenient and efficient transportation of people and goods. In addition, State Police Departments are responsible for assisting local government during emergencies and when requested.

State Police Departments are generally larger than the majority of local departments. The majority of an officer's time is spent patrolling the highways and many of the situations that a State Police Officer will deal with involve traffic incidences, such as monitoring speed and writing citations (with the occasional high speed pursuit), DUIs and clearing accidents. Many state police departments run programs designed to educate the public and promote safety and safe driving and on the roads.

Pros:

Generally larger, better-funded departments
Higher starting salaries and more benefits
Cool hats

Cons:

Fewer types of incidences
Patrol oriented policing
Issuing citations is a primary activity

Examples:

California Highway Patrol
Massachusetts State Police