The Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary (FHPA) was formed in 1955 in cooperation with the Florida American Legion. An Act authorizing the Auxiliary was approved by Governor Leroy Collins on May 14, 1957.
FHPA is authorized by Chapter 321.24, Florida Statutes. Statewide there are 30 units, within ten field troops, consisting of 410 total members.
During the calendar year 1997, members contributed 216,629 volunteer hours assisting the Florida Highway Patrol.
The primary mission of FHPA is to effectively and efficiently assist the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) in the performance of its duties through volunteer members. Auxiliary members serve under the direction and supervision of a FHP member.
The primary duties of the Auxiliary are to assist the Florida Highway Patrol in the performance of their regularly constituted duties. This includes the following:
Assisting members of the Florida Highway Patrol in their regularly constituted duties by riding with troopers on patrol.
Assisting communication center duty officer's in their duties.
Operating chemical test equipment to assist troopers in the detection of impaired drivers.
Assist in traffic details.
Assist in aircraft surveillance operations.
Assist in emergency situations when such action is appropriate. This includes emergency situations such as hurricanes, fires, or other natural disasters.
Applicants for FHPA must meet the same basic standards as applicants for full-time trooper positions. This includes background investigation, physical examination (paid for by the applicant), polygraph and drug screen.
Members of the Auxiliary serve without compensation and provide their own uniforms and firearms.
New Auxiliary members must complete a Basic Training Course which includes firearms, self-defense, a driving course and first aid. This is in accordance with the requirements of the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Additionally, members receive on-going field training, within their unit.
If you are interested in learning more about the FHP Auxiliary,
