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Eligibility to become a State Trooper

Candidates are screened by strict requirements as listed below.

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Requirements

To be considered for appointment, according to M.G.L. Chapter 22C, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old and no older than 34 years old on the last day of the application filing date
  • Possess a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate upon appointment to the Massachusetts State Police Academy
  • Not have been convicted of a felony or any offense punishable under M.G.L. Chapter 94C (drug law violations) or have been convicted of a misdemeanor and confined to any jail or house of correction as punishment
  • Satisfy all statutory requirements including but not limited to passing a physical fitness test and medical examination (including a psychological component)
  • Not smoke any tobacco product
  • Demonstrate good moral character, sound work ethic, and have decision making consistent with the Oath of Office 
  • Be qualified and deemed suitable by the Colonel or Superintendent to possess a valid Massachusetts Firearms License upon appointment to the Massachusetts State Police Academy
  • Satisfy the Department's physical fitness standards for initial appointments, as promulgated and amended
  • Satisfy the Department's medical and psychological standards for initial appointment, as promulgated and amended
  • Be a United States Citizen upon appointment to the Massachusetts State Police Academy
  • Possess a valid Massachusetts Driver's License upon appointment to the Massachusetts State Police Academy
  • Be a Massachusetts resident upon appointment to the Massachusetts State Police Academy
  • Meet all other eligibility and entrance requirements established by statute, rule, regulation, policy, procedure, directive, and/or order of the Massachusetts Department of State Police.

If you meet all minimum entrance requirements you will be considered for appointment to the Massachusetts State Police Academy. However, this does not guarantee appointment to the Massachusetts State Police.

In addition to fulfilling the entrance requirements for appointment, you must meet any additional eligibility criteria as set forth by the Colonel of the State Police. It is your responsibility to review the current eligibility criteria for enlistment in the Department of State Police prior to pursuing appointment.

Fitness testing standards

1.5 Mile Run Times

Male
Age Range Run Time (minutes:seconds)
20-29

12:38
30-39 13:04
40-49 13:49
Female
Age Range Run Time (minutes:seconds)
20-29 14:50
30-39 15:38
40-49 16:21

Responsibilities

Specific duties of a Trooper include the following:

  • patrolling assigned areas
  • investigating motor vehicle accidents
  • following up on complaints
  • investigating felonies and other crimes
  • directing traffic and issuing traffic citations
  • obtaining and safeguarding evidence
  • testifying in court
  • rendering and summoning medical aid
  • conducting arrests
  • community policing
  • and engaging in crime prevention and reduction measures

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