State troopers are law enforcement professionals who ensure that drivers are following state vehicular laws and regulations. These officers may direct traffic, issue citations, arrest criminals, assist injured motorists involved in accidents and help local law enforcement agencies.
Like police officers, they enforce the law and protect citizens with the same basic equipment and procedures. The hiring and training requirements are the same. However, there is a slight difference between police officers and state troopers. Police officers are confined to cities but state troopers have authority across the entire state.
Depending on where you live state troopers may also be referred to as state police, state patrol or highway patrol.