Your journey to a worthwhile and fulfilling law enforcement career starts today. Our candidate process is meant to challenge interested applicants and introduce the skills and tools they'll need on the job and in their careers. Here you'll find a step-by-step guide detailing what you'll need to accomplish your goals and resources that'll aid you throughout the process.
Massachusetts State Police is comprised of over more than 2,000 highly trained men and women who provide a vast array of public safety services to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Specific duties and responsibilities expected of a State Trooper includes:
Additionally, it's important to note the following:
Note: No person, who has been convicted of a felony or any offense punishable under M.G.L. Chapter 94C (drug law violations) or who has been convicted of a misdemeanor and confined to any jail or house of correction as punishment for said crime will be considered for employment (M.G.L. Chapter 22C Section 14).
In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 22C Section 10, no member or trainee appointed or hired after January 1, 1988 shall smoke any tobacco product.
Your path to becoming a State Trooper begins with successfully passing the Civil Service examination.
The Massachusetts State Police participates in the Civil Service on a rotating basis. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the Civil Service website for updates regarding participation and availability.
If you score above a certain score threshold, which is subject to change depending on various factors, you'll be invited to proceed further into the candidate process. You'll receive further instructions via the contact information you provide on further arrangements.
Our Physical Fitness Assessment is designed to ensure candidates are equipped to complete our intense recruit training curriculum. You'll be assessed on runtimes and other physical assessments, such as push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and more.
1.5 Mile Run Times
| Age Range | Run Time (minutes:seconds) |
|---|---|
| 20-29 |
12:38 |
| 30-39 | 13:04 |
| 40-49 | 13:49 |
| Age Range | Run Time (minutes:seconds) |
|---|---|
| 20-29 | 14:50 |
| 30-39 | 15:38 |
| 40-49 | 16:21 |
All prospective candidates must be able to complete the Medical Assessment. This includes both a comprehensive medical and psychological examination. More specific information will be provided at the appropriate time in the process.
Vision Requirements:
As an applicant, you're subject to an extensive background investigation that'll verify information you've provided. Investigators may interview your past employers to confirm past employment and confirm records in regards to criminal history, education, military service. Additionally, investigators may conduct personal interviews focused on your character with individuals such as past supervisors, coworkers, family members, neighbors, and more.
Candidates that successfully complete all prior requirements are considered eligible for selection. Based your Civil Service scoring, candidates are ranked from highest to lowest with appointment preferences given to those with higher scores.
The number of appointments depend on various factors, such as funding and hiring needs, and eligible candidates are contacted to inform them of their appointment.
When appointed, candidates then move onto the State Police Academy for recruit training.
Recruit training is an intense 25-week paramilitary training program composed of 90 different courses designed to prepare candidates for a career as a State Trooper. Intentionally designed to be mentally and physically challenging, recruit training tests the endurance and preparation of prospective candidates to ensure their qualifications to serve.
Located at 340 West Brookfield Road, New Braintree, MA, recruits live at the Academy throughout the weekdays for the 6-month period. The curriculum includes, but is not limited to:
With the completion of your training, your next step will be attending your graduation ceremony where you'll be inducted as a sworn State Trooper of the Massachusetts State Police. Information will be given to you of your group's graduation ceremony.
Following your graduation from the Academy, you'll be assigned to your unit. It's important to note that you may be assigned to any barracks throughout the Commonwealth.
For the period of one year, starting on the day of graduation, you'll be in your probationary period. This means you'll be assessed by your supervisors and may be subject to corrective action or remedial training to address any concerns your supervisors express. During this period, Massachusetts State Police does reserve the right to terminate employment with any employees that do not meet the criteria of acceptable performance and conduct.
As part of your assignment, you'll also be assigned to a field training officer for a period of three months. This is designed to offer on-hands training and development with an experienced mentor. After successfully completing this period, you'll assume independent patrol and/or duties.
